CloudTop Office hosts your licensed QuickBooks Desktop in our secure Azure environment so you can work from anywhere with full desktop functionality, real-time collaboration, and 24/7 support.
General
What is QuickBooks Desktop Hosting?
We host your licensed QuickBooks Desktop (Pro, Premier, Enterprise, Accountant) on a secure virtual desktop in Microsoft Azure. You get full desktop functionality with anywhere access and real-time multi-user collaboration—without buying or maintaining servers.
How is this different from QuickBooks Online?
Hosted QuickBooks Desktop delivers the full desktop feature set in the cloud. QuickBooks Online is Intuit’s browser-based product with a different feature set and workflow. We support both and can help you choose the best fit for your needs.
Who is hosting best for?
Small to mid-sized businesses, accountants, contractors, nonprofits, and multi-location teams that need robust desktop features, centralized data, and secure multi-user access without managing on‑prem servers.
Getting Started
How do we access our hosted QuickBooks?
Install a small, secure plugin on any device (Windows, Mac, tablet, or smartphone), sign in with your credentials, and launch your virtual desktop. You’ll see your familiar QuickBooks Desktop and any other hosted apps you’ve added.
How long does setup take?
Many environments are ready in about 1 business day after we receive your requirements, licenses, and data. Complex migrations may take longer—we’ll provide a clear timeline up front.
Can you migrate our existing company files?
Yes. We securely move your QuickBooks files (QBW, TLG, and related folders), validate access and performance, and configure backups and security before go‑live.
Can my accountant or bookkeeper log in?
Yes. Add them as a user with appropriate permissions and they can work securely from anywhere, at the same time as your team if needed.
What do you need from us to start?
- QuickBooks edition/year and license details
- Number of users and their roles/permissions
- List of add‑ons/integrations
- Current data location and approximate file size
- Any device, printing, or compliance requirements
Security & Compliance
Where is our data hosted?
In Microsoft Azure data centers with enterprise-grade security, redundancy, and resilience. We can discuss preferred regions if you have data residency requirements.
How is data protected?
- Encryption in transit (TLS) and at rest
- Network firewalls and role-based access controls
- Optional multi‑factor authentication (MFA)
- Regular patching, monitoring, and hardening
- Options for IP allowlisting and advanced controls
Do you provide backups and disaster recovery?
Yes. We back up your data with multiple restore points in our Azure environment. Enhanced backup retention and disaster recovery options are available on request.
Do we own our data?
Absolutely. You own your data and can request a full copy at any time. We assist with exports during offboarding to ensure a smooth transition.
Performance & Uptime
What uptime do you provide?
We target 99.98% uptime with 24/7 monitoring and support by our team.
How is performance managed?
We size CPU, RAM, and storage to your workload. As your file size or team grows, we scale resources to keep performance fast and consistent.
Are there maintenance windows?
Yes. We schedule occasional maintenance during low‑usage hours and notify admins ahead of time whenever possible.
Compatibility & Versions
Which QuickBooks versions do you support?
Most supported editions: Pro, Premier, Enterprise, and Accountant. We’ll confirm your specific year/edition and any add‑ons or custom components during onboarding.
Can you host older versions?
Often yes, though Intuit’s support policies vary by version. We’ll assess your setup and recommend the best path forward.
Do you support QuickBooks add‑ons?
Yes—many popular add‑ons and integrations work in our environment (e.g., QuickBooks Time, Avalara, Bill.com, QODBC, and industry tools). Share your list and we’ll validate compatibility and configuration.
Licensing & Updates
Do you provide QuickBooks licenses?
You can bring your own licenses, or we can help you purchase the correct edition and seats through Intuit or an authorized reseller.
Who handles updates?
We manage server updates. QuickBooks application updates are coordinated with you to minimize downtime and maintain add‑on compatibility.
Multi‑User & Files
How many users can access at once?
From a single user to larger teams. We support multi‑user mode and can scale resources and licensing as you grow.
Can we host multiple company files?
Yes. We’ll organize file storage and permissions so each user only sees what they need, with secure separation between companies if required.
Are there file size limits?
QuickBooks doesn’t enforce a strict cap, but very large files can affect performance. We’ll monitor and recommend optimization steps (condensing, archiving, or upgrading resources) if needed.
Printing, Scanning & Devices
Can we print checks, invoices, and PDFs?
Yes. Most local printers (including check stock) work via the remote client. You can also save to PDF and email directly from QuickBooks.
Do scanners and label printers work?
Many USB devices pass through to the hosted session. Share your model numbers and we’ll test or confirm compatibility and setup steps.
Can we use Macs, iPads, or phones?
Yes. Access your virtual desktop from Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, tablets, and smartphones.
Email & Bank Feeds
Can QuickBooks email invoices from the hosted desktop?
Yes. Use Outlook on the hosted desktop or configure SMTP with your email provider. We’ll help you set it up and test delivery.
Do bank feeds and connected apps work?
In most cases, yes. Sign into your bank or third‑party apps inside the hosted desktop as you normally would. Some connections require periodic re‑authentication or MFA—our team can assist.
Support
What support is included?
- 24/7 monitoring and help desk
- Unlimited access to our support portal
- Remote assistance for hosted desktops, connectivity, printers, and common QuickBooks hosting issues
- Application consulting (bookkeeping/workflows) is available separately
How do I contact support?
Call (713) 662-3994, Toll-Free (866) 710-4228, or submit a ticket via our support portal.
Billing & Contracts
How is pricing structured?
Per user, per month, with options for storage, backups, and advanced security. Every environment is unique—request a personalized quote and we’ll tailor it to your needs.
Is there a long‑term contract?
We offer flexible terms. Tell us your preference and we’ll recommend the best plan for your budget and timeline.
Do you offer trials or pilots?
Pilot options may be available depending on scope and integrations. Contact us to discuss what’s feasible for your team.
Onboarding & Offboarding
What does onboarding include?
- Environment provisioning and security configuration
- Data migration and validation
- User creation, permissions, and optional MFA
- Printer and device setup assistance
- Go‑live support and knowledge transfer
What happens if we decide to leave?
We’ll help you export your data and applications, provide a complete backup, and coordinate a smooth handoff to your new environment.
Troubleshooting Highlights
I can’t print from QuickBooks. What should I check?
Make sure your local printer is set as default and redirected to the hosted session, confirm drivers, and test printing to PDF. If the device isn’t passing through, contact support and we’ll assist.
Bank feeds aren’t updating.
Re‑authenticate your bank connection inside the hosted desktop and check for MFA prompts. Some banks require periodic re‑linking—our team can help complete the process.
QuickBooks won’t email invoices.
Verify Outlook or SMTP settings on the hosted desktop, confirm credentials, and ensure your email provider allows SMTP from external apps. We’ll walk you through the correct configuration.
Still have questions?
Talk to a member of our team: (713) 662-3994 or Toll-Free (866) 710-4228

