Keep QuickBooks Desktop 2020 Running: Hosting & Remote Access

Last reviewed 2026-07-05 4 min read

QuickBooks Desktop 2020 lost Intuit services in May 2023. Learn how to keep this version alive using third-party hosting, self-hosted servers, and remote a

QuickBooks Desktop 2020 officially reached the end of its supported lifecycle on May 31, 2023. When Intuit sunsets a version, it cuts off access to live technical support, add-on services, and critical security updates. However, losing Intuit's backing does not mean you have to abandon the 2020 version. If you want to keep your established workflow intact, moving your software off a local desktop and into a hosted environment is a highly effective way to maintain access, improve mobility, and keep your data protected long-term.

Here is how to approach hosting QuickBooks Desktop 2020 now that it is a discontinued product.

Why Host a Discontinued Version?

Running QuickBooks 2020 directly on a local Windows desktop works fine for a single user, but it leaves the software vulnerable to operating system upgrades, hardware failures, and localized security threats. Moving the 2020 version to a hosted server isolates it. You can lock the operating system environment exactly where it needs to be for 2020, preventing unwanted Windows updates from breaking your installation. It also allows multiple users to continue accessing the same company file simultaneously from anywhere.

Third-Party QuickBooks Hosting

You do not have to rely on Intuit's own cloud infrastructure to host Desktop. Independent, Intuit-authorized commercial hosting providers specialize in running QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud.

When you use a third-party host, they provide a virtual Windows server. They install your QuickBooks Desktop 2020 software, move your company file to their secure data center, and handle the daily server maintenance, backups, and security. You and your team access the software remotely via a standard Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection. This is often the safest route for a discontinued version, as enterprise-grade data centers maintain strict physical and network security that easily replaces the lost Intuit security patches.

Self-Hosted Remote Desktop

If you prefer to keep your data entirely under your own physical control, you can build your own remote environment. This involves designating a dedicated machine in your office—typically running Windows Server—as the host.

You install QuickBooks Desktop 2020 on this server, set up the company file for multi-user access, and configure the machine to accept incoming Remote Desktop connections. Users connect from their local laptops or thin clients. This approach gives you absolute control over the hardware and network, but it requires internal IT knowledge. You are solely responsible for managing firewall ports, configuring user permissions, and running a separate, automated backup routine to protect your company file.

Local Machine vs. Hosted Environment

Choosing between keeping the software on a local machine or moving it to a host comes down to your infrastructure needs:

Local Installation: Best for single-user setups or offices where all users are in the same building on the same local network. It requires no monthly hosting fees, but ties your software's lifespan to the physical lifespan of that specific computer.
Hosted Environment: Best for teams needing remote access, multi-user collaboration across different locations, or businesses wanting to isolate a sunset version of QuickBooks from their primary network. It shifts the burden of hardware maintenance and daily backups to a dedicated provider.

Managing Data Without Intuit Services

Because QuickBooks 2020 no longer connects to Intuit's servers, you must replace the automated services that were cut off. Bank feeds must now be processed manually by importing Web Connect (.qbo) files, CSV, or IIF formats directly from your bank's website. Similarly, payroll requires manual entry, as automatic tax table updates are no longer available for this version.

Hosting the software does not restore these lost connections, but it does ensure that the manual data you input is safely stored and consistently backed up. If your company file ever suffers data corruption during manual imports or routine use, specialized recovery is still entirely possible for the 2020 format. For severe file corruption or data loss in a discontinued version, you can rely on professional QuickBooks Desktop file repair to rebuild damaged company files without forcing an upgrade.

Next Steps for Your 2020 Setup

Before migrating your QuickBooks 2020 installation to any new environment, create a fresh, verified backup of your company file on your current local machine. Run the built-in Verify Data utility to ensure the file is structurally sound, save the backup to an external drive, and use that clean copy as the base for your new hosted or self-hosted server setup.