"I always upgrade with a cd, not a download. I install on my work desktop and also install on my home computer. I do not have internet available at home. So, if I cannot log into the Intuit account on that computer, will I be able to open the file at all or will it be stuck at that step?  "

This is the question I asked above but I am still not sure of the answer. 

In your reply I see the following:

- "sign in with your Intuit account is mandated when an existing QuickBooks Desktop Company file is opened using the Admin credentials, and no Intuit account is associated. QuickBooks users will be prompted to log in or create an Intuit account. Pro and Premier users may choose to delay this action for up to 28 days and QuickBooks Enterprise users up to 42."

- "you can always access your QuickBooks Desktop file from the computer it is installed on regardless of internet connection"

The first part I quoted sounds like I have to have internet connection to open the data file in QB2021 the 1st time I use it after installation, but the 2nd part says that I can ALWAYS access the file without internet.

Also the article you referenced states: "Save your Intuit account Primary Admin credentials. The QuickBooks Desktop file will require that you log back into the Intuit account, detailed in the steps above, every 180 days".

Please advise if the answer is yes or no.  Thank you