Dynamics NAV End of Support: Dates and the Move to Business Central

Dynamics NAV support dates

Version	Mainstream support ended	Extended support ends
NAV 2016	13 April 2021	14 April 2026 (ended)
NAV 2017	11 January 2022	11 January 2027
NAV 2018	10 January 2023	11 January 2028
Business Central 14 on premises	10 October 2023	14 October 2025 (ended)

Business Central version 15 and later on premises follow Microsoft’s modern lifecycle policy: each version is supported for about 18 months, and you stay supported only by keeping current.

What end of support means

No more security updates
No regulatory or tax updates, such as changes to VAT or Making Tax Digital requirements
Add on vendors and partners gradually stop supporting the version
It gets harder to find people who know the old code
The risk rises every year you stay

Routes from NAV to Business Central

Route	What it involves	Suits
Technical upgrade and cloud migration	Upgrade NAV 2015 to 2018 to Business Central 14 on premises, convert customisations from C/AL to AL extensions, upgrade to a current version and use Microsoft’s cloud migration tool; NAV 2013 goes via NAV 2018 first	Well run systems with valuable customisations and history
Reimplementation	Implement Business Central fresh and move open balances, master data and limited history; Microsoft also offers a reimplementation tool that moves essential data only	Heavily customised or messy systems, or a business that has changed since NAV went in
Move to a different ERP	Treat it as a new selection	Businesses that have outgrown the NAV way of working

Upgrade or reimplement?

Most NAV systems carry years of customisations, many of which are no longer needed. A reimplementation is often cheaper over five years than carrying them forward, because it removes code you would otherwise maintain and lets you adopt standard processes. Decide after a short fit gap review of what the business actually needs today.

Dynamics GP is on the same path

Microsoft stopped selling new Dynamics GP subscriptions on 1 April 2026. Enhancements, tax updates and support end on 30 September 2029, and security patches on 30 April 2031. Microsoft points smaller GP customers to Business Central and larger ones to Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management.

How to plan the move

Inventory customisations, integrations and reports
Decide between upgrade and reimplementation
Clean the data before you move it
Choose a partner on evidence, not on the lowest day rate
Plan cutover for a quiet period, such as just after a month end
Allow for hypercare

Common questions

Is Dynamics NAV still supported?

Mainstream support has ended for every version. Extended support for NAV 2016 ended in April 2026; NAV 2017 ends on 11 January 2027 and NAV 2018 on 11 January 2028.

When does NAV 2018 support end?

Extended support for Dynamics NAV 2018 ends on 11 January 2028.

Can I upgrade NAV to Business Central?

Yes. NAV 2015 to 2018 can be upgraded via Business Central 14 on premises, with customisations converted to extensions, and then migrated to the cloud. Older versions need an extra step, and many businesses choose to reimplement instead.

How much does it cost to move from NAV to Business Central?

It depends mainly on customisations, data and integrations. A reimplementation is usually priced like a new Business Central project, and is often cheaper over five years than carrying old customisations forward.

If you are still on NAV, the decision to upgrade or reimplement is worth getting right before you talk price with partners. We can give you an independent view in a few weeks.

Book a confidential conversation

Dynamics NAV end of support: dates, risks and the move to Business Central