**Updated with new FAQs 21/04 - please scroll down
Hello Accountant and Bookkeeper community.
An important update was emailed to our partners yesterday, but I am posting an update here as well for any who might have missed it (and because it is being discussed in the forum already).
From 17 June 2026, MYOB AccountRight desktop app (PC edition) will only work with company files stored online.
Offline mode will no longer be available, and from version 2026.5 (PC edition) you’ll no longer be able to open, edit or save files stored locally (in My Library or Network Library).
AccountRight desktop isn’t going anywhere. The only change is that your company file will need to be online to receive product and security updates, support, and online services.
If you’re currently using an offline AccountRight file with an active subscription, you need to move your file online before 17 June 2026 to continue to access AccountRight . There’s no additional cost to move your existing subscribed file online.
Why are we making this change?
The offline version of MYOB AccountRight desktop is built on technology that no longer meets today’s performance standards. Moving online will:
- Improve performance, reliability and security, such as 2FA and regular online back-ups
- Ensure MYOB AccountRight is built on current, supported technology
- Deliver faster and more frequent improvements, including stronger AI capabilities
- Align with industry best practice and evolving needs of our customers
We remain committed to supporting your business far into the future. Our focus is shifting to investing in our next generation of online products and modern technology that reflects the evolving needs of our customers, delivering solutions that save time, increase efficiency, and improve collaboration between small businesses and their advisors.
We’ve put together an overview of what’s changing and how to move your file online linked here
Please note, that any SME customers who need to take action will be communicated with via email on Tuesday 21st April.
Updated FAQs 21/04
There is a legal requirement for businesses to keep records for 7 years – can I access an old back up for these purposes?
- Yes. You can continue to meet your 7-year record-keeping obligations with your existing offline backups. Here's how:
- For audit/view-only purposes – You can restore older backups in any AccountRight PC edition version prior to 2026.5 to view files. These versions remain available on our website at myob.com/downloads.
- For active files – If you have an active subscription, you can access prior years directly from your browser without restoring a backup.
How can I view an old offline file after this change?
- To open an old offline file, customers can download a previous version of MYOB AccountRight PC Edition and use that to open, access, or interact with an offline file.
- PC Edition
We currently host previous versions of MYOB AccountRight on our website, and we have no immediate plans to change that. Please note that due to monthly automatic software updates, you will need to download and reinstall that previous version of PC Edition if you want to access the offline file on an ongoing basis. - Server Edition
If you need to interact with old offline files on a regular basis, downloading and installing Server Edition will enable you to have offline access and it won’t be impacted by our monthly automatic updates. - We strongly encourage customers to move their files online to ensure access to future features and security enhancements.
In both cases (Server Edition and older versions of the PC Edition) there are risks. At some point, this software will be phased out, and the file will need to be moved online. After 17 June 2026, Server Edition will only receive bug fixes, not any future features or security enhancements.
For perpetual licence holders, for now, you will continue to be able to access your file offline using one of the above-mentioned options.
- PC Edition
What happens to my specific version of an AR offline file?
- MYOB AccountRight Classic / V19
- Can be opened in Classic/V19. The file will fail confirmation and become read-only, but you can still view files for audit purposes.
- MYOB AccountRight PC Edition
- From version 2026.5 onward, there will be no offline capability.
- Older versions remain available for download on our website, and backups can be restored to view and edit, provided you have an active licence (perpetual licence or current paying SaaS licence).
- Important: MYOB AccountRight auto-updates to the latest version each month, so if you do install an older version of PC Edition, this old version would need to be re-installed if you needed to access an offline file again in future.
- MYOB AccountRight Server Edition
- From version 2026.5 Server Edition will be offline-only.
- However, MYOB AccountRight Server Edition is not a long-term solution. At some point, this software will be phased out, and the file will need to be moved online.
- After 17 June 2026, Server Edition will only receive bug fixes, not any future features or security enhancements.
How do I view previous years' data for an active file with a subscription?
- In MYOB AccountRight desktop You can override your current online live file by restoring an old backup OR download an old version of PC edition or install Server Edition and restore the backup locally (offline)
- In MYOB AccountRight browser – If your primary need is to view historical data for audits or reporting, the browser version is the simplest, most future-ready method. If you can’t see previous answers about installing PC or server edition You don't need any backup. Simply change the date range and you can view previous years' data directly. Financial year restrictions on reports have been removed — for example, you can now generate profit and loss comparative reports from 2012–2020 via browser (which is not possible in desktop).
I upgraded from V19/Classic to the latest offline version, what does this change mean for me?
We have three options available for you to consider:
- Move your file online. Take advantage of online capabilities that MYOB AccountRight has to offer. These include:
- Automatic cloud backups protecting your data without manual effort
- Live bank feeds that are more up to date
- Multi-user access — multiple people can work in your file at the same time
- Faster access to the latest software updates as soon as they are released
- Improved performance and upcoming AI-powered features
- Move to Server Edition – This retains offline access and interaction with your file for now. Please note: AccountRight Server Edition is not a long-term solution. At some point, this software will
- Return to Classic – You can view files in read-only mode for audit purposes, but you will not be able to edit offline.
**Update 23/04
Hi all, apologies, I have made some incorrect statements in my replies, that I will work to update and correct.
But I am updating here as well to provide clarity to all.
This relates to MYOB AccountRight PC Edition, perpetual licence holders, or current subscribers exclusively using their file offline.
-
- From version 2026.5 onward, there will be no offline capability.
- Older versions remain available for download on our website, and backups can be restored to view and edit, provided you have an active licence (perpetual licence or current paying SaaS licence).
- **I had indicated in some of my replies, that access would be 'view only' but it is view AND edit.
- Important: MYOB AccountRight auto-updates to the latest version each month, so if you do install an older version of PC Edition, this old version would need to be re-installed if you needed to access an offline file again in future.
