Dynamics 365 Business Central license keys: what changes from version 28.
Starting October 1, 2026, Dynamics 365 Business Central on-premises and Dual Use Rights licenses no longer use version-specific keys. Instead, a single '28+' key family applies to all versions 28 and later, requiring administrators to download a refreshed license file before each version upgrade to unlock new objects.
post Stefano Demiliani
"new releases of Dynamics 36 Business Central no longer include version-specific license keys for on-premises"
Key points
- Version-specific license keys are discontinued; ‘28+’ is the unified key for all on-premises editions and DUR licenses
- A fresh 28+ key must be downloaded before upgrading to each new version, with the download date determining which objects unlock
- Dual Use Rights deployments have a separate six-month key renewal requirement independent of the 28+ upgrade rule
- Administrators must add license key download to upgrade checklists and track DUR key expiry dates
Quotes
- “new releases of Dynamics 36 Business Central no longer include version-specific license keys for on-premises” (Clarifies the fundamental change in licensing strategy that affects all on-premises deployments starting October 1, 2026)
- “you must download a refreshed 28+ key if you want to upgrade to the latest version” (Establishes the new mandatory step in every upgrade process and the ongoing operational burden)
Context
- Features: 28+ license key family, unified licensing for on-premises, dual use rights licensing, license file downloads, version-specific object unlocking
- Versions: version 28, version 30, 2026 release wave
Source: Stefano Demiliani, community blog. Summary, key points and quotes are derived (CONTENT-NOTICE.md); read the original for the full text.