QuickBooks Desktop 2024 is slated to release later this year with new features and improvements for SMB accounting. Upgrading provides growing businesses with the latest tools to manage finances and operations with speed and insight.
However, a smooth upgrade requires proactive planning and preparation. Taking steps to get ready before installing QuickBooks Desktop 2024 prevents disruptions and ensures growing SMBs can leverage the new release faster.
Here is a checklist of how small businesses can get ready for a fast, seamless upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2024:
Clean Up Your Current QuickBooks Desktop File
Before upgrading, it’s critical to clean up your current QuickBooks Desktop file to optimize it for migration.
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Reconcile all accounts: Reconcile each bank and credit account to ensure accurate balances for the transfer.
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Resolve outstanding transactions: review and resolve any unbilled invoices, unpaid bills, undeposited funds, and discrepancies.
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Delete old data. Condense old historical data and transactions; you no longer need to streamline the file size.
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Perform a file, doctor. Run the Validate Data utility to diagnose and fix any errors in the file before migrating.
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Create file backups: Generate a portable company file, an accountant’s copy, and/or online backups for redundancy.
Thorough preparation prevents avoidable errors during the QuickBooks Desktop 2024 upgrade.
Confirm Hardware Meets Requirements
Verify that the computer hardware you use to run QuickBooks Desktop meets the recommended specifications to support the 2024 release:
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Processor: A multi-core processor meeting minimum speed requirements. QuickBooks Desktop 2024 leverages multiple cores for improved performance.
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RAM: Increased RAM (8 GB is recommended) is needed to efficiently run the newer version and multi-task.
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Hard Disk Space: Adequate free disk space for the larger install size and evolving company file storage needs.
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Operating System: Windows 10 or later, updated fully. QuickBooks Desktop 2024 is not supported on older Windows versions.
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Browser: The latest browser version to access online services and sync. Chrome or Firefox are recommended.
Meeting hardware requirements ensures optimal performance. Upgrade components like RAM or hard drives if needed.
Review Third-Party Integrations
Take stock of all third-party apps and services connected to your current QuickBooks Desktop, especially those handling key workflows like POS, payroll, or inventory:
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Confirm integration compatibility: Check provider websites to ensure the apps integrate with QuickBooks Desktop 2024.
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Enable multi-factor authentication. Tighten integration security by enabling multi-factor login where supported.
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Review the data sync. Look for potential improvements to sync and connectivity with QuickBooks Desktop 2024’s expanded APIs.
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Set reminders to reauthorize. Make a note to reauthorize and retest integrations after upgrading to the new version.
Proactively managing integrations smooths the transition to QuickBooks Desktop 2024.
Clean Up QuickBooks Desktop Settings
In your current QuickBooks Desktop edition, do some spring cleaning of settings that may need review after upgrading:
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Streamline the home page: customize the home page by removing obsolete shortcuts or widgets to simplify workflows.
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Update company information: Make sure the company name, address, legal details, etc. are all current.
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Prune custom fields: delete unused or redundant custom fields on items, customers, vendors, etc.
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Remove old budgets: Delete budgets from previous years that are no longer needed.
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Clean up user permissions. Review and adjust staff user permissions that may need tightening.
Tidying up settings now prevents post-upgrade scrambling.
Train staff on new features.
Get a head start understanding the new features and capabilities coming in QuickBooks Desktop 2024:
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Review release notes: Get familiar with 2024’s planned improvements to inform training.
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Watch pre-release webinars. Sign up for a “What’s Coming” webinar from Intuit on the new release.
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Read community tips. Consult Intuit community boards and blogs for expert upgrade advice as it emerges.
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Plan training sessions: Schedule training for you and your staff on QuickBooks Desktop 2024 post-upgrade.
Proactive training ensures you can hit the ground running with the new version.
Advance preparation is the key to ensuring your growing SMB can upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2024 smoothly and efficiently. Follow this checklist to get ready for a fast, seamless transition.
A smooth upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2024 prevents disruptions, so you can focus on business growth, not accounting headaches. With the right planning, you can migrate your data, workflows, and integrations seamlessly.
In addition to the steps outlined, here are a few more proactive measures to take:
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Schedule the upgrade during a slower period to minimize downtime. Avoid closing days or other crunch periods.
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Stock up on essentials like check stock or invoice paper with the new 2024 templates to prevent scrambling later.
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Make a checklist of key reports, workflows, and settings to review post-upgrade to ensure continuity.
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Back up current-year tax returns and payroll tax forms in case prior-year lookups are needed.
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Confirm support contracts are active so you can readily contact Intuit if any hiccups arise.
While upgrades require some effort upfront, taking a proactive approach reduces headaches exponentially on the backend. With proper planning and preparation, you can upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2024 confidently.