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QuickBooks® Update: Updating to the Latest Version

How to update QuickBooks to latest release is important because it can contribute greatly to you attaining the goals of your business. If you’re currently switching to QuickBooks, then you’ll automatically receive the most up-to-date version. 

However, if you’re already using this outstanding accounting software, you need to update the version you’re using any time Intuit releases new services or features. Though you can survive with the QuickBooks version you have for as long as you want, you can only get Intuit support for three years only from the year of release. This is according to Intuit’s discontinuation policy. 

And if you can’t get support for the version you’re using, then it’s risky in case you’re faced with a problem affecting your Company Files and one that you can’t resolve on your own. So, updating to the latest release is a must if you don’t want your accounting system to be affected in any way. You can, for example, update QuickBooks 2020 to QuickBooks 2021 and enjoy new features and services for a streamlined accounting experience for your small or medium-sized business.    

In this post, we’re going to provide you with the details on how to switch to QuickBooks 2021. You can download updates straight from Intuit’s website. QuickBooks updates can improve your software’s performance and resolve common errors automatically. 

The updates are released periodically by Intuit to maintain your current version of QuickBooks updated and fixing any issues within the application as well as introducing new functionalities. These updates are referred to as Releases by Intuit. You could consider them as maintenance updates issued throughout a QuickBooks edition year to keep the software free from any problems. 

Whenever a new edition year of QB is first launched, it’s referred to as R1, meaning Release 1. For instance, when Intuit launched QuickBooks Pro 2020, they would have considered it as QuickBooks Pro 2020 R1. Here, the “R” value increases every time an update is made for a particular version year. Therefore, you can always tell the number of updates Intuit has issued for a specific edition year.  QuickBooks 2021 R2 would show that Intuit has released two updates for Intuit QuickBooks 2021. 

You can get the release updates manually or automatically. “Automatic Updates” is enabled by default. That means QuickBooks software will automatically download and install updates whenever they are available. If you need help to update QuickBooks 2020, you can call in for help and Intuit’s team will assist you. 

Reasons for QuickBooks® Update

There are many reasons why you should update QuickBooks 2021 version. Some of the basic ones are explained below: 

Get the Best Features

This is the first reason you should update QuickBooks 2021. If you take a few seconds to think about it, you might discover that it means a lot for your small or medium-sized business. Mostly, using the latest edition of QuickBooks will help your business to enjoy the most up-to-speed and sophisticated features that the application offers. 

Depending on the QB version that you’re on, utilizing a bank feed function that you had no idea existed can save you a lot of valuable time. If you’re using, for example, QB Enterprise, the latest mobile inventory feature or custom Advanced Reporting functionalities may be simply what you need to bring the hassle of manually importing Excel spreadsheets to an end. Little improvements like these can save you many hours, stress and give you peace of mind knowing that your business is in good hands – an effective and efficiently performing QuickBooks software version. 

Abandon Outdated Technology

Generally, outdated technology isn’t a sure deal when it comes to serving the needs of your business. Indeed, it may make your business more vulnerable. It might be surprising to learn about the large number of large businesses that are still rolling with QuickBooks since the year 2000. Honestly, sometimes it’s tempting to stick with what you’ve been using all along or simply what you know. 

However, when you need to ensure that you’re putting you’re allowing technology to work for you, then it’s important to upgrade your regularly. Everything including privacy, security, and user-friendliness will be up-to-date in a new version. 

Since today there are so many threats on the Internet, the majority of software updates come with the latest security fixes and Intuit QuickBooks 2021 isn’t different. That can make a significant difference when it comes to the potential exposure of your company’s sensitive data to third parties such as hackers. 

What’s more, if you’re utilizing a connected service like Intuit Merchant or Intuit Payroll service, you’ll need to update a few times a year (at least 3 times), otherwise the service will stop working altogether. Sometimes, you may not know the risks you were putting yourself into with your program until something happens!

Parity with OS

You may have started with one OS (Operating System) and you don’t feel like ever-changing it unless something happens and forces you to switch. For example, if you’re still using Windows 7, and you’re so much used to the OS that you see it so hard giving it up, then you should be aware that Microsoft announced last year that they wouldn’t support security updates for it any longer. 

So, you make up your mind to upgrade QuickBooks 2021, you should also update your OS and ensure that you’re using the latest one available. If you think about it this way – Would Windows 8.1 be compatible with QuickBooks 2021? Would Windows 10 support Quicken 2021?

The point here is – New always works best with new since they are built to work with each other. If your programs are compatible with each other, then it means higher speed and a more stable system with fewer security issues or corruption with your company files. 

Your Business Must Grow

Hopefully, your business, in some form or shape, is recording upward growth every year or at least every few years. For that reason, you have to ensure that you update QuickBooks 2020 (if you’re using this version) to Intuit QuickBooks 2021 to ensure that the program is growing with your business. 

If you just add in add-ons and patches that aren’t always compatible with each other, you’ll likely be experiencing issues with your system. It’s difficult to grow your business when you have to first resolve issues. 

Therefore, you shouldn’t allow your QuickBooks software to be the one to hold you back. That might include more than simply getting QB Update 2021 of the QB 2020 version but could also mean updating the product itself. 

That means that you may notice that the issues you’re encountering with your QB may not be a result of the software. It may not be okay for you anymore. The old edition of Pro 2014 may be outdated and you realize that you’re ready for features and functionalities only available in Enterprise. 

If you’re realizing that the software you have doesn’t handle everything your business requires or you’re every time seeking help from Intuit, then it might be time that you switched to new and better software that best suits your business needs. 

Work with Reliable Software

It’s important to get the QuickBooks Updates 2021 so that you can have the software you’re sure you can rely on. New software updates take care of user frustrations, reviews from previous editions, the newest shortcuts for saving on time, etc. So, there are many benefits you stand to enjoy when you update QuickBooks 2021 in terms of efficiency, reliability, and eventually increased productivity. Though the technology usually feels as if it’s hindering us, sometimes it indeed takes that newest update or software to resolve the problems you’ve been experiencing all this while. 

How to keep your QuickBooks® Version up-to-speed so you always enjoy the Latest Fixes and Features 

 It’s easy to Update QuickBooks 2020 manually and even easier automatically. If you switch on “Automatic Updates” the QuickBooks software will automatically download and install the latest Releases when they are made available. 

Alternatively, you can decide to do it manually. In that case, you’ll check the simple steps to follow below. 

You should note that updating QuickBooks software is different from upgrading your Company File following a switch to a new edition or version of QuickBooks Desktop. If you wish to update your “QuickBooks Data Server Manager”, you can see the steps on Intuit’s website here.  

How to Know Whether you’re having the Latest Updates

Step one: Open your QuickBooks Desktop

Step two: Press “F2” or “Ctrl + 1” to open the “Product Information” window

Step three: Check the version and release you’re using currently.

You should be able to see if you’re having the latest release available for your edition:

  • Intuit QuickBooks 2021
  • Intuit QuickBooks 2020
  • Intuit QuickBooks 2019
  • Intuit QuickBooks 2018

How to Set Up “Automatic Updates

Step one: Navigate to the “Help” menu and choose “Update QuickBooks Desktop

Step two: Move to the “Update Now” tab. You can choose the “Reset Update” checkbox and have all the previous update downloads cleared.

Step three: Choose “Get Updates” to initiate the download

Step four: Wait for the download to finish and restart QuickBooks

Step five: Accept the prompt to install the new updates

How to Schedule Future “Automatic Updates

You may not want to download updates right away and choose to schedule the download to a later date. To do that, follow these steps:

Step one: Navigate to the “Help” menu and choose “Update QuickBooks Desktop

Step two: Open the “Options” tab

Step three: Choose “Yes” to switch on “Automatic Updates”. If you wish to share the auto-downloads with other computers in the same network, choose “Yes” for each computer. 

Step four: Choose “Close

Once that is done, the QuickBooks software will automatically download QuickBooks Updates 2021 when they are released. 

How to Do Manual Updates

Please note that updating, for example to QuickBooks 2021 will usually involve minor changes. You’ll not need to update your Company Files. So, to perform a manual update, follow these steps:

Step one: Close both the QuickBooks and Company Files

Step two: Open the Windows “Start” menu

Step three: Search for “QuickBooks Desktop” and right-click the icon and choose “Run as administrator

Step four: While on the “No Company Open” window, navigate to the “Help” menu and choose “Update QuickBooks Desktop

Step five: Navigate to the “Options” tab and choose “Mark All” and finally click on the “Save” button

Step six:  Navigate to the “Update Now” tab and choose the “Reset Update” checkbox

Step seven: Once you’re done, choose “Get Updates

Wait for the process to finish, close then reopen QB Desktop. Choose “Yes” to install the updates and restart your PC when the process finishes. 

If you’ve subscribed to Payroll, you can download the most up-to-date payroll tax table to allow you to process Payroll in QB Desktop. Remember your Payroll subscription has to be active. To do that, follow these steps: 

How to Get Updates Online

It’s easy and convenient to download the QB Update 2021 or any specific updates you need directly from Intuit’s website: This is how to do it:

Step one: Go to Intuit’s website and navigate to the “Download & Updates” page

Step two: From the “Select Country” drop-down, choose your country

Step three: From the “Select Product” drop-down, choose your product

Step four: From the “Select Version” drop-down, choose your version year

Step five: Click on the “Search” button

Step six: Choose “Get Updates”. Save the downloaded files at a place you can easily find them. Once the download process finishes, open it and install the updates. After that, restart your PC.

Conclusion

The importance of updating your QuickBooks to the latest edition can’t be stressed enough. If you don’t have the latest updates of the version you’re using, you should ensure you get them right away to ensure you’re not encountering issues that you could have otherwise avoided. If you have any queries or clarification regarding QuickBooks Updates 2021, you can contact Intuit through their customer service number 888-566-4671.