QuickBooks 2018 discontinuation policy for QuickBooks Desktop signifies that anyone using QuickBooks version 18 or earlier will lose access to important add-ons, or connection-required features, at the end of May 2021. Apart from that, you won’t be able to avail any live support to inquire about any query involving QuickBooks Desktop 2018 or earlier. However, Intuit notifies all its users in advance either through the mail, email, in-product notifications. Thus, you must keep a check on all available updates. However, if you’re thinking what does this discontinuation entail and how it can affect you, we have listed all the services and applications that would be barred from May end ahead in this blog.
What Does Discontinuation Of QuickBooks Desktop 2018 Means?
QB Desktop Discontinuation Policy 2018 signifies that you won’t be able to access the QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Services, Online Backup, Online Banking, Live Support, and other services through QuickBooks Desktop 2018 software after May 31, 2021 (Inclusive of all versions of QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Enterprise Solutions v18). As a result, you won’t be able to access the add-on services for QuickBooks Desktop for Windows 2018. However, if you don’t use any of the add-on services in QuickBooks Desktop 2018, your current QB version will continue to work for you. But you must know that you won’t be able to subscribe to live or any of the other Intuit services that you are otherwise able to integrate with the Desktop version of QuickBooks. It also signifies that you won’t be able to get any critical security updates starting June 1, 2021. Therefore, make sure to install any security updates before the mentioned date.
What Is Affected By Discontinuing QuickBooks Desktop 2018?
As mentioned, you won’t be able to use the Software products, add-on services in QuickBooks Desktop 2018 due to desktop discontinuation policy 2018. However, below we have listed all the QuickBooks products and services that will stop receiving support or functionality right after the discontinuation.
Affected Editions of QuickBooks Desktop 2018
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2018
- QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2018
- QuickBooks Desktop Accountant 2018
- QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise 2018
Affected QuickBooks Add-ons
- QuickBooks Payroll: Assisted, Basic/Enhanced, Full Service
- QuickBooks Payments
- Online Banking/Bank Feeds
- ACH Processing
- QuickBooks Accountant’s Copy File Transfer
- Multi-currency (exchange rates)
Affected Third-Party Add-On
Well, for third-party applications there is not a comprehensive list available. Therefore, we have combined some of the services that may be relevant. What you must know is that Intuit has third-party developers that work on developing and testing for supported QuickBooks versions. Soon after this year, they will begin to test for versions 2019, 2020, 2021 to release the upcoming version i.e. 2022. For those, who aren’t aware of what applications it includes, below we have listed all such features:
- Avalara Avatax for sales tax automation
- All cloud hosting platforms
- Fishbowl Inventory for inventory management automation
- Bill.com / any other AP/AR add-ons for invoicing and collections automation
- TSheets by QuickBooks for time tracking automation
Calendar Year 2021 QB Service Discontinuation Policy
To make it easy for you we have differentiated the products that will be affected by the desktop discontinuation policy 2018 after May 31, 2021 from those that will function as fully supported products.
| Fully supported products | Products for which services will be discontinued after May 31, 2021 |
| QuickBooks Desktop Pro and Premier 2021, 2020, 2019 | QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2018 QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2018 (Contractor, General Business, Manufacturing & Wholesale, Nonprofit, Professional Services, and Retail) |
| QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 21, 20, 19 | QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 18 |
| QuickBooks Desktop Accountant 2021, 2020, 2019 | QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition 2018 |
| QuickBooks Enterprise Accountant 21, 20, 19 | QuickBooks Enterprise Accountant 18 |
| Fully supported products | Products for which services will be discontinued after April 27, 2021 |
| QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sales 18.0 and 19.0 | QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale 12.0 payments services |
| Fully supported products | Products for which services will be discontinued after August 10, 2021 |
| QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale 19.0 | QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale 18.0 payments services |
In case, your work demands any of the discontinued services then, you have to continue using the add-on services. For that, you must upgrade your QuickBooks Desktop application to its latest version.
Why Do I Have To Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop 2018 Before Discontinuation?
If you continue to use the QuickBooks 2018 version after May 31st, then, there is a probability that you might experience performance-related issues. However, any support won’t be extended by Intuit, if you need general usage guidance as per the Quickbooks 2018 Discontinuation Policy.
Few Examples:
- May be Reports are not showing figures as expected, or the Balance Sheet is Out of Balance.
- How you can delete elements in a given list: [chart of accounts, item list, customer list, vendor list, etc.]
- 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.
- After a series of Windows, 2017 exhibiting unexpected behavior, updates done on a workstation.
System Requirements For The QuickBooks Desktop Update
If you want to avail the best experience while using the QuickBooks software, then there are a certain set of system requirements that you must fulfill. Below we have listed the requirement related to the operating system, hardware, software, etc., that you need to run QuickBooks Desktop.
Operating System
- Windows 10, all editions including 64-bit, natively installed
- Windows 8.1 (Update 1), all editions, including 64-bit, natively installed
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2011, Standard and Essentials
Note: Security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 will no longer be provided by Microsoft. Thus, you must upgrade your operating system to a supported version before installing QuickBooks to keep your data secure.
Database Servers
| Windows (natively installed) | Windows Server 2016Windows Server 2012 R2Windows Server 2011 Note: Windows Small Business Server 2011 is not compatible with QuickBooks Desktop. Windows 10Windows 8.1 (Update 1) |
| Linux (when using QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Database Server-only installation) | OpenSuse 42.3Fedora 27Red Hat Enterprise 7 (RHEL 7.4) |
Browser Requirement
Internet Explorer 11 (32-bit)
Hardware and Operating system requirements (client and server)
| Processor | 2.4 GHz minimum |
| RAM | 4GB minimum, 8GB Server RAM Requirements 1-5 Users: 8GB, RAM10 Users: 12GB, RAM15 Users: 16GB, RAM20 Users: 20+GB RAM |
| Disk space | 2.5GB of disk space |
| Windows | -US version of Windows -Regional settings must be set to English. -Administrator rights required for the server computer when hosting multi-user access. -Natively installed |
| Optical Drive | 4X DVD-ROM drive required for CD installations |
| Screen Resolution | Display optimized for 1280 x 1024 screen resolution or higher with up to 2 extended monitors. |
Brief On The QuickBooks Desktop Update Process
Firstly, you have to place an order for the QuickBooks 2021 as per the desktop discontinuation policy 2018. Once placed, you will receive an email with a download link and instructions. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen to download and install QuickBooks Desktop. The latest QuickBooks version (QBDB31) helps you manage the taxes efficiently, track your income & expenses, and integrate with multiple tools that enhance work and business productivity. You might be having several questions related to the update process as well. Below we have listed all such queries with an answer to each:
- How long Does it Take to Upgrade?
The up-gradation process may take time (nearly less than an hour) depending on your file size. The larger your company file, the longer it will take. Once you have successfully installed the QuickBooks Desktop 2021 or QuickBooks for Mac 2021, you’ll be asked to activate it. To activate, you must follow the below-given steps:
- Open the QuickBooks application and go to the Help menu. From there, select the Activate QuickBooks Desktop option.
- After that, verify the information by following the steps that appear on your screen.
- Once the steps end, QuickBooks will be activated, and you will be able to use QuickBooks.
- What Happens to My Company Data?
When you upgrade your QuickBooks application, you’ll be asked to update QuickBooks company file as well, so that it gets compatible with your desktop version. However, all security measures are taken to keep your data protected. For instance, QuickBooks always checks the integrity of your data and creates a backup of your company data.
Why Do QuickBooks Do Discontinuation On A Regular Basis?
It’s essential for the technology to evolve regularly as it is responsible for the continued innovation, growth, and efficiency of the businesses. Considering the requirements of the users and the need of innovation technology, Intuit continues to improve their software and tools for best results. Here is what Intuit has to say about the desktop discontinuation policy 2018: “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.”
Cybercrime is one such example that justifies why this change is necessary. Whenever cyber security is taken for granted, new measures are developed to tackle new and aggressive threats. It further demands dedicated attention to make sure that top tier security is implemented along with usability.
Have Queries Related To The QB 2018 Discontinuation Process!
With this blog, we have tried to provide all the associated information with desktop discontinuation policy 2018. If you still have a query related to the discontinuation process, we would suggest you get in touch with our experts. They will guide you and will try their best to answer all your queries. Reach us by placing a call on our QuickBooks Data Service Solutions Toll-Free Number +1(855)-955-1942.
QuickBooks 2018 Service Discontinuation FAQs
Yes, you will be able to import your bank statement file manually.
It will leave you with an inaccurate paycheck due to certain tax calculations being zeroed out. Further, you won’t be able to send payroll to Intuit for processing, including direct deposits, submit payments and filings using E-File & Pay. As a result, your payroll subscription will be deactivated, followed by a refund for the unused portion of the payroll subscription.
Intuit has announced to discontinue its older QuickBooks Desktop versions after May 31, 2021. It means, from June 1st, 2021, access to add-on services on its desktop version for Windows 2018 will be discontinued.
