What is best way to download a backup of QBO to keep for future audits?

Hey DS127!

Thank you for connecting with the QuickBooks Community! We usually recommend using a third party, as you have mentioned, but the other suggestion, which is up to you if you think it is feasible, would be to convert the file to QuickBooks Desktop. However, there are some limitations when converting, and this information is linked below. From there, you can create the backup, and the company file will be saved. When you are ready to view any information, download a trial license and open the file.

• Limitations when you convert from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop 

If you decide to go through with the process,  the next step is to download the QuickBooks Desktop program. Here's how:

1. If you haven't already, download and install QuickBooks Desktop on your computer.  
2. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Go to File > Close Company. Leave QuickBooks Desktop open while you complete the rest of the steps.

Next, sign in to your QuickBooks Online account and download the migration tool by following these steps:

1. Sign in to the QuickBooks Online account you want to convert using a supported web browser.  Use your Intuit Account credentials.
2. Select the URL and replace anything after /app/ with exportqbodatatoqbdt.  The URL should say https://app.qbo.intuit.com/app/exportqbodatatoqbdt. Then click Enter on your keyboard.  Other support task links won't work during this process.
3. You'll see an Export Overview Window.  Read the Export Overview. You can print out it if you'd like. Click Get Started.
4. Select the Download tool to download the QuickBooks Desktop migration tool.
5. Once you download the tool, launch the tool to install it and hit Next.
6. Accept the terms in the license agreement and select Next.
7. Click Complete as the type of setup, then Next.
8. Hit Install, and then Finish.

After instructions, you can follow Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 in this article: Export and convert your QuickBooks Online data to QuickBooks Desktop.

Feel free to leave a reply if you require further information about backing up your file. The Community team always has your back. Have a great one!

@DS127 

Can anyone out there suggest a better option? Seems crazy that you can't download to QB Desktop and open it from there when needed...or can you?

You can convert data to QB Desktop and use the trial version to access your historical data for good.

OK, that's the route I'm going to take - download to QBD and take that backup.

Would be nice if Intuit would address this situation and gave even a onetime backup capability for QBO in a version other than Advanced!  I suppose I'll give that "Feedback" again, FWIW!

Thanks, all, for the input!

I'm glad to see you received the info you needed here in the Community, DS127. You know where to come if you ever need a hand again in the future!