When QuickBooks Desktop starts showing update messages, payroll issues, performance problems, or compatibility errors, installing the latest available release can be an important troubleshooting step. QuickBooks Desktop updates can include product improvements, security updates, and fixes for known issues.
If you are wondering how to update QuickBooks Desktop, you can normally do it directly from the software. If the built-in update does not work, you can also download the appropriate update manually from Intuit.
Before starting, it is useful to understand the difference between an update and an upgrade. An update installs a newer maintenance release for the QuickBooks version you already have. An upgrade moves you to a different product version or year and can require a separate company-file conversion.
How to Check Your QuickBooks Desktop Version
Before updating, check which version and release you currently have.
Open QuickBooks Desktop.
Press F2 or Ctrl + 1.
Look at the Product Information window.
Note your product name, version, and release number.
Checking the release number first helps you determine whether the update actually installed successfully.
How to Update QuickBooks Desktop Automatically
The easiest method is to update QuickBooks from inside the program.
Step 1: Open the Update Window
Open QuickBooks Desktop and select:
Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop
You will see the update options available for your installation.
Step 2: Choose Update Now
Select the Update Now tab.
If you want QuickBooks to automatically download available updates in the future, you can also configure automatic updates from the Options tab. Intuit provides an automatic-update setting that allows QuickBooks to download available maintenance releases.
Step 3: Select Get Updates
Click Get Updates and allow QuickBooks to download the available files.
The download time can vary depending on your internet connection and the size of the update.
Step 4: Restart QuickBooks
After the download completes, close and reopen QuickBooks Desktop.
When QuickBooks displays the installation prompt, select Install Now and allow the update to finish.
After installation, press F2 or Ctrl + 1 again and verify that the release number has changed.
How to Update QuickBooks Desktop Manually
Sometimes the in-product update does not download correctly, gets stuck, or does not change the release number. In that situation, you can download the appropriate update manually.
Close QuickBooks Desktop first. Then use Intuit's Downloads & Updates page and select your country, QuickBooks product, and version. Search for the applicable download and select the latest update available for your installation. After downloading it, open the file and complete the installation. Restart the computer when the process is finished.
If you need to reinstall the software rather than simply update it, see our guide to Download QuickBooks Desktop for information about obtaining the appropriate installation file.
What If QuickBooks Desktop Will Not Update?
A failed update can happen for several reasons. The downloaded update may be incomplete, Windows permissions can interfere with installation, or an existing QuickBooks component may need repair.
Start with these basic checks:
Close QuickBooks and reopen it as an administrator.
Try the update again from Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Restart Windows before attempting another update.
Check that your internet connection is working properly.
Verify that you selected the correct QuickBooks product and version for a manual download.
If QuickBooks tools are malfunctioning, consider using the QuickBooks Tool Hub to access troubleshooting utilities.
If the release number does not change after another attempt, Intuit recommends downloading the update directly through the manual download method.
Do You Need to Update QuickBooks Payroll Separately?
Yes. Updating the QuickBooks Desktop application and updating payroll tax tables are separate processes.
If you use QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, open your company file and go to:
Employees → Get Payroll Updates
Then select the option to download the available payroll update. Keeping the main QuickBooks software current does not necessarily mean that your payroll tax tables have also been updated.
This distinction is especially important when payroll calculations, tax forms, or payroll-related features are not working as expected.
Updating QuickBooks in Multi-User Mode
If QuickBooks is being used on multiple computers, make sure the installations and required server components remain compatible.
Before performing an update, it is a good idea to have users close QuickBooks. If your setup uses a server, check whether the QuickBooks Database Server Manager also needs to be updated. Intuit specifically notes that server-manager updates may need to be handled separately.
Update vs. Upgrade: What Is the Difference?
A QuickBooks Desktop update generally means installing a newer release of the version you already use.
An upgrade means moving to a newer QuickBooks Desktop product version. When upgrading to a newer version, the company file may also need to be updated so it works with the new software.
Knowing the difference can prevent you from downloading the wrong installer when you only need a routine maintenance update.
Final Thoughts
Updating QuickBooks Desktop is usually straightforward when the built-in update feature works correctly. Start by checking your current release with F2 or Ctrl + 1, then use Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop → Update Now → Get Updates.
If the update fails, use the manual download method and verify the release number afterward. QuickBooks Payroll users should also check for payroll updates separately.
If you continue experiencing update problems or QuickBooks errors, Accounts Confidant can help you troubleshoot the issue and get your QuickBooks environment working properly.
Need help with QuickBooks Desktop? Call Accounts Confidant at +1-877-519-7362.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release?
Open QuickBooks Desktop and go to Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop. Select Update Now, click Get Updates, restart QuickBooks, and install the update when prompted.
How can I check if my QuickBooks Desktop is up to date?
Press F2 or Ctrl + 1 inside QuickBooks Desktop to open the Product Information window. Check your product version and release number to determine which release you currently have.
What should I do if QuickBooks Desktop will not update?
Try the update again after restarting QuickBooks and your computer. If the release number does not change, manually download the appropriate update from Intuit's Downloads & Updates page.
Does updating QuickBooks Desktop update payroll too?
No. QuickBooks Desktop product updates and payroll tax-table updates are separate. Payroll users should go to Employees → Get Payroll Updates to check for available payroll updates.
Does updating QuickBooks Desktop delete my company file?
A normal maintenance update is different from upgrading to a newer product version. A routine release update is intended to update the software rather than remove your company data. When upgrading to a newer version, however, the company file may need to be converted for compatibility.
Should I update QuickBooks Desktop on every computer?
If QuickBooks is used in a multi-user environment, keep the installations and required server components compatible. Coordinate the update so users are not working in QuickBooks while the required components are being updated.
How often should I update QuickBooks Desktop?
Check for available releases regularly and install updates when they are available for your supported QuickBooks version. Also check separately for payroll updates if you use QuickBooks Desktop Payroll.