[Top 5 Ways] How to Access QuickBooks Desktop Remotely

How can you allow remote access to QuickBooks Desktop?

Relying on traditional on-premises QuickBooks Desktop can be problematic for businesses, especially when remote access is needed. Whether you need to use the accounting application from various devices or assist clients outside regular business hours, the lack of remote access can challenge your business's reliability and damage its reputation.

Despite QuickBooks' popularity, the desktop version doesn't support remote access. Fortunately, there are straightforward methods to overcome this limitation. This post explores effective and secure solutions for achieving remote access to QuickBooks.

How to access QuickBooks Desktop remotely [5 ways]

Transitioning to a remote work setup requires dependable solutions for accessing QuickBooks Desktop from home. Intuit offers several recognized methods to enable remote access, each with its benefits and considerations.

These options cater to various business needs and preferences, allowing companies to select the method that best fits their operational requirements and security standards.

Way 1. Remote desktop software AnyViewer

AnyViewer is a third-party remote desktop solution that enables users to access QuickBooks Desktop on a remote server through a remote desktop protocol. With AnyViewer, you can connect to the server and use QuickBooks as though it were installed on your local machine.

Integrating the add-on with AnyViewer enhances its functionality beyond basic remote desktop access, allowing users to perform a range of advanced tasks, including:

• Unattended remote control: Operate the remote server's mouse and keyboard from anywhere, even if no one is present at the computer.
• File transfer: Easily transfer files between your local device and the remote server using drag-and-drop or a file manager.
• Multiple sessions: Manage and control several remote servers simultaneously.
• Screen sharing: Share the remote server's screen in real time for presentations or collaborative tasks.
• Mobile access: Control the remote server from your smartphone or tablet (iOS and Android) via the AnyViewer mobile app.

In addition to its advanced features, AnyViewer prioritizes user data security with several robust measures. It ensures that all data transfers between devices are protected using asymmetric ECC 256-bit end-to-end encryption. Key security features of AnyViewer also include:

• Two-factor authentication
• Screen blackening and remote input disabling
• Interface and auto-lock screen
• Complete remote access blocking

Way 2. QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online, a cloud-based solution from Intuit, allows remote access to your accounting tasks from any compatible device, with user collaboration based on your selected plan. It provides robust security by safeguarding data from unauthorized access, viruses, malware, and accidental loss, with data stored on remote servers.

Opting for QuickBooks Online offers several advantages, including:

• Easy shared access for multiple users
• Strong support with online chat options
• Secure data management with no backup needs

However, QuickBooks Online lacks some features found in QuickBooks Desktop and differs significantly from both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Hosting. Additionally, its user interface varies from QuickBooks Desktop, which might affect the user experience.

Way 3. Hosting QuickBooks Desktop on cloud

Hosting QuickBooks Desktop on a cloud server provides users with the flexibility to access their accounting software from any device with an internet connection. This method offers scalability and secure access.

Intuit permits the authorized hosting of QuickBooks Desktop on third-party servers, allowing users to connect to the software from anywhere, as long as they have a stable internet connection.

Application hosting supports all versions of QuickBooks Desktop, maintaining a familiar user interface that eases the transition to the cloud. Users can access QuickBooks from their preferred devices, whether desktop computers, smartphones, or laptops.

Hosting providers manage the cloud servers, alleviating the IT team's workload and enabling businesses to concentrate on their core activities. QuickBooks hosting also facilitates multi-user collaboration and integrates seamlessly with over 200 add-ons, enhancing productivity in areas like billing, sales, time tracking, and workflow management.

Reliable QuickBooks hosting providers ensure robust security with multiple mechanisms, including:

• End-to-end data encryption
• Advanced anti-virus and anti-malware systems
• Intrusion detection and prevention systems
• Multi-level firewall protection
• Multi-factor authentication
• Automated data backups

Way 4. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Businesses can use a VPN to securely connect to their office network and access QuickBooks Desktop installed on an office computer. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel over the Internet, allowing you to access your office network privately.

This connection safeguards your data by encrypting it as it travels through potentially unsecured public networks. VPNs are widely used to securely access office resources, including QuickBooks Desktop, from remote locations.

Way 5. Hosted Virtual Desktop (HVD)

A Hosted Virtual Desktop (HVD), or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), is a cloud-based solution that offers virtualized desktop environments accessible from multiple devices. In an HVD setup, the entire desktop environment, including applications like QuickBooks Desktop, is hosted on remote servers in a data center. Users access these virtual desktops via the Internet, enjoying the same functionalities as on a physical computer.

HVDs provide several advantages:

• Centralized management: Hosting all desktops on servers streamlines management and updates.
• Device flexibility: Users can access virtual desktops from various devices, enhancing remote work capabilities.
• Data security: Sensitive information remains on servers, minimizing risks associated with local device breaches.
• Resource efficiency: Shared server resources lead to better optimization and efficiency.
• Quick scalability: Easily adjust resources to meet changing user demands.

The bottom line

In conclusion, this post introduces how to access QuickBooks Desktop remotely. Options like remote desktop software AnyViewer, QuickBooks Online, cloud hosting, VPNs, and Hosted Virtual Desktops each offer distinct advantages. These solutions provide flexibility, security, and ease of access, allowing you to work effectively from anywhere. Choose the method that best fits your business needs to ensure smooth and reliable remote access.