FAQ About the Windows Client and Business Central

Article
05/11/2023

The first releases of Business Central on premises included an installed client derived from Dynamics NAV. Starting with 2019 release wave 2, this legacy component, referred to as "the Windows client", will no longer be available for Business Central. Find answers for some of the most common questions here.

I have heard "modern clients only". What is this about?

Businesses and users want to be reassured that only the newest, most advanced, and up-to-date tools are being used to access their data. With Business Central 2019 release wave 2, released October 2019, users switch to the modern experience in the browser ("the web client"), the Android or iOS mobile apps, or the Windows 10 desktop app, which are available through the respective stores.

Connecting the Windows client to Business Central is not supported in Business Central 2019 release wave 2 and onwards.

Why is Microsoft discontinuing the Windows client?

Our customers must feel comfortable that the tools they use are fit for new hardware, operating systems, and changing environments. We have accelerated our investment in speed and productivity features for the modern clients, thereby achieving a major milestone in its transformation into a world-class desktop experience for both new and expert users.

While the Windows client was inherently bound to the Windows operating system, the modern clients allow us to reach more customers and more users within an organization, no matter their platform or device of choice. The latest technologies allow us to innovate at a rapid pace and respond to accelerating compliance requirements, the changing technology landscape, and requests from the community. In addition, the lower installation footprint on client devices makes it easier for IT departments and hosters to maintain and support their user base.

When is the Windows client discontinued in Business Central?

From October 2019, with Business Central 2019 release wave 2.

It was first announced in 2018 at various conferences and then with a detailed timeline earlier in 2019. For more information, see Business Central April 2019 Update and the road ahead.

Will the Windows client still be supported in older releases of Business Central and Dynamics NAV?

Yes. You can safely continue to use the Windows client on premises and receive support as long as you follow the lifecycle policy for your on-premises installations of Business Central. For more information, see Lifecycle FAQ - Dynamics.

The Windows client remains supported for the Business Central April 2019 release and all earlier releases of Business Central on premises and Dynamics NAV, in accordance with the support lifecycle process.

Does this impact me if I use Business Central online?

No. This change only impacts on-premises installations because the Windows client was only available on premises.

Does this impact me if I use Business Central on premises?

Yes. When you choose to upgrade to Business Central 2019 release wave 2 or later, you must switch to access Business Central using one of the modern clients. The most popular choice on desktop computers is the web-browser client where your browser is pointing to an on-premises web server using a URL, such as this example (not active): https://myserver.mydomain.com/BC170

What if I really want to have an installable component or at least an icon on my desktop?

You can always add a browser shortcut on your desktop or pin the web page with Business Central to your Windows task bar. Alternatively, the Business Central Windows 10 desktop app, which is available from Microsoft Store, is a great way to access Business Central both online and on-premises. To get the app, go to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central in the store.

How does this impact mobile?

There is no impact on mobile apps for Business Central as they are already part of the modern-client family. For more information about the mobile apps, see Getting Business Central on Your Mobile Device.

Can I still work with Business Central data in Excel?

Yes. There are multiple ways to work with Business Central and Excel, including the following:

The Open in Excel feature that downloads any list as an Excel file for your processing or reporting
The Edit in Excel feature that allows you to edit almost any list-based data in Excel and publish it back to Business Central

For more information, see Viewing and Editing in Excel From Business Central. For instructions on how to configure it for on-premises, see Setting up the Excel Add-In for Editing Business Central Data.

Note that the legacy, COM-based Excel plugin that used to be included on the installation media is no longer supported.

Can I still use the same Outlook add-in?

Yes. This change does not impact the Outlook add-in. In fact, the modern Outlook add-in is based on the same familiar web experience. For more information, see Using Business Central as your Business Inbox in Outlook.

What happened to C/SIDE, the legacy development environment?

In line with the retirement of the Windows client, Business Central 2019 release wave 2 marks a milestone as the first release without the legacy development environment (also known as C/SIDE). The modern developer experience, which is based on Visual Studio Code and the new AL language, supports developing large apps, such as the base application from Microsoft.

Therefore, C/SIDE is discontinued for Business Central going forward. Partners enjoy tremendous productivity and performance gains after moving to the newest tools. For more information, see Development in AL.

Which features are available in the modern clients and where can I find the roadmap?

Business Central is a highly adaptable modern business management solution. It is rich in features and options and is continuously being enhanced. The roadmap is best represented by the release plans, which are updated every six months. For more information, see Overview of Dynamics 365 Business Central 2019 release wave 2.