General Ledger, Trial Balance & Financial Statements Explained
Namrata10 Nov 2026
Here is an important update for users of QuickBooks® Desktop 2020 software. Intuit ended support for all 2020 versions of QuickBooks Desktop after 31 May 2023. QuickBooks Desktop itself has not been discontinued: Intuit retires each Desktop version roughly three years after its release, and newer versions remain supported. Here are the details you should know:
When did support for QuickBooks Desktop 2020 end?
Your QuickBooks Desktop 2020 software was retired on May 31, 2023. This applies to all 2020 versions:
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro,
- QuickBooks Desktop Premier,
- QuickBooks Desktop for Mac,
- QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions.
The retirement also affects the Intuit services that connect to these versions.
If you have not upgraded from QuickBooks Desktop 2020, you no longer have access to live technical assistance in case of issues or any of the other Intuit services that QuickBooks Desktop can link with. It includes:
- Online bank feeds,
- QuickBooks Desktop Payments, and
- QuickBooks Desktop Payroll.
Retired versions no longer get security patches and updates.
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What does the end of support mean?
Since May 31, 2023, QuickBooks Desktop 2020 software no longer provides access to
- QuickBooks Desktop Payroll,
- Desktop Payments,
- Live technical support,
- Online backup,
- Online banking, and other services.
It also means users of the 2020 versions have not received security updates to safeguard their data since June 1, 2023.
Products affected by this retirement:
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2020
- QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2020
- QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 2020
- QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition 2020
- QuickBooks Enterprise Accountant 2020
- QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2020
Why did Intuit retire QuickBooks Desktop 2020?
Intuit retires older Desktop versions under its regular product lifecycle (sunset) policy, so that users are not left on out-of-date software that no longer receives critical updates. For many businesses it is also a good moment to consider whether a cloud system suits them better.
You must utilize accounting software that is both sufficiently compliant and effective in today’s increasingly fast-paced corporate climate.
QuickBooks Desktop is still available: QuickBooks Enterprise continues to be sold and supported. However, Intuit stopped selling new QuickBooks Desktop Pro and Premier subscriptions to new US customers in 2024 and is putting most of its new development into its cloud product, QuickBooks Online.
What can you do now?
If you are still on QuickBooks Desktop 2020, you have two options: upgrade to a currently supported Desktop version (such as QuickBooks Enterprise), or move to QuickBooks Online.
Intuit recommends moving to a supported QuickBooks product so you avoid service outages and keep receiving security updates and features. QuickBooks Online is the natural choice if you want more flexibility and easier collaboration.
In short, you can access your data at any time, from any location, sync bank transactions, pay bills, and more with QuickBooks Online.
How much time does switching to QuickBooks Online take?
A small, clean company file can often be moved to QuickBooks Online quickly; the larger and older your company file, the longer the migration takes.
So now the question arises – How is your company’s data managed?
Your QuickBooks Desktop file is unaffected by the switch to QuickBooks Online. While you finish setting up your QuickBooks Online firm, you may still keep your books in QuickBooks Desktop.
Check How to Switch from
How can you move your data?
Once you understand the differences between QuickBooks Desktop (QBD) and QuickBooks Online (QBO), you can decide what to choose for your business. But switching over is as easy as following a few simple steps.
- Export the data
- Prepare the move
- Select your subscription.
Even though QBD and QBO are interactive and should be able to sync all the data as expected, some features or reports are not available in either QBO or the plan you have chosen.
Both platforms will be inaccessible while there is a transfer of your data between the two locations, which could take some time. It is strongly advised to schedule the migration for an evening or a slower period when it won’t significantly affect your job.
Choose the subscription plan that will benefit you the most and has all the capabilities you require daily based on your business demands and the types of documents you manage.
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Naturally, determining which plan is the most economical depends on your budget.
Can you continue with QuickBooks Desktop 2020?
You can but it can be disastrous for you.
As mentioned above, Intuit has ended live support for QuickBooks Desktop 2020 as part of its sunset process. You’re on your own if some malfunctions occur. In the worst-case scenario, it might not be possible for you to migrate your data. Both of these options, starting from scratch or manually transferring everything, are not particularly appealing.
Additionally, QuickBooks Desktop 2020 no longer receives security patches. It will make your systems more exposed as we mentioned above. Switching off QBD 2020 is a smart move, regardless of whether you move to an updated Desktop version or transition to Online.
How can Peniel Tech help you in such a difficult situation?
You should carefully examine which solution is best for your business if you are affected by this development. A seemingly simple changeover could not satisfy all of your needs, for instance, as numerous capabilities in QuickBooks Desktop are absent from QuickBooks Online.
Penieltech's independent accounting consultants can work with you to find the ideal solution for your company’s unique needs. It is because they have a wealth of expertise in helping businesses of all sizes across various industries.
To allow all impacted organizations ample time to install, train, and adjust to the new system, we advise them to begin planning this transition as soon as possible.
All in all, It’s critical that all of your software effortlessly interface with one another as you add more and more of it. Elate Accounting Software offers a wide range of integrations, from QuickBooks to many other modules. Additionally, Peniel Tech provides complete support and integrates ERP software with an accounting system, and assists you regardless of your use case.
