Important update: Intuit has retired the QuickBooks Remote Access add-on (the Cisco WebEx-based tool). You can no longer sign up for it, and the old signup links no longer work. If you landed here looking to buy or set up Intuit's Remote Access tool, this post explains what the service was, why it was discontinued – and the current, working alternatives to access QuickBooks Desktop remotely.
For help choosing or setting up an alternative, our experts can guide you.
Table of Contents
Is QuickBooks Remote Access still available?
No. Intuit retired the QuickBooks Remote Access add-on. New signups are closed, and existing setups no longer function as a supported product. The old pricing plans (QuickBooks Access at $99.95/month and Full Desktop Access at $149.75/month) and the signup page are dead and should not be used.
Note: Intuit has also discontinued add-on services for older QuickBooks Desktop versions entirely – after May 31, 2020 for Desktop 2017, and after May 31, 2023 for Desktop 2020 (Pro, Premier, and Enterprise). If you are on an old version, upgrading is part of the fix.
What was QuickBooks Remote Access?
QuickBooks Remote Access was an Intuit add-on that let you connect to a remote computer running QuickBooks Desktop through a secured web session. It was built on Cisco WebEx technology and allowed you to:
- Access your QuickBooks company file from another location
- Copy files and folders between the local and remote computers
- Print documents from the remote PC to a local printer
- Let multiple people collaborate while monitoring accountant activity
It was useful in its time – especially during the shift to remote work – but Intuit has moved on, and so should you.
Current alternatives to access QuickBooks Desktop remotely
Option 1: Authorized QuickBooks hosting (recommended for businesses)
Intuit-authorized hosting providers run your QuickBooks Desktop on their managed cloud servers, so you log in from anywhere with an internet connection. You keep the full Desktop feature set, get multi-user collaboration, and the provider handles maintenance, backups, and security. This is the closest replacement for the old Remote Access tool.
Option 2: Switch to QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online runs entirely in the cloud – no remote-access tool needed. You get anytime-anywhere access, automatic updates, and built-in accountant access. The trade-off: it doesn't have every Desktop feature, and the interface is different.
| QuickBooks Online | QuickBooks Hosting |
| Managed by Intuit, runs in the cloud | Your Desktop software on a provider's server |
| Automatic updates, no maintenance | Full Desktop features and add-ons |
| Lower per-user cost for small teams | More provider/package choices |
Option 3: Free remote-desktop tools (for occasional access)
- Chrome Remote Desktop (free): install it on the office PC, set a strong PIN, and access that computer from anywhere.
- Windows Remote Desktop: built into Windows Pro/Enterprise (not Home) – use it over a VPN, never open it directly to the internet.
These work for occasional access but depend on the office computer staying on, and they lack the managed backups and multi-user handling of hosting.
Read Also: How to Transfer QuickBooks to a New Computer Easily?
How to choose the right option
- Need full Desktop features from anywhere, with multiple users? → Authorized hosting.
- Want the simplest cloud setup and don't need Desktop-only features? → QuickBooks Online.
- Just need to check in on the office PC occasionally? → Chrome Remote Desktop or Windows Remote Desktop with a VPN.
Whichever you choose, make sure automatic backups are running – remote setups are only as safe as their last backup.
Read Also: How to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error Code H505?
Conclusion!
QuickBooks Remote Access served its purpose, but Intuit has retired it – the old signup pages, pricing, and setup steps no longer work. The good news is that today's alternatives (authorized hosting, QuickBooks Online, and free remote-desktop tools) are better and more reliable. If you need help picking or setting up the right one for your business, call our professionals – we'll handle it for you.
FAQs
Is QuickBooks Remote Access still available?
No. Intuit retired the QuickBooks Remote Access add-on. You cannot sign up for it anymore, and the old signup links are dead.
Why was QuickBooks Remote Access discontinued?
Intuit retired the WebEx-based add-on as part of consolidating its products around QuickBooks Online and authorized hosting partners. Add-on services for older Desktop versions (2017, 2020) were also discontinued.
What is the best replacement for QuickBooks Remote Access?
For businesses, Intuit-authorized QuickBooks hosting is the closest replacement – full Desktop features accessible from anywhere. For simpler needs, QuickBooks Online or a free tool like Chrome Remote Desktop works.
Can I still use the old Remote Access installer if I have it?
It is not supported and will not connect to Intuit's retired service. Don't rely on it – move to one of the alternatives above.
Is it safe to access QuickBooks over the internet?
Yes, if done right: use authorized hosting or QuickBooks Online (both use strong encryption), or use Windows Remote Desktop only over a VPN. Never expose remote desktop directly to the internet.
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