You’ve got a notice. Someone in IT mentioned it. Your renewal came up and a question got raised.
Whatever triggered it, you are now wondering what “end of support” means in practice. Here is a straight answer.
What “End of Support” Means in Plain Terms
Your NAV system does not switch off. It keeps running.
What stops is Microsoft’s involvement with it.
Specifically:
- Security patches stop. Any vulnerability found in your version stays unfixed permanently.
- Bug fixes stop. Functional errors in the software will not be corrected by Microsoft.
- New features stop. Your version is frozen while Business Central, the successor product, continues to develop.
- Microsoft partner support stops. Your IT partner can no longer raise official support cases with Microsoft on your behalf for that version.
- You are not left with a broken system overnight. You are left with a system that gets riskier to run the longer you stay on it.
Which NAV Versions Are Already Out of Support?
Version, Mainstream Support Ended, Extended Support Ended
NAV 2013 / 2013 R2, October 2018, October 2023
NAV 2015, October 2020, October 2025
NAV 2016, April 2021, April 2026
NAV 2017, October 2021, October 2026
NAV 2018, October 2023, October 2028
Mainstream support ending means no new features and no non-security fixes.
Extended support ending is the harder line. After that date, security patches stop completely.
If you are on NAV 2015 or earlier, you are fully out of support right now. If you are on NAV 2016 or 2017, that hard deadline arrives in 2026. NAV 2018 users have until 2028 for security patches, but the version is already feature-frozen.
Not sure which version you are on? Your IT team or current partner can tell you in minutes.
What the Real Risks Are
Security
Unpatched vulnerabilities do not disappear. They get discovered, shared, and exploited.
Your ERP holds a significant amount of sensitive data: customer records, financial transactions, supplier information, payroll. Running a version that no longer receives security fixes means known weaknesses in that software stay open.
The risk grows over time, not overnight. But it does grow.
Compliance
Several regulatory frameworks, including GDPR, require organisations to take reasonable steps to protect personal data. Running software that no longer receives security updates can put you on the wrong side of that requirement.
Auditors are asking about software currency more often than they used to. If your ERP is flagged as end-of-life during an audit, you will need to explain it and potentially fix it on someone else’s timeline rather than your own.
Cyber Insurance
This is the one that catches people off guard.
Many cyber insurance policies include clauses that require covered systems to run supported software. If you suffer a breach or ransomware attack while running an unsupported version of NAV, your insurer may decline the claim.
Check your policy wording now. Do not wait until after an incident to find out where you stand.
What Your Options Are
Migrate to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
This is the direct upgrade path. Business Central is the cloud-based successor to NAV. It shares the same functional foundations, receives continuous updates, and is fully supported by Microsoft. For most NAV businesses, this is the most practical long-term route.
Move to Business Central on-premises
If cloud deployment does not suit your business, Business Central can also run on-premises. You get current software and ongoing support without changing your hosting model.
Stay on NAV with a documented plan
If you are not ready to move yet, that is a legitimate position. The problem is staying on NAV without a plan. “Not now” needs a timeline attached to it, otherwise you are just deferring the risk without managing it.
Extended support arrangements
Some Microsoft partners can provide structured support arrangements for businesses that need more time before migrating. These are bridge solutions, not permanent ones, but they can give you room to plan properly.
Talk to Tecvia About Your Situation
If you are on an older version of NAV and are not sure what your next step looks like, Tecvia can help you work that out.
No generic pitch. Just a clear conversation about your version, your setup, and what a realistic path forward looks like for your business.
Get in touch at tecvia.co.uk.
FAQs
We hope this FAQ section provides you with the information you need. For any other inquiries, please reach out to us directly. We’re here to support you and ensure your Dynamics 365 Business Central experience is smooth and successful.
No. The software keeps running. End of support means Microsoft stops issuing patches and fixes. It does not remotely disable your system. The risk builds gradually, it does not arrive on a single date.
The absence of a visible problem is not the same as the absence of risk. Security vulnerabilities do not announce themselves before they are exploited. The longer you stay on an unpatched system, the more exposure you carry.
Functionally, it shares a lot with NAV. Most users find the core workflows familiar. The main differences are the deployment model, the interface, and the ongoing update cycle. A good partner manages the transition in a way that keeps disruption to a minimum.
It depends on your setup. A straightforward migration can take a few months. A more complex environment with significant customisation takes longer. Getting an accurate picture of your specific situation is the right starting point, which is something Tecvia can help you with.
Not too complicated, but it does require proper scoping. Each customisation needs to be assessed individually. Some can be replicated directly. Some can be replaced by native Business Central functionality. Some will need to be rebuilt. Knowing what you have before you commit to a timeline is the key step.
No. The support status is tied to the software version, not where it is hosted. Moving NAV to new hardware does not change the support position.
Your data moves with you. A proper migration includes a structured data transfer process, mapping your existing NAV data to Business Central and validating it before go-live. You do not lose your history.
Policies vary. Some have explicit exclusions for unsupported software. Others do not address it directly. Review your policy wording and ask your broker if you are not sure. Do not assume coverage without confirming it.
