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Microsoft Dynamics GP End Of Life - When Is The End of Updates

Updated: June 13th, 2025 by Ivan Farafonov

Microsoft GP support is nearing its end of life. For the latest versions, Dynamics GP 2018 and GP 2018 R2, the fixed lifecycle will end in 2028. This means the system will no longer receive security patches. It’s already a big concern for users, because the end of maintenance means:

the system is vulnerable to new threats;
possible performance issues;
can’t be integrated with modern tools;
functional instability.

Let’s explore this topic, determine the GP support cycle’s structure, and determine when it ends for different versions.

Microsoft Dynamics GP Support Lifecycles

Let’s start with the fact that Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly known as Great Plains) operates within two official support models from Microsoft. These determine the timing of updates, fixes, and product maintenance.

Fixed Support Lifecycle for Dynamics GP

The Fixed Lifecycle Policy provides product support for ten years from the date of release. This period is divided into two main stages:

Mainstream. During this phase, Microsoft offers a full pack of services, including security updates, non-security updates, and the addition of innovative features. For the latest version of 2018, Mainstream Support ended in January 2023.
Extended. After the primary phase, the program enters Extended Support, which lasts for the next five years. It offers security patches and major bug fixes. It ends in 2028, marking the end of its lifespan. It is considered a “transitional phase” before the product’s life cycle is completely over. It allows organizations to plan upgrades or migration to another solution.

Modern Support Lifecycle

The next option is Modern Lifecycle Policy. It was introduced in October 2019 as an alternative to fixed maintenance for new versions of Dynamics GP. The difference between this model and the previous one is that it does not have predefined support end dates. Instead, Microsoft guarantees continuous technical fixes and updates as long as users comply with the terms of use.

The main requirement is regular system updates. This means you need to install new versions or critical fixes published by Microsoft at least once a year. Under this policy, users receive functionality updates, important changes following legislation, security patches, and technical support.

However, it is worth noting that in 2024, Microsoft announced that end dates for maintenance have been set even for GP versions covered by the current policy. Functional updates will be provided until December 31, 2029, and critical security fixes until April 30, 2031. This is an exception to the general logic of Modern Lifecycle, which emphasizes the gradual phasing out of the product in favor of new cloud solutions such as Dynamics 365.

Check out the table to identify the situation with Microsoft Great Plains Support for your version.

Version	End of Mainstream Support	End of Extended Support
GP 2013 / 2013 R2	April 10, 2018	April 11, 2023
GP 2015 / 2015 R2	April 14, 2020	April 8, 2025
GP 2016 / 2016 R2	July 13, 2021	July 14, 2026
GP 2018 / 2018 R2	January 10, 2023	January 11, 2028
Dynamics GP (18.2+)	December 31, 2029	April 30, 2031

Final Words

In summary, although the latest versions of GP are still officially supported, their lifecycle is coming to an end. This means users have time to plan their next steps and keep their software afloat.

If you are already looking for a way out of the Microsoft Great Plains End of Life situation, we can help. Our experts can offer two options:

Migration from GP to Dynamics 365 Business Central. We provide services to upgrade your current settings to D365 BC. In this scenario, our experts will assess the state of your functionality, transfer data, and configure the new software to your needs.
GP technical support. If your version is no longer officially supported, we can help. We can hire Dynamics GP developer for you or assemble a full maintenance team. Having expert assistance on your side will help keep your system secure and up to date for a long time to come.

Need help with Microsoft GP support?

By Ivan Farafonov

I'm passionate about sharing my extensive experience in Microsoft and Dynamics 365 technologies. Beyond the technical realm, I excel in recruiting and building high-performing teams, ensuring every project is executed with precision and collaboration. As a contributor to HireDynamicsDevelopers, I share my insights on maximizing Dynamics 365’s potential, blending technical expertise with strategic team development. My passion lies in both technology and fostering talented professionals to achieve outstanding results.