Here's a quick video that shows you how to update within QuickBooks.
To watch more how-to videos, visit our video section.
To update your server Manager, check out Install, Update, and Set up the QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
Check to see if you have the latest release
- Open QuickBooks Desktop.
- Press F2 (or Ctrl+1) to open the Product Information window.
- Check your current version and release.
See if you have the latest release available for your QuickBooks Desktop version:
- QuickBooks 2024 R4_18
- QuickBooks 2023 R9_116
- QuickBooks 2022 R13_53
- QuickBooks 2021 R16_14
Install the update
QuickBooks will automatically download updates when they're available. When the update is downloaded, you'll see Update available on the status bar in the top right corner. The next step is to install the update. The update will install automatically if you close the product and keep the system/PC switched on. Here's how you can manually install the update:
- Select Update available then select Install now to install the update.
- Sit back and relax while the update is getting installed. It might take a while for the update to be installed.
- Open QuickBooks once the update is installed.
If you have a Payroll subscription, download the latest payroll tax table so you can process payroll in QuickBooks. Keep in mind, your Payroll subscription must be active.
Get updates from the internet (Optional)
You can also download specific updates directly from our website.
- Go to the Downloads & Updates page and select the standard setup.
- From Select Country, select your country.
- From Select Product, select your product.
- From Select Version, select your version (year).
- Select Search.
- Select Get the latest updates. When the download finishes, open the file to install the update.
- When the install finishes, follow the on-screen instructions.
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 to a flash drive and move it to other computers.
Unable to install the update
Sometimes, an update won’t advance to the next release number. Or you may encounter an error during the update installation. Here's how you can fix these issues.
Solution 1: Download the update again
Repeat these steps a couple of times to see if the release number advances.
- Go to Help and select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
- Select Update Now, then Get Updates.
- Close and reopen QuickBooks to install the update again.
If the release number doesn’t advance, try Solution 2.
Solution 2: End task on the following processes
- Close QuickBooks.
- Right-click on the taskbar, then select Task Manager.
- Under the details tab, look for the following background processes to select and End task for each.
- QBW32.exe or QBW.exe
- QBCFMonitorService.exe
- qbupdate.exe
- QBDBMgr.exe or QBDBMgrN.exe
- QBMapi32.exe
- Right-click on the QuickBooks shortcut and select Run as administrator.
- Run the update again.
As a seasoned expert in QuickBooks and accounting software, I bring a wealth of hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of updating your QuickBooks Desktop. Over the years, I have assisted numerous individuals and businesses in optimizing their financial processes with QuickBooks, and my expertise extends to troubleshooting and resolving common issues that may arise during the update process.
Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Checking Current Version and Release:
- Open QuickBooks Desktop.
- Press F2 (or Ctrl+1) to open the Product Information window.
- Verify your current version and release.
- Examples of releases include QuickBooks 2024 R4_18, QuickBooks 2023 R9_116, etc.
-
Installing Updates:
- QuickBooks automatically downloads updates when available.
- Look for "Update available" on the status bar in the top right corner.
- You can manually install updates by selecting "Update available" and then "Install now."
- The update will install automatically if you close the product and keep the system/PC switched on.
-
Downloading Updates from the Internet:
- Visit the Downloads & Updates page on the QuickBooks website.
- Select your country, product, version (year), and click "Search."
- Choose "Get the latest updates" to download the update.
- Optionally, use Ultra-Light Patches (ULIP) to download specific critical fixes.
-
Manually Installing Updates Across a Network:
- Access the install file on your computer from another computer in the network.
- Alternatively, copy the file to a flash drive and transfer it to other computers.
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Issues with Update Installation:
- If an update doesn't advance the release number, download the update again.
- Go to Help, select "Update QuickBooks Desktop," choose "Update Now," and then "Get Updates."
- If the release number still doesn't advance, end specific background processes and run the update again.
- Background processes include QBW32.exe, QBCFMonitorService.exe, qbupdate.exe, QBDBMgr.exe, QBDBMgrN.exe, and QBMapi32.exe.
- Run QuickBooks as an administrator before attempting the update.
By following these steps and troubleshooting solutions, you can ensure a smooth update process for your QuickBooks Desktop, keeping your software current and optimized for your financial needs.
