---
title: "Migrate from QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to QuickBooks Online"
description: "Complete guide to migrate from QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to QuickBooks Online. Steps, benefits, data limits, FAQs, and expert tips."
tags: QuickBooks, QuickBooks Enterprise, QuickBooks Online, Migration, Cloud Accounting
---

# Migrate from QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to QuickBooks Online


As businesses scale and adopt remote workflows, many are choosing to **migrate from QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to QuickBooks Online**. While QuickBooks Enterprise is powerful, it relies on local servers, hosting environments, and manual updates. These limitations can slow growth and collaboration.

QuickBooks Online (QBO) delivers cloud-based accounting with real-time access, automatic updates, enhanced security, and seamless integrations. This guide explains **how to migrate QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to QuickBooks Online**, what data transfers, challenges to expect, and best practices for a successful transition.

## Why Migrate from QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to QuickBooks Online?

Migrating to QuickBooks Online helps modernize and future-proof your accounting system.

### Key Benefits of QuickBooks Online

- **Anywhere Access:** Work from any device, anytime
- **Automatic Updates:** No version upgrades or maintenance
- **Cloud Security:** Encrypted data with automatic backups
- **Real-Time Collaboration:** No hosting, VPN, or servers
- **App Integrations:** Payroll, CRM, inventory, reporting apps

> **Expert Insight:**
> Many Enterprise users migrate to QuickBooks Online to reduce infrastructure costs while improving visibility and team collaboration.

## Choosing the Right QuickBooks Online Plan After Migration

Most Enterprise users migrate to:

- **QuickBooks Online Plus** – Inventory and project tracking
- **QuickBooks Online Advanced** – Large teams, custom reporting, automation

**Tip:** If you need advanced permissions, workflows, or large data handling, **QuickBooks Online Advanced** is the best alternative to Enterprise.

## Before You Migrate: Important Preparation Steps

Enterprise files are complex—preparation is critical.

### Pre-Migration Checklist

- ✔ Update QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to the latest release
- ✔ Log in as **Admin**
- ✔ Switch to **Single-User Mode**
- ✔ Back up your company file
- ✔ Reconcile bank, credit card, and inventory accounts
- ✔ Clean up inactive customers, vendors, and items
- ✔ Review file size and data limits

**Best Practice:** Large Enterprise files often benefit from expert-assisted migration.

## How to Migrate from QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to QuickBooks Online

### Step 1: Open QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
Sign in as admin and open the company file.

### Step 2: Start the Export Tool
Go to:
`Company > Export Company File > To QuickBooks Online`

### Step 3: Sign In to QuickBooks Online
Log in using your QuickBooks Online credentials or create a new account.

### Step 4: Select Data to Migrate
Choose to migrate:
- All historical data, or
- Lists and balances only

### Step 5: Complete the Migration
Your data uploads securely to QuickBooks Online.
⏳ Migration time depends on file size, inventory volume, and transaction history.

## What Data Transfers to QuickBooks Online?

### Data That Migrates

- Chart of accounts
- Customers and vendors
- Products and services
- Invoices, estimates, and bills
- Payments and deposits
- Bank transactions

### Data That Does NOT Fully Migrate

- Payroll history details
- Audit trail
- Sales tax payment history
- Custom reports and templates
- Advanced Enterprise-only features

**Recommendation:** Export non-migrating data for compliance and historical records.

## Common Enterprise Migration Challenges and Solutions

### Large File Size
➡ Condense historical data or migrate lists and balances only

### Inventory Quantity Differences
➡ Adjust inventory after migration

### Feature Gaps (Advanced Pricing, Custom Roles)
➡ Use QuickBooks Online Advanced or third-party apps

## Real-World Example

**Scenario:**
A wholesale distributor using QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise needed remote access and easier collaboration.

**Solution:**
They migrated to **QuickBooks Online Advanced**.

**Results:**
- Real-time access across multiple locations
- Reduced IT and hosting costs
- Improved reporting and automation

## Post-Migration Best Practices

- Reconnect bank and credit card feeds
- Set user roles and permissions
- Review opening balances carefully
- Customize dashboards and reports
- Integrate apps for inventory, payroll, and reporting

## Need Help Migrating from Enterprise?

**Talk to a QuickBooks Enterprise Migration Expert**
📞 **Call: 866-593-4750**
Avoid downtime, errors, and data loss with professional support.

## FAQs

**Q1. Can I migrate QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to QuickBooks Online myself?**
Small Enterprise files can be migrated, but large or complex files usually require expert assistance.

**Q2. Will I lose data during migration?**
Most accounting data migrates, but audit trails, payroll history, and some advanced features do not.

**Q3. How long does Enterprise migration take?**
Anywhere from a few hours to multiple days, depending on file size and complexity.

**Q4. Is QuickBooks Online Advanced comparable to Enterprise?**
Yes, for many businesses. Advanced offers automation, custom reporting, and advanced permissions.

**Q5. What if Enterprise features are missing in QBO?**
Third-party apps can often replace Enterprise-only functionality.

## Conclusion

If you want cloud access, scalability, and lower infrastructure costs, it’s time to **migrate from QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise to QuickBooks Online**. With proper planning and expert guidance, the transition can be secure, smooth, and highly beneficial.

📞 **Call 866-593-4750** today to get expert help with your QuickBooks Enterprise migration.