This article provides an overview of the new features for Dynamics GP on the Modern Lifecycle Policy, with the most recent release being 18.8 this October.

With the October 2019 release (18.2), Dynamics GP follows the Modern Lifecycle Policy. The updates available in October typically include minor changes and new features requested by users. The Modern Lifecycle Policy helps Dynamics GP customers stay current by taking at least one of the three Dynamics GP updates released each year. The yearly releases are all inclusive meaning that for a payroll customer, the year-end update will bring you to the current version of GP.

Microsoft has announced that product support and updates for all versions of Dynamics GP will end on December 31, 2029. For more details, please see our Retirement of Dynamics GP blog article. Please contact your Account Manager if you have any questions about this announcement.

Table of Contents

• Dynamics GP Release 18.8, October 2025
• Important System Notes on Versions
• Dynamics GP Releases 18.2 to 18.7 – Changes and Additions

Dynamics GP Release 18.8, October 2025

The October 2025 release was designed similarly to previous years with customer-requested new features.

This release includes several productivity enhancements to make your day-to-day easier:

1. Sales Order Processing Required Field Message: Users often encountered an error when saving Sales Order Processing documents: “Not all required fields have been entered,” even when fields appeared filled. The error message now provides clearer guidance, instructing users to expand the sales lines to populate required fields like Site ID or Price List.
2. Payables Setup Vendor Class Roll Down: When modifying a Vendor Class ID, a prompt asks if changes should “roll down” to associated vendors. In this release, the default response to this prompt is “No,” reducing the risk of unintended changes cascading through vendor records.
3. Luxury Auto Depreciation Display and Edit: A dedicated table that automatically stores luxury auto depreciation values by year. Users can view, manage, and edit these values directly, ensuring the Fixed Assets module remains accurate and aligned with IRS regulations.
4. Sales Order Batches Navigation List: Users can instantly access, filter, and manage sales order batches, improving speed, visibility, and control, which is especially valuable for high-volume sales environments.
5. VAT Enhancements to Submission Process: These updates align with HMRC’s latest submission protocols to ensure the handling of sensitive financial data, particularly for VAT returns. This release strengthens the protection of stored secrets and credentials, reducing the risk of data breaches. If your organization uses Dynamics GP for Making Tax Digital submissions to HMRC, upgrading to version 18.8 is essential to maintain compliance and avoid disruptions.

This latest release includes a few other fixes you and your teams will benefit from. The features released in 18.8 are explained on the Dynamics 365 Community blog Microsoft Dynamics GP October 2025- Feature Blog Series Schedule!

Remember to reach out to your Account Manager to schedule the latest update.

Important System Notes on Versions

Reading Version Numbers

Understanding the version numbers is crucial for managing Dynamics GP. For example, version 18.4 was the first full version to use modern authentication, which allows secure email transmission using TLS2. The original fix for this was released in early 2021, with version 18.3.1290 being the first to implement it.

GP 18.4 and Modern Authentication

Modern authentication is a significant enhancement in Dynamics GP, enabling secure email communication. Users must be on version 18.4 or higher to utilize this feature. This update ensures that emails sent from Dynamics GP are secure and compliant with modern security standards.

Where To Find Your Version of Dynamics GP

To find your version number, look at the top right corner of your GP home screen for a small blue question mark. Clicking on this will open a box where you can select “About Microsoft Dynamics GP.” This will display the information on your version, including the SQL Server version you are running.

Dynamics GP Releases 18.2 to 18.7 – Changes and Additions

GP 18.2 (2019)

Extra Description Length for AP Transactions In the 18.2 release, Microsoft added extra description fields for accounts payable (AP) transactions. This enhancement allows users to include more detailed information in their transactions, addressing the need for additional space.

GP 18.3 (2020)

Additional Fields for GL Transactions The 18.3 release introduced two new fields for general ledger (GL) transactions. Users can now add more information to their journal entries, with three reference fields available in all SmartLists.

Scheduling of Check Links Check links, a necessary but time-consuming process, can now be scheduled. This feature allows users to run check links during off-hours, such as overnight or on weekends, improving efficiency.

General Ledger Extra Fields Under the general ledger setup, users can define additional fields for descriptions. These fields are added to transactions and SmartLists, providing more flexibility and detail in financial records.

TLS 1.2 and Modern Authentication The TLS 1.2 update brought modern authentication and multifactor authentication to GP. This enhancement improved security and streamlined the authentication process.

Check Links Scheduling and Timing The ability to schedule check links and set specific times for them was introduced. This feature allows users to run check links during off-hours, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.

GP 18.3 (2021) – Midyear Release

TLS 2.0 Implementation The midyear release of 18.3 in 2021 saw the implementation of TLS 2.0, enabling modern authentication. This update allows for proper use of Exchange without the need for mapping, enhancing security and functionality.

GP 18.4 (2021)

Saving Inquiry Sort Options Previously, inquiries defaulted to document numbers, causing delays. The 18.4 release allows users to set default sort options, such as document date or vendor ID, improving efficiency.

Project Code Modifier For project accounting firms, the project code modifier is a powerful tool. It allows users to change project codes, streamlining data entry and correcting errors. This feature is similar to the account, customer, and vendor changes from previous releases.

Auto-Post in Workflow for Batches The ability to auto-post workflow for batches was introduced, keeping processes smooth and efficient. This feature has since been expanded to allow auto-posting in various locations.

Inquiry Screen Preferences Users can save their inquiry screen preferences, such as sorting by date or vendor ID. This feature allows for a customized and efficient workflow, with preferences saved per user.

GP 18.5 (2022)

Summary for EFT Batch in Bank Rec This update simplifies bank reconciliation by summarizing EFT batches into a single line item. This change makes it easier to match entries with bank statements.

Print and Email Documents in a Single Pass Users can now print and email documents in one go. This feature is particularly useful for sales order processing transactions, allowing for efficient handling of both email and physical copies.

Time Feature in Report Scheduler The report scheduler now includes a time feature, enabling users to schedule reports at specific times rather than just dates. This improvement ensures reports run at optimal times.

TLS 2.0 in Web Client The web client now supports TLS 2.0, allowing for proper email functionality. Although not widely used, this feature benefits those utilizing the web client.

1099 Printing on Plain Paper For U.S. clients, 1099 forms can now be printed on plain paper, eliminating the need for pre-printed forms and simplifying the process.

Summary Post Checkbook for EFT and Credit Cards This feature allows users to summarize payments made by credit card or EFT into a single number on the bank reconciliation. This helps match records in the bank reconciliation to the bank statement, simplifying the reconciliation process.

Batching Inside Cash Receipts The batching feature for cash receipts allows users to see a single number on a deposit instead of multiple checks. This feature, similar to the EFT summary, helps streamline the reconciliation process.

Report Scheduler Enhancements The report scheduler now includes both start date and start time options. Users can schedule reports to run overnight or at specific times, improving automation and efficiency. Additionally, users can disable date change prompts to ensure smooth operation.

GP 18.6 (2023)

Redisplay on Financial Summary Screen A redisplay button was added to the financial summary screen, allowing users to refresh data without closing and reopening the window. This seemingly simple feature significantly improves user experience.

Shared Email for Sender Users can now set a generic email address for sending documents, rather than individual addresses. This change simplifies email management and ensures consistency.

Full Deletion of Document Attachments Previously, deleting document attachments only moved them to a deleted state without freeing up disk space. The 18.6 release introduced a permanent delete option, allowing for complete removal and better disk space management.

Print and Email Cash Receipts Introduced in October 2021 and improved in 2023, this feature allows users to print and email cash receipts. This is particularly useful for donations and other transactions requiring receipts.

GP 18.7 (2024)

Reprint EFT Payment Register Accounts Payable can now reprint the EFT Payment Register. Previously, this was not possible as the data was stored in temporary tables and replaced with each new batch. Now, there’s no need to make copies and store them in your files; you can simply reprint the register for prior posted batches.

Vendor Remit to Address Details Saved to History Auditors will be happy to see that the Vendor Remit to Address details are now saved to history. This feature allows us to see the actual address attached to the Remit To Address when the check was printed, which is a significant win in today’s world, where we are constantly worrying about fraud.

Purchase Order Entry Delete Line Option For those who frequently use Purchase Orders, this update is a game-changer. You can now delete a row in your PO, saving time and eliminating the need to re-enter entire POs.

End of Support for SQL2016

A key point to note with 18.7, is that there is no longer support for SQL2016. If you’re planning to update to this version of Dynamics GP, please ensure you also update SQL at the same time.

For those with Runtime, no action is needed. However, if you need to purchase SQL, please contact your Encore Account Manager for a quote. Our team is available to assist with the SQL update during this transition. Review your system requirements for Dynamics GP.

It is important to stay current on the latest version of Dynamics GP to ensure that you take advantage of new features and to ensure that your environment is secure.

For more detailed information about what’s new in Dynamics GP, please refer to the Microsoft What’s New documentation.

Watch this recorded webinar for a detailed overview of some features listed in this article. It includes features in GP versions 18.4, 18.5, and 18.6, covering items in the system, distribution, and financials.

Please contact us or your Account Manager if you have any questions about Dynamics GP.