# TLDR Review: QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2020

*Published: 2026-01-06 | Updated: 2026-01-06 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/quickbooks-desktop-premier-2020*

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## Product: QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2020
**Brand:** QuickBooks

## Pros
- Installation process is straightforward and took about 10 minutes.
- Functionality was satisfactory after installation, with everything working smoothly.
- Desktop version avoids ongoing membership or renewal fees, making it a one-time purchase.
- Setup process is manageable after entering the provided code on the Intuit site.
- Initial doubts were overcome, leading to a positive overall experience despite early concerns.
- Considered fairly priced compared to other sources for this discontinued product.

## Cons
- Received a used disk instead of a new one, which was misrepresented by the vendor.
- The disk did not work and required a costly subscription for activation at $449.
- Setup process can be time-consuming and at times frustrating.
- Frequent requirement for a new validation code is inconvenient for users.
- Initial download attempts were unsuccessful, leading to user frustration.
- Some negative reviews indicated issues with functionality and complexity of the software.

## Bottom Line

While **Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2020** offers satisfactory functionality and a one-time payment structure, potential buyers should be cautious about vendor reliability and the possibility of receiving used or non-functional disks. If you're looking for a more streamlined experience, consider exploring other accounting software options, as they may offer more user-friendly validation processes or better support for initial setup.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Installation process is straightforward and took about 10 minutes. | Received a used disk instead of a new one, which was misrepresented by the vendor. |
| Functionality was satisfactory after installation, with everything working smoothly. | The disk did not work and required a costly subscription for activation at $449. |
| Desktop version avoids ongoing membership or renewal fees, making it a one-time purchase. | Setup process can be time-consuming and at times frustrating. |
| Setup process is manageable after entering the provided code on the Intuit site. | Frequent requirement for a new validation code is inconvenient for users. |
| Initial doubts were overcome, leading to a positive overall experience despite early concerns. | Initial download attempts were unsuccessful, leading to user frustration. |
| Considered fairly priced compared to other sources for this discontinued product. | Some negative reviews indicated issues with functionality and complexity of the software. |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*