Convert QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop

In such a scenario, you will have to convert from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop with all data files. New QuickBooks users are unsure about which QuickBooks version is suitable for their business. The implementation of the right QuickBooks version determines the successful growth of the business. Inadequate knowledge about the features and functions of QuickBooks will result in the conversion of the software version. QuickBooks Online users are not aware of the features and tools of the QuickBooks Desktop version, and later realize that it is the right software that fits their business requirements.

Benefits of Switching from QBO to QBDT

It depends on the needs of a business what version of QuickBooks is great for them, and why you should switch from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop. Here are a few benefits of QuickBooks Desktop that you will love.

• For many different jobs, QuickBooks Desktop enables you to use customized apps.
• Large-scale businesses can be efficient in managing inventory and job costing.
• Since the company data is stored on your computer rather than in the cloud, it is safer.
• You can avoid the monthly fees for QuickBooks Online.
• Customers can create several accounts and manage multiple company files with QB Desktop, which is not available with QB Online.

System Requirements to Convert Your Data Successfully to QuickBooks Desktop

Operating systems	Database servers	Browser requirements	Hardware and operating system requirements
Windows 11, 64-bit, natively installed	Windows Server 2022, Standard and Essentials	Internet access and Google Chrome is needed for QuickBooks Desktop 2024.	Processor 2.4 GHz minimum
Windows 10, all 64-bit editions, natively installed	Windows Server 2019, Standard and Essentials	_	RAM (workstation)  8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended
Windows Server 2022, Standard and Essentials	Windows Server 2016, Standard and Essentials	_	RAM (server)             1-5 Users: 8 GB 10 Users: 12 GB 15 Users: 16 GB 20+ users: 20+ GB
Windows Server 2019, Standard and Essentials	_	_	Disk Space  2.5 GB of disk space
Windows Server 2016, Standard and Essentials	_	_	Windows   North American version of Windows

Guide to Convert from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop

Intuit offers a step-by-step guide to converting from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop. In case you are using an older QuickBooks version, you can easily download an updated trial from the QuickBooks trial links available on the QuickBooks website. Before starting the export process, the user must complete a few additional steps to access the export page.

• You have to choose the option Export data in QuickBooks Online from the Settings tab.
• Then you have to select Prepare to export the QuickBooks Online Data and repeat steps 2 through 5 from the above Export Data from QuickBooks Online.
• Download the file from the QuickBooks Online page at this time.
• Then you have to click Next.
• Then you have to open QuickBooks Desktop after that, making sure you land on the screen with no companies open.
• Review the opened file if you have opened the company, then choose to close it.
• Download it back to QuickBooks Online after making sure no company page is open.
• After that, you have to update the location of the company file and save it.
• Make sure that the location differs from your Windows desktop.
• Continue to the Convert Now tab after the download is complete.
• Open the Create a new QuickBooks File menu option, and then save the downloaded file.
• In the following window, you have to give the file a name and select a location to save it.
• Choose a local system location rather than an external drive or network.
• Activate the Finish button to complete the conversion of QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Pro.

A Guide to Transferring Data Successfully from QB Online to QB Desktop

The conversion process will in no way alter your accounting data, though not all the data will be converted. So if you’re trying to move QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop version, follow the methods provided below.

Step 1: Set up Security Settings for Internet Explorer

Before you start the conversion process, you need to configure the security settings in Internet Explorer. The steps to do so are provided below.

• Go to the Internet Explorer icon and right-click on it.
• Click on Run as Administrator.
• After that, go to Tools and select Internet Options, then go to Security.
• Then select Trusted Sites, click on Sites.
• Add the following URLs to the list:*.intuit.com, *.qbo.intuit.com.
• Disable the option for Enable Protected Mode.
• Click on Apply and hit OK.

Step 2: Setting up QuickBooks Desktop for the Export

Once you’ve configured Internet Explorer, you can move on to configuring QuickBooks Desktop for the import of all accounting data. Here are the steps for the same.

• Go to the QuickBooks Desktop Icon and right-click on it.
• Click on Run as Administrator.
• From the main menu, click on File.
• Select the closed Company.
• Minimize the window for QuickBooks Desktop.
• Don’t close the desktop application after you’ve configured the settings. If your system doesn’t have enough memory, then you should first configure QBO and then move to QuickBooks Desktop.

Step 3: Setting up QuickBooks Online for Exporting the Data

The last application that you must configure before transferring QuickBooks Online data to QuickBooks Desktop is. Make sure that you have the credentials for an administrative account. Without administrative privileges, you won’t be able to make necessary changes to the settings.

Follow the settings provided below to configure QuickBooks Online for data export.

• Log in to your QuickBooks Online account.
• Go to Settings and Click on the Gear Icon.
• Click on Export Data.
• Select or enter the reason for which you want to export data.
• Click on Learn More in the Move to QuickBooks Desktop section.
• Click on Learn more in the Download company data section.
• Now review your data from the export overview screen. Click on Get Started.
• Click on Install ActiveX Control Now, then hit Continue.
• Select all the data you want to include in the export file.
• Review your preferences.
• Fill in your contact details and click on Continue.

QuickBooks Online will start preparing your data for export. This process can take up to 2 hours, mostly depending on the number of transactions present in a company file. Once the export file is ready, you’ll receive a confirmation email at the registered address.

Step 4: Export Data from QuickBooks Online

After you get the confirmation message at your email address, follow the steps provided below

• Log in to QuickBooks Online.
• Go to Settings.
• Click on Export Data.
• Select Continue to Download.
• Click on Download.
• Click on Convert Now when the download finishes.
• Save the file in any folder except Desktop.
• Click on Finished.

While the export process is going on, the progress bar will stop for a long time on multiple occasions. Don’t stop the conversion process because of this reason. The transfer of QuickBooks Online data to the QuickBooks Desktop process continues in the background.

How QuickBooks Desktop is better than QuickBooks Online

Well, In QuickBooks Online, you would do this from the home page, or you’d also do it from the menus. So if I wanted to send an invoice, I would go to the customers’ tab and create invoices, then when I’m ready to receive payment, I would again click on customers. When I am now ready to receive payments, and then when I’m ready to deposit the payment, I would click on banking and make deposits.

If I want to see my lists for my company, I would click on the list in the menu and then select the chart of accounts and my item list. And if I wanted to change any of my settings, I would click on edit and click on preferences, so let’s see how you do this in QuickBooks Desktop.

If the conversion of QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop is not complete, or if you face any inconvenience. You can report immediately to the QuickBooks consultant. The Consultant number connects you to the experienced QuickBooks professionals who cater to prompt and responsive service.

Frequently Asked Questions