Last Updated on September 29, 2025
Upgrading to a new version of any software will allow you to avail new features and manage tasks seamlessly. Similarly, in QuickBooks, upgrading to a newer version provides you with improved compatibility and seamless features. However, there may be instances where you need to convert QuickBooks file into an older version, which is not feasible since upgrading is a more straightforward task, but downgrading is not. This blog will help you understand the scenarios and the process through which you can convert your file to an older version.
If you need help converting your company files into an older version, feel free to get a free consultation from our experts at +1(855)-738-0359.
Consequences When You Convert QuickBooks File into an Older Version
When you want to convert QuickBooks File into an older version, there can be several reasons for it.
- You may need to monitor the scheduled transactions in the company files. When you switch from QB Online, the recurring transaction won’t be available to the users. The solution here is to convert the file to an older version.
- If you have any third-party apps connected to your QuickBooks software, you need to verify the connection before you convert your file. Head over to the My apps tab in QB to check for a connected application.
- You won’t be able to use the multi-currency feature in QuickBooks Online Simple Start.
- You need to deactivate the inventory items before switching to an older version, since inventory tracking is only available in QuickBooks Advanced and QuickBooks Online Plus.
These are some consequences that you might experience when you convert to an older version of QuickBooks.
Note: Keeping your software up to date ensures smooth performance and fewer errors. If you are facing glitches or payroll issues, it may be time to Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release for enhanced features and security.
What is the Process to Convert QuickBooks File into an Older Version?
To convert QuickBooks file into an older version, follow the steps provided.
Step 1: Create a Backup for the Company File
The first step to move to the older version of QB is to create a backup for the company file.
- Access the QuickBooks Desktop.
- Tap on the File menu and choose Switch to Single-User Mode.
- Tap again on the File menu and choose the Backup Company option.
- Choose the Create Local Backup option and click Next.
- Now, the local backup only section will be seen.
- Tap on the Browse option.
- To save the file, select the desired location.
- A security check will run to check the company file.
- Tap the OK button.
- Click the Save it Now button, then select the Next option.
These steps will help you create a backup of your company files before you move to the lower version. Now, let’s restore the company file.
Restore a Backup Company File
Now that the backup is complete, let’s restore it for the company file. Here are the steps to perform the restore process:
- Go to the File menu and choose the Open or Restore Company option.
- Select Restore a backup copy and click Next.
- Now, select the Local Backup option.
- Tap on Next.
- Choose the location in your system to create the backup for the company file.
You can now save the changes, and the restore and backup process will be completed.
Step 2: Downgrade the QuickBooks Desktop
When you want to downgrade the QuickBooks desktop, it means going to the older version of your company file. These steps will help you downgrade the QB version:
- Visit the official website of QuickBooks.
- Choose the Help tab.
- Tap on the Manage My License option.
- Click on the ‘Switch to‘ tab.
- Select the desired version of QuickBooks.
- Input your license number and product key.
- Tap the OK button after entering your login credentials.
After successful completion, access the older version of QuickBooks on your PC.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed how you can convert QuickBooks File into an older version. Although it is not possible to straightforwardly downgrade the company file to a lower version, if you do, ensure you have created a backup of the company file. We have discussed the consequences of converting QuickBooks to an older version. If you need any further help, feel free to get in touch with our experts at +1(855)-738-0359.
Frequently Asked Questions
Users may have various reasons to downgrade the QuickBooks Desktop company file to lower versions. When we upgrade to a new version of applications, it comes with several new features and resources to access and use. However, there can be situations when we need to move back to an older version and hence opt to downgrade to an older version of the software.
When you opt to convert your company file into an older QB version, the quantities of the inventory items get reset to zero. You won’t be able to handle and track these inventory records. Access the ‘Get paid & pay’ option and select the ‘Products and Services’ option to track the records.
You can easily revert to an older version of QuickBooks Desktop if your business needs change. During this process, you will be required to submit your License number and Product number, and it will enable you to upgrade or download the QuickBooks Desktop version.
Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.