QuickBooks Desktop 2016 Hosting: Remote Access Without Intuit

Last reviewed 2026-07-04 3 min read

Learn how to keep QuickBooks Desktop 2016 running remotely after discontinuation. Compare third-party hosting, self-hosted RDP, and local machine setups.

QuickBooks Desktop 2016 officially reached the end of its supported lifecycle on May 31, 2019. When Intuit sunsets a version, it cuts off access to live technical support, add-on services, and security updates. However, discontinuation does not mean the software stops working. If you want to keep your 2016 installation alive but need to move it off a local machine—either for remote work or multi-user access—you have reliable hosting options that do not require an Intuit-supported environment.

Why Host QuickBooks Desktop 2016?

Moving your 2016 installation to a hosted environment allows you and your team to access the same company file simultaneously from different locations. It also centralizes your data. Because QuickBooks 2016 no longer receives security patches from Intuit, keeping the software isolated within a secure, controlled hosting environment—rather than on a potentially exposed local workstation—is a practical way to maintain your workflow while protecting your data long-term.

Third-Party QuickBooks Hosting

Independent cloud service providers can host your existing QuickBooks Desktop 2016 software and company file. You rent space on a virtual server managed by the provider.

How it works: You provide the hosting company with your valid QuickBooks Desktop 2016 installation files and license numbers. They install the software on a dedicated or shared virtual server and upload your company file.
The tradeoff: This route provides a hands-off IT experience. The provider handles server maintenance, daily backups, and physical security. The main drawback is the ongoing monthly or annual subscription cost per user.
Version note: Because Intuit no longer officially supports 2016, some providers may push you toward newer versions. You will need to confirm with the provider that they explicitly support hosting discontinued versions on their infrastructure.

Self-Hosted Remote Desktop

If you want complete control over your QuickBooks 2016 environment without paying a third-party host, you can build your own remote setup. This process is identical across all QuickBooks Desktop versions.

How it works: You designate one physical machine in your office (or a server in a data center) as the "host." You install QuickBooks Desktop 2016 on that machine, set it to host multi-user access, and store the company file directly on it.
Remote access: To connect from outside the office, you use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) on Windows or a third-party remote access tool (like TeamViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop) to log into the host machine.
The tradeoff: You avoid recurring hosting fees and maintain total control over the hardware. However, you become entirely responsible for hardware failures, managing firewall ports, and running your own daily backups.

Local Machine vs. Hosted Environment

Keeping QuickBooks 2016 on a local desktop or laptop is the simplest path, but it limits accessibility. If you operate entirely from a single computer and never need remote access or multi-user collaboration, a local setup is perfectly fine for a discontinued version.

If your business requires mobility or has multiple users who need to log in from different locations, moving the software to a hosted environment is the most stable approach. It prevents the need to physically transport your company file on a USB drive or risk transferring it over unencrypted email.

Keeping Your 2016 File Safe

Whether you use a third-party host, a self-hosted server, or a local machine, the integrity of your company file is paramount. Older versions of QuickBooks are more susceptible to file corruption simply due to the age of the database structure interacting with newer operating systems. If you encounter data damage while running 2016 in a hosted environment, you can repair your damaged QuickBooks company file to restore its stability without needing to upgrade your software.

To ensure your 2016 installation remains stable, establish a strict backup routine. If you are self-hosting, configure automatic local and off-site backups of your .qbw file. If you use a third-party host, verify their service level agreement regarding backup frequency and data retention before committing.