QuickBooks Online to Desktop: Complete Guide to Switching & Restoring Data

Are you looking to switch from QuickBooks Online to Desktop? While QuickBooks Online offers cloud access and mobility, some businesses prefer the traditional, feature-rich QuickBooks Desktop experience—especially when handling complex accounting, detailed inventory tracking, or industry-specific reporting.

In this article, we'll explain what converting from QuickBooks Online to Desktop means, why businesses make the move, how to export data, and how to restore QuickBooks Online data in the Desktop version. We'll also cover limitations and FAQs. For expert help with this process, call the QuickBooks conversion support team at +1-800-223-1608.

QuickBooks Online to Desktop conversion involves downloading your company data from QuickBooks Online (QBO) and restoring it into QuickBooks Desktop (QBD). This process uses the QuickBooks Online data export tool to create a copy of your QBO data that can be opened using the Desktop software.

This process is sometimes referred to as:

• Convert QBO to QBD
• Download QuickBooks Online data to Desktop
• Restore QuickBooks Online data in Desktop version

While QBO has its advantages, here are several reasons companies choose to return to the Desktop version:

1. Advanced Features
   QuickBooks Desktop offers advanced features such as job costing, batch invoicing, and robust inventory tracking that QBO lacks.
2. Industry-Specific Versions
   Desktop editions like Contractor, Manufacturing & Wholesale, and Non-Profit provide tailored tools not found in QBO.
3. Performance on Large Data Files
   QuickBooks Desktop handles large company files more smoothly than QBO.
4. Offline Access
   Desktop can be used without internet access—ideal for businesses in remote areas.
5. Cost Concerns
   Some users find the subscription-based model of QBO less cost-effective over time.

Need help understanding which version fits your needs? Call +1-800-223-1608 to talk to a QuickBooks specialist.

Let's walk through the process of converting QBO to QBD step-by-step. Please note that QuickBooks Online export limitations apply (we'll cover that shortly).

Requirements:

• A Windows-based system with QuickBooks Desktop installed.
• Internet Explorer (as the export tool requires IE functionality).
• QuickBooks Online must be accessed using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge in IE mode.

For help setting up prerequisites, contact +1-800-223-1608.

1. Log into QuickBooks Online using Internet Explorer.
2. Press F2 to confirm company file info.
3. Go to the Gear Icon > Export Data.
4. Choose "Export to QuickBooks Desktop".
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the ActiveX control (part of the QuickBooks Online export tool).

You'll be prompted to download your company data in a file format that Desktop can recognize.

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to File > Utilities > Import > Convert from QuickBooks Online.
3. Browse and select the exported company file.
4. Follow prompts to restore it into your QuickBooks Desktop edition.

Once complete, you've successfully restored your QuickBooks Online data in Desktop version.

Stuck in any of these steps? Call +1-800-223-1608 for live assistance.

It's important to note that not all data transfers during conversion. Here are the QuickBooks Online export limitations:

To ensure you don't lose critical data, create a backup and contact support at +1-800-223-1608.

Although QBO is cloud-based, it's wise to export your data for safekeeping before initiating the transfer.

1. Go to Gear Icon > Tools > Export Data.
2. Select all reports and lists you'd like to download.
3. Save them as Excel or PDF for reference after conversion.

This helps you cross-check and validate information once imported to QuickBooks Desktop.