Using the familiar Desktop menu with QB online

Hello there, AWrightIII.

I'm here to share more information about the desktop app version of QuickBooks Online (QBO) and how you can use it.

One of the benefits of using the QBO desktop is that if you’ve migrated your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) account to QBO, you’ll have the option of using a navigation map similar to what you’re familiar with in QBDT.

Other benefits are the following:

• Stay signed in: Instead of signing in multiple times a day on a browser, the QBO desktop app lets you stay signed in for 6 months unless you sign out manually.
• Access multiple QuickBooks Online companies: You can access multiple companies and switch between them without reloading each company.

To download the QBO desktop app, you'll need to have a Windows 64-bit computer and a QBO subscription.

Here's how to download it:

1. In QBO, go to Settings ⚙ at the top right.
2. Select Get the desktop app.
3. Depending on your settings, you might see the app install automatically. If not, you'll see a prompt to save the .exe file.
4. A shortcut to the app gets installed on your desktop. Once installed, it should open automatically. You can also open it manually.
5. Enter your user ID and password, then click Sign in. 
6. Choose the company file you want to open.
7. After selecting your company, you’re all set. 

To learn more about the process, consider checking out this article for further guidance: Download and use the QuickBooks Online desktop app.

Moreover, I'll add this article about managing and setting up your QBO for future reference: Get started and adjust settings after you sign up for QuickBooks Online.

Please leave a comment below if you have follow-up questions about this or anything else. I'll be more than willing to assist. Take care.

Thanks for your reply.

The settings "gear" at the top right, when clicked, does not offer the "Get the desktop app".

And thats where I run into a dead end.

I hesitate to migrate my QB Desktop data over to QBO, because QBO has been nothing but a headache for me since I got it. It was recommended to me.

My desktop version is 2017, and if I could upgrade that I would, but it seems that Intuit wants everyone to use QBO. 

We can understand why you feel that way, @AWrightIII. We'll do everything to find a solution that meets your needs.

We can understand that having this option in your QBO account is crucial in the migration process of your QuickBooks account. Since this option is unavailable in your company file, we recommend contacting our Technical support team to securely check your account setup and guide you further through the resolution process.

Here's how:

1. From your company file, go to Help and click Contact Us.
2. Enter your concern, then select Let's Talk
3. Choose a way to connect with us:

• Start a chat with a support expert.
• Get a callback from the next available expert.

Check this article for our technical support schedules, so you'll know when they're available: QuickBooks Online Support.

Once you have the Get the Desktop app, you can check this article for reference with the installation process: Download and use the QuickBooks Online desktop app.

We'll be around if you have additional queries or clarification in managing your account features in QuickBooks. Take care always!

@AWrightIII 

If you are already familiar with QB Desktop, you should consider upgrading to QB Desktop 2023. You can still buy QB Desktop 2023 Pro Plus.

@AWrightIII 

RE: I bought QB online thinking it would be great. It's been nothing but a fiasco.

This is a pretty typical experience. It won't get better. In fact, a lot of posts here in the last week are from livid customers commenting on how the lasted round of changes are horrific. Run, run away as fast as you can!

Thanks, I'll look into that.

It seems like my best option.

QB online is terrible (for me).

I so agree!!!  Hate quickbooks online- was excited about the online desktop app but now they say it is discontinued.   Have you found any solutions to get back simple icons like checking account or create invoices?

Same thing happened to me.  There's no way to download it.

I have no idea what to do!  Our company is growing- I need a 5 user online access and Quickbooks online is a mess- can't get a clean set of books compared to desktop which I have used for almost 20 years!!  I have LOVED quickbooks desktop!

I have no idea what to do!  Our company is growing- I need a 5 user online access and Quickbooks online is a mess- can't get a clean set of books compared to desktop which I have used for almost 20 years!!  I have LOVED quickbooks desktop!

No, I don't think there is a solution. I reached out to the QB-online "experts" through chat and phone calls...they have no idea what I'm trying to do. They all have a heavy sales pitch for QB-online. QB-online is absolutely atrocious. I hate it. I've since decided to use an accountant to do my payroll, and I'm using my QB desktop from 2017 to keep the books. Yes, it's outdated but it works for my purposes.

RE: Have you found any solutions to get back simple icons like checking account or create invoices?

Go back to QuickBooks Desktop, the only real QuickBooks.

RE: QB online is terrible (for me).

For everyone.