Updating your QuickBooks Desktop 2024 software regularly is crucial to keep your accounting system running smoothly. Intuit releases updates multiple times per year to provide new features, enhance performance, and fix bugs. Staying current ensures you have the latest tools and fixes available. The process is straightforward when you follow a few simple steps.
Back-Up Your QuickBooks Data
Before updating, always back up your QuickBooks data. This protects you in case any issues occur during the update process.
To back up:
- Open QuickBooks Desktop and select “File” then “Back Up Company.”
- Choose “Local Backup” and click “Next”.
- Select a location to save the backup file on your local PC or external storage device.
- Click “Finish” to complete the backup.
Download the QuickBooks Update
Once your backup is complete, you can start the update process.
- Open QuickBooks and select “Help” from the top menu.
- Click “Update QuickBooks Desktop”.
- The software will automatically check if an update is available and display a prompt if so.
- Click “Get Update” to start the download.
The size of the update can vary, but it usually completes within a few minutes on a broadband internet connection.
Install the QuickBooks Update
After the download finishes, you can proceed with installing the update:
- Make sure QuickBooks Desktop is closed on your computer.
- Locate the QuickBooksUpdate.exe file you downloaded and double-click to launch.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update installation.
QuickBooks may need to restart your computer to finish updating system components. Make sure to save any open files first.
Verify the Update is Installed Properly
Once the installation finishes, open QuickBooks Desktop and check that the update has been completed successfully:
- Select “Help” then “About QuickBooks.”
- Verify the version number matches the latest update.
- Review any release notes listing new features or changes.
- Run basic tasks like viewing reports and forms to check for any issues.
If you notice any problems, you should reinstall the update or restore your backup and try again. Contact Intuit customer support if the problems persist.
Configure New Features and Preferences
With major version updates, take some time to explore new capabilities and optimize preferences:
- Review recent reports, tools, and options under the various menu items and gear icon settings.
- Try enhanced features like searching transactions, custom fields, batch invoicing, and more.
- Adjust preferences under “Edit” and then “Preferences” for things like appearance, messages, and alerts.
- Customize the icon bar, shortcuts, and menus to fit your workflow.
Leveraging new features can save you time and effort as you manage your books. The updates make QuickBooks Desktop even more powerful for small businesses.
Update QuickBooks Automatic Update Settings
To stay current in the future, adjust your automatic update preferences:
- Select “Help” then “Update QuickBooks Desktop”.
- Click “Options”.
- Enable “Keep QuickBooks up to date automatically.”
- Choose a frequency such as “Update once a week” or “Update every month.”
- Select a convenient day and time, like Tuesday at 2 AM, to check for and install updates.
With automatic updates enabled, you can ensure your QuickBooks Desktop software will always be up to date with the latest tools and improvements without any extra effort.
Get Help Updating QuickBooks from Experts
Updating QuickBooks Desktop yourself is straightforward for most users. However, if you need any assistance during the update or recovery process, contact the QuickBooks experts at +1 (888) 656-2109.
Their US-based customer support team can answer your questions, walk you through updating, troubleshoot any issues, or even handle the QuickBooks update for you. Investing in expert help can relieve headaches and ensure smooth accounting operations.
Keeping your QuickBooks Desktop software up to date does not need to be complicated. Follow this guide to update seamlessly, leverage new capabilities, and automate future updates. With the latest features and fixes, you can optimize your accounting tasks and run an even more efficient small business.
