Blog Post

Announcements

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Changes to MYOB AccountRight offline mode

Mike_MYOB

Community Manager

17 days ago

**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.

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 be phased out, and the file will need to be moved online. After 17 June 2026, Server Edition will not receive any future feature or security enhancements and will only receive the bug fixes.
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.

Updated 12 days ago

Version 3.0

Mike_MYOB

Community Manager

View Profile

Announcements

Updates and announcements from MYOB to our Accountant and Bookkeeper community

37 Comments

magpiejo
Experienced Cover User
14 days ago
firstly, fancy doing this half way though the last month of the financial year! that really stinks!! very calculated!!
is it possible to upgrade with all data, rather than starting again? I tried this morning but it says my serial number is different, im reluctant to change the serial number and risk a disaster! its finally been working properly re monthly updates for the last couple of years without me wasting hours on the phone!!
my last question is how many files can be attached to 1 licence? I currently have three company files id prefer to keep separate. we are semi retired, this really is a pain, im to old to learn new tricks, and i don't really have a choice except to subscribe!
cheers and thanks in advance

(i have contacted support, but since im not on a subscription, i dont know if they will help!! I mean im being forced into one, so the least they can do is help me do it!!)
MCTS
Member
15 days ago
If we don't update the app to version 2026.5 (PC edition), does that mean we can still access historical MYOB backups as read only files for ATO audit purposes? Some clients no longer have businesses; however they are still in the audit period for the ATO, and we may be required to access the backup as a read only file to obtain data in the event of an ATO audit.
ClareM
Experienced Cover User
14 days ago
Hello Mike.

Please confirm: a client has an old MYOB file that was on-line for a short time at the end of 2020, but we replaced with an entirely new file on 1-7-2020, and took the old off line later that year. However, they still require access to that old file for audit purposes. They currently do this in the desktop version on read-only.

I have had quite a few panicked calls worried they will not be able to access this file anymore. My interpretation of your reply above is that they will be able to access the read-only version of the old file. Please confirm this is correct and spell out clearly the issue with versions; it made no sense to me and will make less sense to them. My interpretation is, that as long as their desktop version and their old file are the same then they will not have a problem. However, as the desktop version is updated they will not be able to read the old file unless it is also updated, but they won't be able to do that because it is not an on-line file. Have I got this right? if not, please clarify.

Another panicked concern is the continuation of the desktop version of the software for on-line files. Please confirm with absolute certainty that this version will be retained and clients will not be forced onto using the App.myob.com version. Please also advise if there is a time limit on this.

Implementing these vague changes in mid-June is causing significant anxiety and damaging MYOB’s brand. Clients are already speaking about moving off-platform before it comes into effect.
Liz_A
Super User
14 days ago
Hi magpiejo
I'm unsure about the offline versions your clients have but there may be alternatives to subscribing. I may be able to point you in the right direction so please contact me at mailto:majubawest@hotmail.com I have a number of clients who are non subscribers who will be staying that way.
Cheers
Liz
mistyben
Experienced User
13 days ago
Hi Princess - that's all fine and good but if MYOB is going to "disable" local library data files from 17/06 your suggestion doesn't see feasible. I already have this client under 2 x serial numbers and 2 x subscriptions. One for online and one for offline. Seriously I'd be better off leaving the online data file for payroll purposes only and moving their desktop data file to another product such as Reckon or Xero.

MYOB needs to give us some consideration and flexibility, like allowing bookkeepers and accountants to move everything online after the end of the 25-26 financial year
ClareM
Experienced Cover User
13 days ago
I am still completely unclear on the distinction between PC edition and Desktop.

To use the desktop version of AccountRight you have to download the PC version and then access your on-line file through it and at the moment you can access a local library and restore backup files the same way.

So, how are the PC version and the desktop version distinguished, to me they seem one-and the same. Given the PC version is being discontinued please provide very clear differentiation between PC and desktop versions.

I believe the browser version is logging into app.myob.com through your browser.

Please clarify in simple terms for simple people like me.
CathS
Experienced User
12 days ago
So Mike_MYOB you're saying that Myob is making the perpetual licences, where we purchased the software to own, unusable? Surely that is not legal since we paid for their perpetual use?
Lucky_Man
Experienced Cover User
12 days ago
Mike_MYOB, I understand the clarifications are changing thick and fast but In another thread on this topic you stated -

"It is possible to view an offline back up in a previous version of AccountRight, but it will be view only."

Is contrary to what you were saying that offline files could still be used with AccountRight SE edition for some indeterminate period of time.

Can you please clarify - and appreciate that you are providing some real info on this.
magpiejo
Experienced Cover User
12 days ago
thanks for the answers Mike however, its still not clear to me!!

I bought MYOB 30 years ago, when my account sister recommended it! ugh, i have had many nightmares with it!! I finally have it working ok!!
So we are actually transitioning to retirement. hopefully I can burn it in a year or so!

I dont have a subscription to use it online, I'm not comfortable doing so, i tried it and hated it, so went back to desktop, and my file is saved in my library on my pc. (and backup!!)
no one but me accesses it, I send a file to our accountant quarterly, for 2 of the files i have on it, and yearly for the other. 1 is our business, which we still operate but not like we used to, just odd jobs. I do not use payroll at all, all i want it for is to do invoices and track expenses etc, and send to our tax agent. I paid for 2 extra files accessible on the one licence, but now we only need 3, i can possibly make do with 2. 1 for the business, and the other our superfund.
you wrote above:
"After June 17th when offline mode is unavailable, a customer on the latest version of AccountRight (2026.5 and beyond) this will look like:
A perpetual licence (they purchased the software to own)
Without a subscription - no access to view offline files or restore offline backups
With a subscription - Online only access. Full access via desktop & browser"
i dont fully understand. I dont care about updates or tax charts, i dont use them now!
all i want to do is do the occasional invoice, (which i save to my pc and then send, the email thing never worked properly!) and send our accountant the file for the BAS. can i do that or do i need to pay a subscription? we are a small business, and i dont need to learn new tricks!

if i have to subscribe, will it be per file? I have one MYOB, but can access 3 separate files on it.

i gotta say this really stinks, no real time to work it out, and cutting off in the middle of June, thats really a disgusting way to treat customers!! I know thats not on you, but i hope they read this!!

someone rang me yesterday form MYOB, i was out, they said they would call back today, but they didnt!! sigh!

I really dont want to learn a new programme, or work online, my understanding from what you wrote above, is I can still use my desktop app, but wont get updates? will it need the monthly validation?

thankyou for any advice

cheers, jo
Cappuccino
Experienced Cover User
12 days ago
Mike
Why can they not leave MYOB Desktop version as is, or Create a version that doesnt need all the bells,whistle’s & constant upgrades that we never asked for and what we originally bought the program for.