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Upgrade BC24 to BC26 - why not directly?

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Posted on by VD-31031606-0

It is said that "You can't upgrade directly to version 26 from version 24 or earlier because version 26 deletes many objects. Upgrade to version 25 first." (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/business-central/dev-itpro/upgrade/upgrade-unmodified-application-to-v26)
But I tried to upgrade directly and I don't see any issues with that.
I understand that from older versions that could cause some problems, because removed fields might be not copied to new fields. But I checked upgrade procedures on BC25 and BC26 and they are not changed - all existing on BC25 exist on BC26 as well.
Maybe somebody knows what is the real reason for this requirement?

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Dynamics 365 Business Central

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YUN ZHU 95,331 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

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The main reason is that BC25->BC26 deleted many tables and fields (not deprecated, but directly deleted), so it cannot be upgraded directly.

Essential Clean-Up Guide for Partners: 2025 Release Wave 1

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics-365/blog/it-professional/2025/02/06/essential-clean-up-guide-for-partners-2025-release-wave-1/

Deleted objects in 2025 release wave 1

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/business-central/dev-itpro/upgrade/deleted-objects-25w1?wt.mc_id=DX-MVP-5004336

PS: Business Central Information sharing: Essential Clean-Up Guide for Partners (Deleted objects in 2025 release wave 1)

https://yzhums.com/61168/

Thanks

ZHU

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VD-31031606-0 16 on at

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Thank you for the answer, but that doesn't explain why we need to do upgrade in two steps. Upgrading from BC24 to BC26 directly also removes those fields without any issues.

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Gerardo Rentería Ga... 25,169 Most Valuable Professional on at

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Hi

When you execute the data migration process, internal operations are performed. If the manufacturer's instructions indicate the appropriate steps, or if they certify that they are the ideal path, I understand that the most prudent course of action is to follow those instructions. If you have found and validated that it is possible to make this transition directly, I would suggest you test or review everything thoroughly.

Best

GR

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VD-31031606-0 16 on at

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I would like to test everything, but I am not sure what should I look at. Fields/tables are removed correctly. Data from those fields is moved to new fields/tables on BC24 (or earlier). Fields/tables which are marked as obsolete on BC25 are not yet deleted on BC26 (at least I understand so).

Problem is that I need to upgrade around 30 databases for 10 different countries on different servers/locations. Adding extra step for upgrading to BC25, would mean that I need to install BC25 everywhere. Prepare all apps for all countries for BC25 (Base app have some modifications and it is different for every country). Also all upgrade steps would need to be performed twice.

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Sohail Ahmed 11,136 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

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The requirement to upgrade from BC24 to BC25 before moving to BC26 is primarily due to **object deletions** in BC26. Microsoft has removed several objects in version 26, which could lead to compatibility issues if upgrading directly from BC24. The intermediate step ensures that all necessary transformations and migrations occur properly.

Even if your direct upgrade appears to work without issues, there might be **underlying risks**, such as missing data transformations or unsupported objects that could cause problems later. Microsoft recommends following the official upgrade path to avoid unexpected errors in future updates.

Maybe this will give you a hint to resolve your issue. If this helps, please mark this answer as verified.

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Khushbu Rajvi. 20,275 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

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If this helps: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/business-central/dev-itpro/upgrade/upgrade-paths

https://bc.smart-it.com/en/news-and-articles/changes-to-dynamics-365-business-central-upgrade-scheme/#:~:text=The%20lack%20of%20a%20direct,applications%20or%20third%2Dparty%20systems.

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