Does Microsoft Still Support Dynamics NAV?

Getting support for Microsoft Dynamics NAV depends on the NAV version your business is using and the type of support you need.

As of August 2026, mainstream support has ended for all Dynamics NAV versions. Dynamics NAV 2016 and older versions are also out of extended support. However, Microsoft still provides extended support for Dynamics NAV 2017 until 11 January 2027 and Dynamics NAV 2018 until 11 January 2028.

This means businesses running NAV 2017 or NAV 2018 still have limited Microsoft support available, while organisations using older versions may need to rely more heavily on their Dynamics NAV support partner or consider moving to a newer ERP platform.

Before looking at the support dates, it helps to understand how Microsoft's lifecycle policies work.

Fixed and Modern Lifecycle Policy

Microsoft uses different lifecycle policies depending on the product.

Dynamics NAV versions such as NAV 2016, NAV 2017, and NAV 2018 follow Microsoft's Fixed Lifecycle Policy.

Under the Fixed Lifecycle Policy, Microsoft provides a defined support timeline that normally includes mainstream support followed, where applicable, by extended support.

Fixed Lifecycle Policy

During the lifecycle of a supported product, Microsoft can provide:

• Mainstream support

• Security updates

• Technical support

• Non-security updates during mainstream support

• Extended support for eligible products

Newer Microsoft cloud products such as Dynamics 365 Business Central follow the Modern Lifecycle Policy.

Under this policy, the product continues to receive support as long as customers remain licensed, keep the product current according to Microsoft's servicing requirements, and Microsoft continues to offer support for the product.

Business Central is currently in support under Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy.

Mainstream and Extended Support – What Does Microsoft Offer?

The type of support available depends on where your NAV version sits in Microsoft's lifecycle.

Mainstream Support

Mainstream support is the first phase of the Fixed Lifecycle Policy.

During this period, Microsoft support can include:

• Security updates

• Incident support

• Non-security updates

• Warranty-related support

• Requests for product improvements or changes

All Dynamics NAV versions have now moved beyond mainstream support.

Extended Support

Extended support follows mainstream support for eligible products.

During this period, Microsoft generally provides:

• Security updates

• Paid technical support

• Existing self-help support resources

However, Microsoft does not normally accept requests for new features, product design changes, or general non-security improvements during extended support.

Once extended support ends, Microsoft support becomes much more limited. Extended Security Updates may be available for certain Microsoft products, but businesses should not assume that every Dynamics NAV version will qualify. Availability depends on the specific product and Microsoft's current support programme.

Dynamics NAV Support End Dates

The table below shows the support status of the more recent Dynamics NAV versions.

As of August 2026, Dynamics NAV 2017 and Dynamics NAV 2018 are the only NAV versions in this list that remain within Microsoft's extended support period.

Businesses using NAV 2016 or an earlier version are already running a product that has reached the end of Microsoft's support lifecycle.

If your NAV version is out of support but the system is still important to your day-to-day operations, working with an experienced Dynamics NAV support partner can help you maintain the existing environment while you decide on your longer-term ERP strategy.

Dynamics Square supports businesses using both older Dynamics NAV environments and newer Microsoft Dynamics solutions.

Are NAV and Business Central the Same?

No. Dynamics 365 Business Central is the successor to Microsoft Dynamics NAV, but they are not exactly the same product.

Business Central builds on the Dynamics NAV product family while introducing a newer architecture, cloud deployment options, extension-based customisation, regular Microsoft updates, and closer integration with Microsoft's wider ecosystem.

For organisations that have used NAV for many years, Business Central can feel familiar in several areas. However, moving from NAV to Business Central should still be treated as an ERP migration or upgrade project rather than simply a product rename.

Business Central can support areas such as:

• Finance

• Sales

• Purchasing

• Inventory

• Supply chain

• Warehousing

• Manufacturing

• Projects

• Reporting

It can also integrate with Microsoft applications such as Power BI, Microsoft 365, and Power Platform.

What Should You Do with an Outdated NAV Version?

If Microsoft support for your NAV version has ended, there are generally two practical options.

1. Continue Supporting Your Existing NAV System

You may decide to continue using NAV for a period of time, particularly if it still supports important business processes.

A Dynamics NAV support partner can help with issues such as:

• Technical troubleshooting

• Existing customisations

• Integration problems

• Performance issues

• User support

• Reporting requirements

However, continuing with an unsupported NAV version should normally be viewed as a short- or medium-term strategy rather than a permanent solution.

Older systems can become more difficult to maintain as operating systems, databases, integrations, security requirements, and surrounding technologies continue to change.

2. Plan Your Move to Business Central

The second option is to start planning a move from Dynamics NAV to Dynamics 365 Business Central.

The exact route depends on your existing NAV version, data, integrations, and customisations.

Some organisations may follow an upgrade and migration route, while businesses with heavily customised or older NAV systems may decide that a cleaner Business Central reimplementation makes more sense.

Moving to Business Central can provide access to:

• Cloud deployment

• Regular Microsoft-managed service updates

• Modern extension-based customisation

• Improved integration options

• User-based licensing

• Microsoft 365 integration

• Power BI and Power Platform connectivity

• Microsoft's wider Dynamics 365 ecosystem

For Business Central Online, Microsoft manages the underlying cloud service and regular service updates. Businesses should still review and test extensions, integrations, and important processes as part of their update strategy.

Should You Continue with NAV or Move to Business Central?

There is no need to move from NAV simply because a newer ERP exists.

The decision should depend on the condition of your existing system and what the business needs over the next few years.

Continuing with NAV may still make sense when:

• The current environment is stable

• Business requirements are unlikely to change significantly

• Key integrations still work

• The business has a reliable NAV support partner

• A migration is already planned for a later date

Moving to Business Central deserves serious consideration when:

• Your NAV version is out of Microsoft support

• Maintaining customisations is becoming difficult

• Infrastructure costs are increasing

• Integrations are becoming harder to maintain

• Users need better cloud access

• The organisation wants to reduce reliance on legacy technology

• Business processes have changed significantly since NAV was implemented

The earlier these issues are reviewed, the more time the business has to plan the move rather than being forced into an urgent ERP replacement later.

How Can Dynamics Square Help?

If your organisation is still using Dynamics NAV, Dynamics Square can help you decide whether to continue supporting the existing environment or start planning a move to Business Central.

Our Microsoft Dynamics services include:

• Dynamics NAV support

• NAV system assessment

• NAV troubleshooting

• NAV to Business Central migration

• Business Central implementation

• Data migration

• Customisation assessment

• Integration

• User training

• Ongoing ERP support

If you are unsure about the support status of your NAV version or what your next ERP step should be, contact Dynamics Square UK to discuss your current system and requirements.

Our team can assess your existing NAV environment and help you understand whether continued support, migration, or Business Central reimplementation is the better route for your business.