RSMUS.comMicrosoft’s announcement of Dynamics GP’s end‑of‑life is no longer a distant milestone — it’s a clock that is already ticking. GP will not suddenly shut down, but the risks will quietly (and quickly) compound as Microsoft phases out updates, security patches, and tax/regulatory support.
The organizations that win in this transition will be the ones that start planning now, not the ones who wait until the last tax table or hotfix is published.
Below is what is changing, what GP users told us in the latest surveys, and why the next two to five years matter more than ever.
Microsoft’s GP support timeline: The hard dates
December 31, 2029
The end of:
- Feature updates
- Service packs
- Hotfixes
- Tax and regulatory updates
- Most technical support
This extension was intentional: Microsoft wanted to give you enough runway to finish 2029 payroll year‑end.
April 30, 2031
The final deadline.
No more:
- Security patches
- Vulnerability fixes
After this point, you are operating an ERP system with declining protection, increasing risk, and shrinking support options.
What this really means (in plain English)
When the updates stop, here is what you should expect:
Compliance friction — especially in payroll
Payroll depends on constantly changing tax rules. Without updates, you will face:
- Manual work
- Increased audit exposure
- Higher risk of penalties
No more fixes when things go wrong
If an issue emerges after support ends, you are on your own (or reliant on third‑party workarounds).
Security gaps widen every year
After 2031, vulnerabilities accumulate. Attackers know exactly where legacy systems live — and what they lack.
ISV and integration ecosystem continues to shrink
Add‑ons will disappear. Upgrades stop. Compatibility erodes.
GP will keep running — but stability will not equal safety.
What GP users told us: The survey results that matter
Across three RSM webinars in December 2025, 403 attendees answered a poll about their future migration plans. Here is what they told us:
Migration outlook
- 22.3% — already migrating
- 26.5% — moving in 1–2 years
- 25.6% — moving in 2–5 years
- 20.3% — staying on GP “until it stops working”
- 5.2% — not sure of their plans
The headline insight:
More than 50% of GP customers plan to move in the next 2–5 years or will ride GP until it dies — and both groups need to act now.
Let us break that down:
Two critical cohorts — both with urgent needs
The 2–5 year planners (25.6%)
This group is thinking ahead — but needs to start mapping their next platform now. Why?
- Everyone else is planning in the same window
- GP‑skilled resources will tighten
- Integrations and ISVs will degrade
- Costs rise when timelines compress
These organizations have the luxury of phased modernization — but only if they begin the roadmap soon.
The “until it stops working” and “not sure of their plans” group (20.3%)
This is the highest‑risk population.
They will feel:
- The greatest payroll impact
- The sharpest increase in security exposure
- The most difficulty finding support as GP talent moves on
Waiting until something breaks means: you lose control over timing, cost, and outcomes.
This group needs a stability plan, a risk plan, and a runway plan — not blind optimism.
What should you do now?
- Assess your full GP footprint
Versions, customizations, integrations, payroll dependencies — know your reality.
- Stay current on every remaining Microsoft update
You will want every advantage you can get.
- Evaluate payroll first
It is the earliest and most painful point of failure.
- Build your post‑support operating model
Who owns security? Who oversees compliance? What compensating controls will you need?
- Map your modernization plan
Even if your goal is “not yet,” the roadmap matters.
How RSM helps you navigate this transition
Payroll modernization
Evaluate GP payroll risk, transition to UKG or Dayforce, or integrate modern payroll with GP while you prep for ERP migration.
Integration‑first strategies
Modernize critical functions without ripping out your ERP all at once.
ERP modernization
Guidance and implementation for:
Stabilization & support for GP clients
Managed application services, extended support, security recommendations, and strategic advisory.
RSM meets you where you are — whether you are stabilizing GP or planning a multi‑phase cloud ERP transformation.
Final word
Dynamics GP is not disappearing overnight — but the window for a smooth, controlled transition is.
The survey results tell a very clear story:
Many organizations are already planning their move; however, those who are not are sitting in the highest‑risk category.
The sooner you begin planning, the more leverage you maintain — over cost, timeline, design, and outcome.
Related resources:
The state of the Microsoft Dynamics GP market
Microsoft Dynamics GP: Strategizing your future steps
Microsoft Dynamics GP: Managed application services
Tom Burtner
Thomas Burtner is a consulting services partner with the business applications practice at RSM US LLP. He specializes in providing technology strategy, system selection, packaged software implementation, application development, business intelligence implementation, systems integration and technology project management services to clients throughout RSM. Tom is the national leader for the Dynamics GP/SL practice which consists of over 30 consultants supporting over 800 existing clients.
