The QuickBooks 2021 Discontinuation is near! For many seasoned users, we know it is that time of the year. For those of you who have just started using QuickBooks Desktop, you may be wondering what this means to you, especially if you are using version 21 or earlier.
Put simply: anyone who is still using version any QuickBooks Desktop version 2021 or earlier will lose access to important add-ons, or “connection-required” features, on May 31, 2024. Also, any live support for any inquiries or troubleshooting involving QuickBooks Desktop 2021 or earlier will no longer be available. What does this entail exactly? Read on to learn precisely what services and apps are affected; and how the discontinuation itself affects your support experience.
When does QuickBooks Discontinuation happen?
After May 31, 2024, your QuickBooks Desktop 2021 software will be discontinued. This includes all 2021 versions of QuickBooks Desktop Pro, QuickBooks Desktop Premier, QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, and QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions v21. Other Intuit products are affected by the software discontinuation.
If you don’t upgrade your QuickBooks Desktop 2021 by May 31, 2024, you won’t have access to live technical support if you run into problems or any of the other Intuit services that can be integrated with QuickBooks Desktop. This includes QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, QuickBooks Desktop Payments, and online bank feeds. Discontinued versions won’t receive the latest critical security patches and updates.
What QuickBooks products are affected?
Your access to QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, Desktop Payments, live technical support, Online Backup, Online Banking, and other services through QuickBooks Desktop 2021 software will be discontinued after May 31, 2024. This also means you won’t receive critical security updates protecting your data starting June 1, 2024.
Products affected by service discontinuation after May 31, 2024
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2021
- QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2021 (General Business, Contractor, Manufacturing & Wholesale, Nonprofit, Professional Services, and Retail)
- QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 21
- QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition 2021
- QuickBooks Enterprise Accountant 21
- QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2021
Not sure which version of QuickBooks you are using? Simply open QuickBooks and Hit the “F2” key. Watch our short how-to check which version of QuickBooks you are using video on YouTube.
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Why Should I Upgrade My QuickBooks Desktop Before Discontinuation?
If you continue using QuickBooks 2020 past the End of Life date, May 31st, 2023, and you experience any issues related to performance, reliability, or just need some general usage guidance, Intuit won’t be able to extend any support.
If support is given, however, it is almost certain that the extent will be no further than an emailed support document containing steps to self-troubleshoot or answer inquiries. Basically, support will be very limited, if any is given.
Why Does Intuit Discontinue QuickBooks Desktop?
The evolution of technological tools for business are essential to continued innovation, growth, and efficiency. Intuit continues to pursue improved software and tools for its customers based on this premise. Here is what Intuit says about the discontinuation cycle: “We are committed to developing easy, straightforward financial tools that help you today and grow with you tomorrow. But it’s a balancing act – making QuickBooks Desktop better and easier to use while still supporting older versions.”
Do I Have to Upgrade to the Latest Version of QuickBooks?
The answer is no, although it is recommended. In order to ensure that your third-party apps and data feeds, such as bank feeds, are working you will need to be in the latest desktop product or migrate to QuickBooks Online. Intuit is focusing its efforts on developing and improving QuickBooks Online over its desktop products because they believe cloud accounting is the future of accounting. Our QuickBooks Product Experts are here to help you decide which version of QuickBooks would be best for your needs, regardless of whether you are looking to upgrade to the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop or switch to QuickBooks Online.
How Do I Know What QuickBooks Desktop Version I’m Currently Using?
First, open your QuickBooks software to the main page. Next, press the F2 key or simultaneously press the “Ctrl” and “1” keys. This will open up your Product Information window. Search for your product name, product number, and license number in the Product Information window. In the Usage Information section, you will see the “Date First Used”. Search for your release at the end of the product name. Your version year will be listed right in front of the word “Release” on the “Product” line.
