Convert QuickBooks Online to Desktop in Easy Steps

Have you decided to convert QuickBooks Online to Desktop? While the decision can be intelligent based on your needs, if you don’t know how to proceed, you need this blog. Here, we have covered in-depth details about converting QuickBooks Online to Desktop without hassle.

Do you have a QuickBooks Online File that you want to convert and use in the Desktop application of QuickBooks? One common question that has been asked many times over the internet is how to convert QuickBooks Online to Desktop. Fortunately, we have found a solution to this. There are different methods of file conversion for different versions of QuickBooks, and this article is intended to show you how to convert QuickBooks Online files to QuickBooks Desktop for Pro and Premier versions.

We hope this step-wise tutorial will assist you in your decision to convert QB Online to Desktop.  However, if at any point you feel stuck, QuickBooks experts and help are available at +1- 855 738 2784. Call immediately and get an effective resolution. 

What does converting QuickBooks Online to Desktop mean?

When you export QuickBooks Online to Desktop, you are essentially moving your files from the QB online version to Desktop. QuickBooks Online and Desktop are different versions with varying functionalities. Therefore, when the users’ needs change, they may opt out of one subscription and get another.

The basic difference between QuickBooks Online and Desktop is that the former is cloud-oriented. It means that users can sign up and access files from anywhere on any device. On the other hand, QuickBooks Desktop is installed on particular devices only and may be connected to a network.

Recommended To Read – QuickBooks Already Has a Company File Open

Benefits of Using QuickBooks Desktop over QuickBooks Online

It entirely depends upon the needs of a business what version of QuickBooks works best for them and why they should convert QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop. Here we have listed some of the pros that you will adore about QuickBooks Desktop:

1. QuickBooks Desktop allows you to use customized apps for different jobs.
2. Large-scale businesses can efficiently manage inventories and job costing.
3. It is safer as the company data is kept on your computer instead of the cloud.
4. You can avoid paying QuickBooks Online monthly charges.
5. Customers can handle multiple company files using QB Desktop and make various accounts, which is not possible in QB online.

NOTE: For a detailed comparison between QuickBooks Desktop and Online you can follow our article QuickBooks Online Vs Desktop.

Points to Consider before QuickBooks File Conversion:

When you switch from QuickBooks Online to Desktop, remember the following points:

1. You can only convert the QuickBooks Online file to the Desktop if you are using the US version of QuickBooks Online.
2. Your user account must have Admin-level access to the export file from the online app.
3. You must need Internet Explorer 10 or later for file conversion.
4. The user must be using a supported version of QB Desktop application on your Windows computer and make sure your it is not a 64 bit Windows, as it is currently not supported for using the file export feature.
5. You will need to install ActiveX installed on your computer.

Steps to Export Data Files from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop:

Now that you’re aware of the benefits of switching and points to remember let’s learn how to switch from QuickBooks Online to Desktop.

Setting up Internet Explorer to Export the file:

1. On your Windows computer, open Internet Explorer.
2. From the top right corner click Tools and select Internet Options.
3. Under the Security tab select Trusted Sites and click the Sites button.
4. Make sure to uncheck Require server verification for all sites in this zone check box.
5. Now in the Add field box type *.intuit.com and click Add.
6. Hit the Close button and uncheck the Enable Protect Mode.
7. Now hit Apply, then select Okay, and exit Internet Explorer.
8. Right click QuickBooks Desktop icon and select Run as Administrator.
9. Repeat step 8 for Internet Explorer and run it as an administrator.

Steps to Prepare Data to Export from QuickBooks Online:

1. From the QuickBooks Online dashboard click the Gear icon at the top and under the Tools list, select Export Data.
2. In the Export Overview Click Get Started
3. Click the Install button in Step 1: Prepare to export window and then click Install ActiveX Control Now button for the installation to start.
4. After the installation completes click Continue.
5. Now select the data type you want to export and click Continue.
6. Under Step 3: Request your data window click Continue
7. Now provide the app with your contact info, and within next 1 to 2 hours, you will receive an email from Intuit® along with the steps to export file.

Steps to Export Data from QuickBooks Online:

1. Open QuickBooks Online application and click the Gear icon.
2. Now under the Tools list click Export Data.
3. Click Get Started and then hit Continue.
4. After that, Now choose the data that you want to export and click Continue.
5. Then, Click Continue to Download button in the next window.
6. Hit Download and select a location on your computer to save the file.
7. Once the file is download click Convert Now.
8. Now under the Create new QuickBooks File pop up, give this file a name and save it on the desktop.
9. Hit Finished after the export process completes.

Read Also – QuickBooks Error H202

Convert QuickBooks Online to Desktop

The user must follow a few more steps to begin the export page before jumping directly into the export process:

1. From the Settings tab, choose the option Export Data in QB Online.
2. Repeat steps 2-5 from the above “Export Data from QuickBooks Online” step and choose “Prepare to export the QuickBooks Online Data.
3. “Now, download the file from the QBO page. Click Continue.
4. Then, Launch the QuickBooks Desktop page and ensure you land on the no company open screen.
5. If you have opened the company, review the opened file and select close the company option.
6. After ensuring that the no company page is open, download it back to QuickBooks Online.
7. Then, Save the company file and update its location.
8. Make sure the place is different from Windows Desktop.
9. After finishing the download, proceed to the Convert Now tab.
10. Open the option that says “Create a new QuickBooks File” and save the downloaded file.
11. Give the file a name in the next window and choose a location to save the file. Do not choose an external drive or network but choose a local system location.
12. Convert QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Pro by clicking on the Finish option and completing the conversion process.

It is critical to note that the QuickBooks Online Export to Desktop contains a time-consuming extraction process. Often, it may even look like it froze. However, that is not the case usually. Therefore, keep in mind not to close the window or end the process in the middle. Let the system and software take time in resuming the extraction bar.

However, if the extraction bar really freezes and doesn’t move for a long time, conduct the following steps:

1. Choose the QB Desktop icon and launch the window in the taskbar.
2. Then, Click Yes > Continue to proceed further.
3. After that, You will reach the confirmation window, where you need to tap Done and let the extraction begin.

Check Exported Information

After Convert QuickBooks Online to Desktop, check the exported file for any problems. Verify the profit and loss report to ensure the books match. Run the original file online and export data on the Desktop to check the precision in exporting.

In case of any export limitations while converting from QuickBooks Online to Desktop, causing a mismatch, undertake the following steps:

1. Go to the File menu and hit the option that says Close Company.
2. Again, try to convert QB Online file to the Desktop version. Sometimes, extracting a file twice resolves the mismatch issue.
3. Then, Review the profit and loss file after completion and see if the data is converted accurately now.
4. Enjoy your seamless experience as you convert from QuickBooks Online to Desktop. However, if the error persists, contact a QB specialist for additional assistance.

Once you have successfully converted and exported QuickBooks Online file on your desktop, now open your QuickBooks Desktop application and under the File tab, select Open or Restore Company and click Open a Company File, now select the company file from the desktop and click Next to import it into the Desktop application. For many users it might be a complicated task to convert QuickBooks Online file to QuickBooks Desktop and such users can call Accounting Helpline Number 1.855.738.2784 for quick assistance.

FAQs

What are the limitations faced while converting from QBO to Desktop?

You may face the following limitations while converting QBO to Desktop:

1. Audit log doesn’t export. Print or save as a PDF.
2. Cash purchases will change to checks in QBD.
3. The characters in the name of your chart of accounts is limited to 31 characters.
4. Class lists are 31 characters, and deleted classes become inactive classes after migration.
5. Payroll preferences and product lists may see limitations.

Should I upgrade the company file while migrating?

The QB Desktop will automatically upgrade the company file when it gets exported from QuickBooks Online.

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Convert QuickBooks Online to Desktop in Easy Steps

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Are you looking for easy ways to Convert QuickBooks Online to Desktop? If yes, follow this elaborated guide and get it done in minutes.

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Accounting Helpline

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Accounting Helpline

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