Skip to main content
November 8, 2020
Solved

Switch from online to desktop

  • November 8, 2020
  • 5 replies
  • 0 views
Are there job aids or steps to switch from QB online to QB desktop? I see the opposite (switching from desktop to online) but I have sold my business and just want to retain my files without continuing a monthly subscription.
Best answer by Pabz_L

Hello there, @danceworksal.

 

Let me provide you some information so you’ll be able to convert your data from QuickBooks Online to Desktop.

 

There's no direct way to move your data from QuickBooks Online to Desktop. However, you can export and convert your QBO data to QuickBooks Desktop. 

 

Here’s how:

 

  1. Login to your QuickBooks Online account and click the Gear Icon.
  2. Choose the Export Data and enter your reason why you're exporting your data. Then, click Continue.
  3. Review your data from the export overview screen. Once ready, click Export to Excel.
  4. In the Exporting from QuickBooks Online page, select Continue to Download.
  5. Then, follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to complete the exporting process.

 

I’ve added screenshots for visual reference.

 

 

 

Once completed, you may now switch over to QuickBooks Desktop to import your data. You can use this article as a reference: Export and convert your QuickBooks Online data to Desktop.

 

If you no longer need QuickBooks Online, find out how to cancel your plan.

 

Should you have additional questions about migrating or anything else QuickBooks related, please let me know. Have a good day.

5 replies

Pabz_L
Pabz_LAnswer
November 9, 2020

Hello there, @danceworksal.

 

Let me provide you some information so you’ll be able to convert your data from QuickBooks Online to Desktop.

 

There's no direct way to move your data from QuickBooks Online to Desktop. However, you can export and convert your QBO data to QuickBooks Desktop. 

 

Here’s how:

 

  1. Login to your QuickBooks Online account and click the Gear Icon.
  2. Choose the Export Data and enter your reason why you're exporting your data. Then, click Continue.
  3. Review your data from the export overview screen. Once ready, click Export to Excel.
  4. In the Exporting from QuickBooks Online page, select Continue to Download.
  5. Then, follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to complete the exporting process.

 

I’ve added screenshots for visual reference.

 

 

 

Once completed, you may now switch over to QuickBooks Desktop to import your data. You can use this article as a reference: Export and convert your QuickBooks Online data to Desktop.

 

If you no longer need QuickBooks Online, find out how to cancel your plan.

 

Should you have additional questions about migrating or anything else QuickBooks related, please let me know. Have a good day.

February 18, 2021

Where is this "data migration tool"? Intuit denies all knowledge and QB online web page has nothing.

IamjuViel
February 18, 2021

Hello, @tastehgrcc.

 

Let me guide you on how to successfully convert your QuickBooks Online data.

  1. Using Microsoft Edge, copy and paste this URL: https://c71.qbo.intuit.com/app/exportqbodatatoqbdt).
  2. Click the Get Started button. 
  3. Select the Download Tool.  
  4. Install the migration tool and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process. 
  5. Choose the data you want to convert and click the Continue button.
  6. Pick the Continue to Download button. 

Once completed, you can now proceed to step 3 of the exporting process. You can refer to this article for more detailed instructions: Export and convert your QuickBooks Online data to QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Also, to help you manage your exported data, you can read through this article: Limitations when you convert from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Feel free to post back again if you have any other questions. I’d be more than willing to lend you a hand.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
November 9, 2020

@danceworksal 

You may need an IE browser running on Win  7 to convert the data. Contact us should you need to purchase a 3rd party service.

July 12, 2021

Is it me or is QB online terrible? I have had nothing but problems. Been on a chat or phone with them every day over issues with especially payroll. If I make an error, I am not allowed to fix it, they have to do it. Not very flexible. I am looking to go to desktop so I can have some control over my input.

 

JenoP
October 21, 2021

Let's make sure that we get this sorted out, carla1957.

 

Can you tell us what happens when you tried to export your data from QuickBooks Online to the Desktop version? I tried to export the data in my own QBO account and I can still see the Download tool. 

 

Make sure to use any of these supported browsers since Internet Explorer and older versions of Safari are no longer supported:

 

  • Mozilla
  • Chrome
  • Microsoft Edge

 

If you can't still see it, I'd recommend reaching out to our phone or chat support teams. They can take a closer look at this and help you migrate your date from QBO to Desktop. 

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Click the Help menu in the upper-right hand corner of your QBO account.
  2. Type in "Talk to a human" in the chatbox, then press Enter.
  3. Select Get help from a human.
  4. Click Chat with us or Have us call you.

 

Feel free to check out these articles for future references and additional guidance: 

 

 

Please know that you can always reply to me or visit the Community again if you still need more help with QuickBooks. 

May 9, 2023

Using the migration tool, it is possible to migrate just a date range?

Fiat Lux - ASIA
May 9, 2023

@jennyndb 

No, unless you purchase a 3rd party conversion service.  You can run the Condense Data utility in QB Desktop as a workaround.

May 9, 2023

I found an article about using the Condense Data Utility. Is it possible to do that with a test file so we don't lose data completely? Maybe transfer the data to a trial version first?