QuickBooks is accounting software, which is available in different versions. It is very much important to know the version you are using. Knowing the version can be of very much help in various areas, especially when it comes to troubleshooting the QuickBooks software. If you are interested in learning the process to check the QuickBooks version, and release, then today’s article is just for you. Today, in this article we will be talking about the step-by-step procedure to find out the version, and release date of QuickBooks Desktop. Follow the instructions mentioned later in this article.
How to Check QuickBooks Desktop Version and Release?
When a user uses QuickBooks software, it is necessary for the user to know about the release and version of the software he/she is using. This helps in troubleshooting the QuickBooks errors.This article will help you with steps to check QuickBooks Desktop Version and their release.
The user can carry out the below instructions, in order to identify the version and release of the QuickBooks software being used and the when to update it:
Method 1
The user needs to move to the Home screen
And press hold Ctrl + 1 or F2 key to launch the product information window
The user will find the version, edition, and release appearing on top of the window on the product line.
It should be noted, if you are unable to open QuickBooks to get the product information due to the QuickBooks login screen displaying on the screen, and the admin password is not known, then it is recommended to click on cancel. QuickBooks will be in the No company open window by default. And, the user is recommended to press the Ctrl key and open QuickBooks and double click the QuickBooks program icon on the Desktop. The user should continue to press the Ctrl key, till the company's open window is seen.
Method 2
In case QuickBooks is still not opening:
The user is recommended to move to the QuickBooks program icon and right-click on it on Desktop and click on properties.
And after that move to the shortcut tab and click on the open file location.
The user will get the program executable file (QBW2.EXE) on the screen, and right click the QBW32.EXE and click on properties.
After that, move to the properties window and look for the General tab. The location line shows the year of your QuickBooks version.
The last step is to move to the details tab and check out the product version, the latest release update of the copy of QuickBooks shows.
How to check the Release of QuickBooks?
QuickBooks Desktop (Pro, Premier, or Enterprise)
For this, the user needs to start with QuickBooks Desktop and press F2 key
And after that, in the product information window, and then look for the product name, product number and also the license number
After that, you will be able to see the release at the end of the product name
QuickBooks Desktop for Mac (US only)
First of all, open the QuickBooks Desktop and then navigate to the help menu > Product information, in order to check the licence number and release.
After that, check if the QuickBooks Desktop for Mac demands any update or not.
QuickBooks Statement Writer (QSW)
For checking the version and release, the user is recommended to open QuickBooks Desktop and then navigate to the report’s menu > QuickBooks Statement Writer. Once the program opens up, the user needs to select the help and about QuickBooks statement writer. After that, the information of the release will be seen in the about window.
For updating the QuickBooks statement writer:
The user needs to open the QuickBooks statement writer.
And then, choose the help center and also update option.
QuickBooks Basic or Enhanced payroll (US only)
The user needs to apply this to check the payroll release: Open QuickBooks Desktop and then go to the employee’s menu > payroll center.
Also, select the payroll tab in order to check the subscription status window
The user is also supposed to download the latest payroll update and see the latest payroll tax table.
QuickBooks Point of Sale (US only)
It is recommended to apply this to check the QuickBooks Point of Sale release.
After that navigate to the help menu > about point of sale. The user can see the release and version in the product line at the top.
And then, if the QuickBooks Point of Sale needs to be updated, then make sure to update QuickBooks Point of Sale for Desktop to the latest release.
QuickBooks Merchant services or QuickBooks payments (US only)
From the start, the QuickBooks is only used as an entry point. Also, there is no release available for this.
How to check the Version of QuickBooks?
QuickBooks Enterprise/Premier/Pro/Accountant
With QuickBooks open, press F2. QuickBooks will display a Product Information window. The first line of the Product Information window gives the QuickBooks product version followed by the release number RnP (where n is the release number).
Alternatively you can hold down the CTRL key and press the number 1 (CTRL+1). Use the number one key at the top of your keyboard rather than the one on the number pad to the right.
Now, look at the version in the version used in the file section. The list is sorted with the oldest version at the top and the most recent at the bottom
It should be noted that the most recently used version is shown at the bottom of the list:

Code
Version
V31
QuickBooks Desktop 2021
V30
QuickBooks Desktop 2020
V29
QuickBooks Desktop 2019
V28
QuickBooks Desktop 2018
V27
QuickBooks Desktop 2017
V26
QuickBooks Desktop 2016

QuickBooks 2003 and older
With QuickBooks open, hold down the CTRL key and press the number 1 (CTRL+1). Use the number one key at the top of your keyboard rather than the one on the number pad to the right. QuickBooks will display a Product Information window. The first line of the Product Information window gives the QuickBooks product version followed by the release number.
QuickBooks for Mac
With QuickBooks open, click Help > Product Information. The first line of the Product Information window gives the QuickBooks product version followed by the release number. For example: QuickBooks Pro 2018 for Mac R3.
QuickBooks Payroll
With QuickBooks open, click employees > Payroll Center. Then click the Payroll tab to see the Subscription Status information.
Windows: If you cannot open QuickBooks to find the product information:
Press and hold the CTRL key, and then double-click the QuickBooks icon on your Desktop. Continue pressing the CTRL key until you see the No Company Open window, then release the CTRL key.
If QuickBooks still does not open:
Right-click the QuickBooks icon on your Desktop, and click Properties.
Click Find Target and right click QBW32.EXE.
Click Properties and click the General tab. The Location line shows the year of your QuickBooks version.
Click the Version tab and under Item name, click File Version. To the right, under Value, the last release update to your copy of QuickBooks appears. For example: 18.0D R12. The number 18 refers to QuickBooks 2008 (17 would refer to 2007 and so on). The R12 refers to release 12.