Offline File Phase Out

Thanks.  How do I turn off the auto updates - or prompts for updates to make sure no one updates our offline file past the point of no return?

It really would be good to get some clarity on this.  On the one hand it is suggested that we can still use the version of accountright up until before 2026.5  with offline files - as in continue using it - without updates - as per our perpetual licence.  But then there are lines like this from MYOB -

"To continue to access AccountRight, you’ll need an active MYOB AccountRight subscription and your company file will need to be online."

If the Server Edition is a solution to prevent updates - can that be used as a client in a multiuser environment?

We really need to know urgently.  This is such short notice for a major change like this and it is not being communciated with the precision needed.   MYOB really needs a clear guide for those of us (read nearly every one) who need more time to migrate to a long term offline solution.  It is OK for MYOB to kiss it's offline file clients goodbye - but it needs to be done in a way that is reasonable.

Hi Lucky_Man​ 

I'm not sure about the SE version but this old post from Gavin12345 shows how to turn off auto updates for PC versions:

Unfortunately MYOB are not going to change their policy just because users want them to. Now just as there are ways to stop Windows 10 automatic updates, there are also ways to stop MYOB automatic updates, or at least work around them.

I keep using AR2020.1 even though MYOB has updated itself to AR2021.4

Take a look where MYOB installs itself - in a folder called AccountRight in a path like this:

C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Local\Programs\MYOB\AccountRight

Inside that folder is another folder called app-2021.300.244119 or similar - this contains the files that run MYOB - AR2021.3. 

Copy this folder app-2021.300.244119 and paste under C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Local\Programs\MYOB\ and rename it to AccountRight 2021.3

Delete your desktop shortcut and create a new shortcut to HuxleyApplication.exe inside the new folder.

From this point your shortcut will run AR2021.3 even though MYOB Updates to AR2021.4 or .5 etc

When you are ready to upgrade, repeat the above and create a folder for AccountRight 2021.4 etc and change the shortcut to the next version.

There is more information that I may have to assist - email me at mailto:majubawest@hotmail.com

Cheers

Liz

AmandaMYOB​ we can understand the desire to stop supporting offline files but as a company you can't then automatically update software that will render users inoperable.
This situation is a legal risk and liability to MYOB as it becomes an alternative form for restraint of trade and/or abuse of power.

MYOB must stop automatic updates from occurring prior to the AR SE 2026.5 update and require an "opt-in" option.
This is a non-negotiable and your product and development team must understand the legal ramifications of this decision.

AmandaMYOB wrote:

Hey Lucky_Man​

Both AccountRight PC Edition and Server Edition will check for available updates, download them and update you to the latest version automatically - there's no way to turn them off.

I just dug out the email.  It was from General Manager Andrew Fiori-Dea on 22 July 2004.  Not from CEO.

There are some answers in the Announce & FAQ thread here for SE versions and offline files 

Changes to MYOB AccountRight offline mode | MYOB Community and I'm trying to get more info as well, Mike_MYOB has certainly been more helpful here.

Hi Liz_A​ 

We have the SE version and its looks to be a similar setup, SE is installed under here: 

C:\Program Files (x86)\MYOB\AccountRightServerEdition

and I can see many older versions of the app (like in your post). For us since we use both online and offline files, I will be testing this workaround  for us (two icons for us, one for the update to date online version, and one for the offline ones).

Regards
Damien

Data Security is perhaps the MOST important aspect of the recent announcement. 

Are you aware of the US CLOUD Act? Even though MYOB data is stored in Australia, it is hosted by US companies (Microsoft & Amazon). Under US law, they can be compelled to hand over data to US authorities, regardless of where it’s physically located.

Why this matters now:
On 17 June 2026, MYOB is retiring "Offline Mode." You will no longer be able to keep your files purely local/offline.

If you handle sensitive IP or high-security data, you need to review your risk management now. Once the offline option is gone, your data is permanently subject to this jurisdictional overlap.

Is your business (or your clients') prepared for this shift in data sovereignty?

Hi, you can stop updates by disabling the:  MYOB ServerEdition UpdateAgent in the Services area.  Run:  services.msc

locate:  MYOB ServerEdition UpdateAgent

Double click to open and in 'Service Status' select Stop, the in

'Startup Type' select Disable and then OK.

Reboot to check and it should now show this service as disabled.

Definately works as I have this disable on our computers.

Hope this helps

Hi AmandaMYOB​ 

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.

This is new information that I'm interested in and need to know more details, as we run AccountRight SE.

Firstly, our SE always updates to the latest version. By your statement above, does that mean AR SE 2026.5 and ongoing can open offline files?

Regards
Damien