I understand that you want to use your QuickBooks Desktop offline, amhaas65.   

Before we proceed, May I know which country are you using QuickBooks for? Just so you know, the desktop version of QuickBooks is only available for 3 countries, namely, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. All other countries only support the online version of QuickBooks. 

To answer your question if you'll be able to use QB Desktop offline, not totally offline, because the desktop editions are not completely offline, as it needs to be connected to the web to download program updates. You also need to connect it to the internet if you process payroll and use third-party applications. 

I understand you want to work with QBDT offline. I suggest submit a feedback on how you'd like to see an option to work offline for QBDT. Navigate to the Help then choose  Send Feedback Online and have your voice heard by our product development team.  

I'll be with you again should you have additional concerns about QuickBooks. Take care!