I'm here to cinch that you can convert your data swiftly, @rajwalia.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the whole process on how to import your QuickBooks Online Payroll (QBOP) data to QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT). 

Ensure that you're using Standalone Payroll Products like Core, Premium, or Elite to accomplish these instructions. Once confirmed, let's set up your preferences in your account. 

1. Go to the Gear icon, then choose Payroll Settings.
2. Click the Pencil icon next to Export. 
3. Choose QuickBooks Online and tap Continue. 
4. Select the company you want to export into and choose the accounts for each wage expense or liability.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup. 

After that, you can now export your payroll data. Let me show you how. 

1. Go back to the Payroll settings page. 
2. Choose Export transactions in the Export section. 
3. Click Export. 

For the complete details, check out this link: Export into QuickBooks Online or Desktop from Core, Premium, or Elite Standalone Payroll.

Once done, you can now import the data into QBDT. But before that, you'll need to update your account for the latest release. Ensure to check out the system requirements for QBDT 2021 to get the best experience. 

When finished, follow the steps below to accomplish the import process.

1. Make a backup to your QBDT just in case. 
2. Go to the File menu, then choose Utilities. 
3. Select Import, then pick the appropriate type files. 
4. Click OK and follow the on-screen instructions. 

Click this article to know the different ways to import data in QuickBooks: Import and export data in QuickBooks Desktop. 

Lastly, here's an article that'll further guide you on the basic workflows and tasks you can do using QBDT: Working with QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Enterprise. It includes topics about getting started with the system, moving company files, and running your business. 

Kindly revert to this thread if you have further questions about converting data. I'm still here for you. I hope all is well.

@rajwalia 

QB Desktop 2017 is already outdated. Afaik, you are only able to utilize the payroll feature on a supported QB Desktop version (i.e 2019-2021). Consider upgrading your version to QBD 2021 with a one time license. Otherwise, you may import your payroll data as Journal Entries into QBD 2017.

This is really the worst integration process flow I've ever seen. You can't see what your exporting, you have to dig through settings to export data, it's terrible.

I have to agree. I went from QBO to QBDT 2022 and paycheck detail was stripped from paychecks and converted to a journal entry. Appears payroll department and accounting department don't communicate well with each other.