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btks
btks
November 25, 2020
Question

requirement to log into intuit account to use desktop file

  • November 25, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 0 views

I have read other questions and replies, but still do not see a definite answer.  I was planning to upgrade my desktop file to 2021, but am waiting until I find this answer.  I have 1 desktop file on a stand alone desktop computer.  I am the only user.  I do NOT use any other Intuit services or keep any sensitive data in my file.  Will I be required to have an Intuit account and log into it to use my data file on my computer? or is this requirement only for users of connected services?

2 replies

IamjuViel
IamjuViel
November 25, 2020

Hello there, @btks.

 

Let me share some information on how QuickBooks manages the security of your data.

 

QuickBooks Desktop 2021 doesn't require that you stay logged in to your company file using your Intuit account. However, it requires you to sign in as the administrator user anytime you're opening an existing company file or creating a new one. 

 

However, you'd only be asked to do so once you enter sensitive information in your company file. Here are some of the personally identifiable information (PII) that may trigger the login feature:

  • Employee and Company Social Security Number
  • Company Bank Details (Routing Number, Account Number)
  • Accounts with bank or credit card numbers
  • Customers with CC numbers
  • Vendors with Tax ID’s

Also, if your QuickBooks company file is linked to your Intuit Merchant Services and uses the payroll subscription, you'd be asked to login as administrator. You can read through this article for more detailed information: Password security for QuickBooks Desktop.

 

On the other hand, you'd be asked to log in using your Intuit account on the following occasions:

  • Creating your QuickBooks company file
  • Add a user
  • Sign in to My Company
  • Accessing Intuit User Account Management

You can check these articles for more details on managing and securing your accounts: 

Always feel free to click the Reply button below if you have other questions about accessing your company file in QuickBooks. I'm always a few clicks away.

btks
btksAuthor
November 25, 2020

So, just to clarify, if I do not use merchant services, payroll, bank feeds, or any other Intuit service I would not have to log into an intuit account to gain access to my database.  I do understand that I have to log into the database.  I have always had it and my desktop computer password protected.

    AlcaeusF
    AlcaeusF
    November 25, 2020

    Thanks for getting back to us, @btks.

     

    When opening your new QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) company file, you're required to log in using your Intuit account ID after signing in as Admin. The good news is, you can still use the same credentials even after upgrading your QBDT version.

     

    After that, you're no longer required to log in using your Intuit account unless you perform the following:

     

    • Create another QuickBooks company file
    • Add a user
    • Sign in to My Company
    • Accessing Intuit User Account Management

     

    For more information about upgrading QBDT and opening a company, consider checking out these articles:

     

     

    Leave a comment in this thread if you have any additional questions. I'll be more than happy to help. Have a wonderful day!

    btks
    btksAuthor
    April 23, 2021

    I never did seem to get a definite answer here so I have not upgraded to pro 2021. 

    I have been watching discussions about this issue both here and on other sites.  Others have said that they HAVE been locked out of their desktop files if they did not create an account. Also someone with their file on a non-internet connected computer said that they lost access to their file:

     

    fish taco
    Level 1
     ‎February 17, 2021 12:06 PM
     
     Where I use QB desktop I don't have internet access, that is why I got the desktop version, so having the Intuit popup that blocks me from using desktop version offline makes this product useless 
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