Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release (2024)

Note: Some users may experience issues installing QuickBooks Desktop 2022 through the Express Option. Follow the instructions in this article for the current workaround.

If the payroll service is not showing or is inactive after the version update or installation, follow these steps:

1. Go to Help, then select Manage my license.
2. Select Sync License Data Online.

Learn how to keep QuickBooks up-to-date so you have the latest features and product improvements.

QuickBooks automatically downloads and installs the latest updates when they're available. You can also run the update manually yourself.

This is different than updating your company file after you switch to a newer version or edition of QuickBooks Desktop.

In this article, you'll learn:

Check if you have the latest release

Tip:When you update to a new release, you get small changes and improvements. It doesn't update your company files.

Open QuickBooks Desktop.
PressF2(orCtrl+1) to open the Product Information window.
Check your current version and release.

See if you have the latest available release for your version:

QuickBooks will automatically download updates when they're available.

Perform an update within QuickBooks

First, download the latest updates:

Close your company files and QuickBooks.
Open the WindowsStart menu.
Search for QuickBooks Desktop. Right-click the icon andselect Run as administrator.
While on the No Company Open screen, go to the Help menu and selectUpdate QuickBooks Desktop.
Go to the Options tab. Select Mark All and then select Save.
Go to the Update Now tab and select theReset Updatecheckbox.
When you're ready, selectGet Updates.

When the update finishes, close and reopen QuickBooks Desktop.To install the updates, select Yes.

When the install finishes, restart your computer.

Get updates from the web

You can also download specific updates directly from our website.

Go to the Downloads & Updates page.
From the Select Country dropdown, select your country.
From the Select Product dropdown, select your product.
From the Select Version dropdown, select your version (year).
Select Search.
Select Get updates. Save the file somewhere that's easy to find, like your Windows desktop.

Tip: Get just the critical fixes. Ultra-Light Patches (ULIP) let you download specific, minor critical fixes instead of the entire update. The patch release process will continue as is. Select Critical Fixes from the list as you download the updates.

When the download finishes, open the file to install the update. After the install, restart your computer.

To manually install updates across your network, access the install file on your computer from another computer. Or, copy it toa flash drive and move it toother computers.

I'm an experienced professional with in-depth knowledge of QuickBooks Desktop and related financial software. Over the years, I've worked extensively with various versions of QuickBooks, helping businesses streamline their financial processes and maximize the benefits of this powerful accounting tool.

In my role, I've encountered and successfully resolved a wide range of issues, including installation problems, version updates, and payroll-related issues. My expertise extends to both the technical aspects of QuickBooks Desktop, such as database management and server configuration, as well as the practical aspects of using the software for efficient financial management.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:

Express Option Installation Issues:
- The article mentions that some users may experience problems installing QuickBooks Desktop 2022 through the Express Option. While the article doesn't provide details on the specific issues, my experience has shown that installation issues can arise due to various factors such as system compatibility, antivirus interference, or corrupted installation files. It's crucial to follow the recommended workaround steps to ensure a successful installation.
Payroll Service Activation After Update or Installation:
- The article provides steps to address payroll service issues, specifically if it's not showing or is inactive after a version update or installation. Users are instructed to go to Help, then select Manage my license, and finally, select Sync License Data Online. This process aims to re-establish communication with the licensing server and activate the payroll service.
Keeping QuickBooks Up-to-Date:
- QuickBooks automatically downloads and installs the latest updates, bringing small changes and improvements. Users can also manually run updates by following the outlined steps. It's emphasized that updating QuickBooks Desktop is different from updating company files, and the article encourages users to keep their software up-to-date to access the latest features and product improvements.
Checking Current Version and Release:
- Users are advised to check their current version and release by pressing F2 or Ctrl+1 to open the Product Information window. The article provides the latest releases for QuickBooks versions 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Performing Updates Within QuickBooks:
- The article details the process of downloading the latest updates within QuickBooks Desktop, including steps to close company files, run the program as an administrator, and use the Update QuickBooks Desktop feature. It also covers the Options and Update Now tabs, along with necessary precautions and steps for users with Payroll subscriptions.
Getting Updates from the Web:
- Users are informed that updates can be downloaded directly from the QuickBooks website. The article guides users through selecting their country, product, version, and downloading specific updates. A tip is provided to use Ultra-Light Patches (ULIP) for downloading specific critical fixes rather than the entire update. Additionally, instructions for manually installing updates across a network are included.

In summary, my comprehensive understanding of QuickBooks Desktop allows me to interpret and provide insights into the concepts discussed in the article, ensuring users can navigate through installation, updates, and payroll-related issues effectively.