---
title: "Keeping the TaxCloud QuickBooks Plugin updated"
description: "The plugin updates itself — after the first install you don't need to redownload anything."
canonical_url: "https://support.taxcloud.com/articles/keeping-the-taxcloud-quickbooks-plugin-updated-Z4WdzSqvkj"
md_url: "https://support.taxcloud.com/articles/keeping-the-taxcloud-quickbooks-plugin-updated-Z4WdzSqvkj.md"
---
# Keeping the TaxCloud QuickBooks Plugin updated

The plugin updates itself — after the first install you don't need to redownload anything.

**In short:** if you've just been told a fix is out and want it now, close QuickBooks, right-click the tray icon → **Exit**, then relaunch the plugin from its Desktop shortcut. The update check happens on launch.

## How automatic updates work

Every time the plugin starts, it checks for a newer version. It starts at every Windows login and whenever you click its shortcut. Then:

So if you close QuickBooks at the end of the day (or reboot overnight), updates land within a day on their own.

## Check your version

* Hover or right-click the tray icon — the version shows near the top of the menu.
* Or open **Settings**; the version is in the bottom-left corner.

Compare it against the [latest release](https://github.com/FedTax/quickbooks-desktop-releases/releases/latest).

## Force an update now


1. Close QuickBooks completely (**File → Exit**).
2. Right-click the tray icon → **Exit**.
3. Relaunch the plugin from its Desktop or Start Menu shortcut. It sees the newer version, applies it, and continues.
4. Reopen QuickBooks if you need it.

The tray menu also has a **Check for updates…** item that checks immediately (production releases only).

## If an update won't apply

A few environments can block automatic updates:

* **Hosted desktops** that redirect `%LOCALAPPDATA%` to a network share.
* **Corporate firewalls** that block `api.github.com` or `objects.githubusercontent.com`.
* **Antivirus** that quarantines the update helper (`Update.exe`).

The manual path always works: download the latest `TaxCloud.QuickBooks.Plugin-win-Setup.exe` from the [releases page](https://github.com/FedTax/quickbooks-desktop-releases/releases/latest), close QuickBooks, exit the plugin, and run the installer. It upgrades over your existing install — your settings and API key are preserved.

## Version compatibility

Every version is backward-compatible with your existing settings and data. You can update from any version to any newer one without re-entering your API key or re-granting QuickBooks access. If a release ever needs action on your side, the release notes will say so.