Is It time to move on from Dynamics NAV? What you need to know

If you’re still running your business on Microsoft Dynamics NAV, now is the time to start thinking about what comes next. Microsoft has officially begun phasing out support for NAV, and that has real implications for the future of your ERP environment. Here’s what you need to know to protect your investment and operations.

Microsoft’s Dynamics NAV Lifecycle: What’s ending and when

Microsoft follows a fixed lifecycle policy for its software products, which gives each version of NAV 10 years of support: 5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support. Once that ends, no more security patches, regulatory updates, or bug fixes are released. That creates risk.

Here’s where things stand:

View Microsoft’s official product lifecycle here

What Happens If You Stay on NAV?

Continuing with an unsupported version of NAV might seem like a way to save costs in the short term, but the long-term risks are significant:

• No more critical security updates
• Risk of falling out of compliance with regulations
• Difficulty integrating with modern tools and systems
• Rising maintenance and support costs

Why Microsoft recommends Dynamics 365 Business Central

Dynamics 365 Business Central is Microsoft’s modern replacement for NAV. It delivers all the functionality of NAV, plus enhanced tools, better integration, and cloud flexibility. You can deploy it on-premise or in the cloud, depending on your business model.

Business Central gives you:

• Real-time data across your operations
• Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook, Excel, and Teams
• Role-based dashboards for smarter decisions
• Cloud or on-premise deployment
• Flexibility to work anywhere, on any device

Read more about the benefits of Business Central here.

Why Work with Liberty Grove Software

DynamicsFoodERP is built and supported by Liberty Grove Software, one of the most experienced Dynamics NAV and Business Central partners in North America.

We’ve worked with every version of Dynamics NAV and helped businesses across industries maintain, support, and successfully upgrade to Business Central. We’ve helped businesses across industries maintain, support, and successfully upgrade from every version of NAV to Business Central.

We bring:

• Deep expertise in every NAV version
• Proven upgrade methodologies
• Strong project management to stay on time and on budget
• Clear guidance and personalized support throughout the transition

We’ve even helped clients migrate in under 30 days. See how we did it.

For more technical detail and migration considerations, you can also read our in-depth blog on NAV to Business Central migration.

What Should You Do Next?

If your business is running on Dynamics NAV, start the conversation now. Whether you’re looking for continued support or exploring your upgrade path, Liberty Grove Software can help you map out the right next steps.

Let’s talk about:

• Where you are in the NAV lifecycle
• What a move to Business Central would look like
• How to plan a smooth transition that fits your business needs

Your Next Step

If your business is still on NAV, let’s map out your options. Whether you’re evaluating timelines, need continued NAV support, or are ready to upgrade to Business Central, we can help you plan a transition that works.

Let’s talk. Request an executive briefing or private demo today.

If you’re looking for more clarity on key transition questions, we’ve included a few common ones below. You can also explore other resources throughout our site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the end-of-life date for Dynamics NAV? Each version of Dynamics NAV has its own support timeline. For example, NAV 2015 reaches end of extended support in January 2025, NAV 2016 in April 2026, and NAV 2018 in January 2028. After these dates, Microsoft will no longer provide updates or security patches. View lifecycle dates

Can I continue using Dynamics NAV after support ends? Yes, but it comes with risks. You won’t receive critical updates or security patches, which can expose your system to compliance issues and vulnerabilities. Many businesses use this time to plan an upgrade to avoid disruption.

What is Dynamics 365 Business Central? It’s Microsoft’s modern ERP platform and the official successor to Dynamics NAV. It includes all NAV’s core capabilities along with modern features like cloud hosting, better reporting, integration with Microsoft 365, and enhanced scalability.

Is upgrading from NAV to Business Central difficult? The upgrade process depends on your current NAV setup. Liberty Grove Software can help assess your system and create a tailored roadmap. We’ve completed migrations in as little as 30 days.

Can I keep Business Central on-premise? Yes. Business Central can be deployed in the cloud or on-premise. You can choose the model that fits your business best.

Where can I learn more about NAV to BC migration? Read our full migration guide here: NAV to Business Central Migration Blog