MYOB bricking their desktop software

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Forums › Finance and wealth management › MYOB bricking their desktop software

SteveXNZ

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#324612 4-May-2026 12:48

I've been using MYOB desktop accounting software for 25 years. It's adequate for my modest requirement in managing two entities. I've resisted their call to upgrade to the cloud version and pay a subscription, and am happily running on desktop/local version v2020.3.1.

On 22 April I received an email from MYOB advising:

What's changing

From 17 June 2026, AccountRight will only support company files stored online. Offline mode will no longer be available.

- From AccountRight version 2026.5 (PC edition), you’ll no longer be able to open or save files stored locally (in My Library or Network Library).
- To continue to use AccountRight you will need an active MYOB AccountRight subscription and your company file will need to be stored online.

What if you don't do anything?

If you stay on your current version (PC edition earlier than 2026.5) and do not update, you may be able to keep using your offline file for now, but:

- In the near future, these older versions will stop working, and you’ll no longer be able to use them

Needless to say, I'm not impressed. Although my data files are stored locally, the app does a licence verification check on startup, so MYOB could easily brick the app and cripple my ability to access my data files.

On ringing MYOB they argue that the technology the desktop app is based on is losing support. I've been in IT long enough to know that software losing support doesn't stop working unless other changes are made.

Anyone else in a similar situation, with a possible remedy? I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars annually for features I don't need. As I'm nearing retirement I'm quite happy using my existing software.

The phrases unconscionable conduct and bordering on extortion come to mind. After a week I've yet to receive a written response from MYOB. So perhaps next steps are complaints to Consumer and the Commerce Commission. Software for which I hold a legitimate and purchased licence shouldn't be arbitrarily bricked by the supplier if I fail to take out a subscription.

Feedback welcomed.

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#3487314 4-May-2026 13:06

In my experience, what you have described they have said is their plan, is an example of how software licensing generally works.

You have only paid a non-refundable fee for a license that allows you to use their software in accordance with whatever limits, including time, that they place upon that usage.

You have not bought the software and you do not own it. They retain ownership of it and all intellectual property rights to it.

If they elect to change the way it works, or how they support it, that it their right.

They likely also retain the right to terminate your use of their software at any time and for any reason. At that time, unless you export the data that their software stores to another format, you will lose access to that data.

If you chose to continue to use the software after they have terminated the license then they can chase you for breach of license etc. You do not want to be on the wrong side of an intellectual property / misuse of software license scenario believe me.

If you still have the license document for the software that you are running, you will likely find wording to the effect of what I have mentioned above.

It may not be fair and it may not fit your requirements, but that is usually how it works.

It is ten years since I crossed paths with MYOB. They weren't easy to deal with and they were very blunt when it came to licensing of their intellectual property.

alikat

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#3487327 4-May-2026 13:39

As someone who works in the accounting industry, MYOB have LONG held a reputation for making a mildly decent product, or buying a really great product and making it shitty and then just turning it off and then moving you to what they actually want you to use. Sorry this answer isn't helpful, but they've bricked a lot of their legacy software in February, like the V19 Desktop version.

You'll find in the T&Cs of MYOB that they can change the terms and conditions of use of software at any point that they want, and they only have to give you 10 days notice in some T&Cs of them doing this if it will materially affect your data.

And in there, you'll probably find that they've got the right to discontinue support as well.

geek3001

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#3487329 4-May-2026 13:43

alikat:

As someone who works in the accounting industry, MYOB have LONG held a reputation for making a mildly decent product, or buying a really great product and making it shitty and then just turning it off and then moving you to what they actually want you to use.

Yep!

SteveXNZ

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#3487333 4-May-2026 13:49

Thanks geek3001. You're quite right in that I've bought a licence to use the software, but that I don't own it. Not sure exactly what the licence wording was when I got that version - like most users I don't trawl through the fine print of every licence/T&Cs that I buy - perhaps I should.

I wouldn't have an issue if MYOB said that my version was no longer supportable. It's them advising they will stop it from working that I'm concerned about, as well as their lack of follow-up communication.

I'll be well-prepared - Excel with AI-assist templates are already in progress, and will be adequate for GST returns and accountant input.

I also see it as a salutary warning, and not just about MYOB. I've read too many horror stories of hardware and software items being bricked when their manufacturers go out of business or change their terms. It's why Home Assistant with local control is my go-to, but there are some products that still require cloud access.

Thanks for your feedback.

mentalinc

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#3487337 4-May-2026 13:59

Not sure there are any true desktop only alternatives anymore.

Key will be converting your data files into as many different formats you can so you can import into something else..

CPU: AMD 5900x | RAM: GSKILL Trident Z Neo RGB F4-3600C16D-32GTZNC-32-GB | MB: Asus X570-E | GFX: EVGA FTW3 Ultra RTX 3080Ti| Monitor: LG 27GL850-B 2560x1440

Quic: https://account.quic.nz/refer/473833 R473833EQKIBX

wellygary

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#3487339 4-May-2026 14:04

SteveXNZ:

Like most users I don't trawl through the fine print of every licence/T&Cs that I buy - perhaps I should.

Don't waste your time,
Corporates have spent large amounts of money of lawyers to make their T+Cs totally worthless in terms of what rights you have, going on a Deep dive in the T+Cs will just confirm to you that Corporations are generally B&stards and you have no come back against them (bonus points are awarded if you find the clause where you are required to hand over the a) Shirt of your back or b) first born children)

You pretty much need to rely on digital protection laws for any consumer protection...

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networkn

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#3487342 4-May-2026 14:13

I don't really get people complaining that old software is being retired. Most that software wouldn't meet modern standards for security, is hard to find people who can still code for that, and the support costs and limitations are a pretty big deal.

Ultimately, customers want stuff to cost less, so companies need to reduce their support and development footprint to allow for that.

I get it's annoying, but it's also an indication of not having considered the matter fully.

alikat

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#3487344 4-May-2026 14:18

geek3001:

alikat:

As someone who works in the accounting industry, MYOB have LONG held a reputation for making a mildly decent product, or buying a really great product and making it shitty and then just turning it off and then moving you to what they actually want you to use.

Yep!

And this is how/why I get a lot of work doing MYOB to Xero conversions, although I now refuse to do Quickbooks to Xero conversions as its just a royal PITA.

ascroft

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#3487360 4-May-2026 15:04

Yeah - get its annoying but 25 years for an end user software application is a pretty good run......

We were just coming out of Y2K then!

"Artificial Intelligence" - aka Machine Learning 2.0

geek3001

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#3487361 4-May-2026 15:10

wellygary:

Don't waste your time,
Corporates have spent large amounts of money of lawyers to make their T+Cs totally worthless in terms of what rights you have, going on a Deep dive in the T+Cs will just confirm to you that Corporations are generally B&stards and you have no come back against them (bonus points are awarded if you find the clause where you are required to hand over the a) Shirt of your back or b) first born children)

You pretty much need to rely on digital protection laws for any consumer protection...

Very true.

A long time ago, I had to deal with a software licensing situation where said software was licensed for use for by a specific named company, on specific hardware (nothing too flash just a high-spec desktop), at a specific named office address.

There was no provision for any transfer of any sort.

The company licensed to use the software was acquired by another company, and moved office locations. Hardware running the software moved too.

No one had bothered to consult the license as part of due diligence before the acquisition.

The license issue only came to light when a support request was placed with the vendor. When they found out the software was now being used by the acquiring company and in different premises, well, the smelly stuff hit the air movement device - a cease and desist letter via the vendor's solicitor was served requiring the immediate cessation of use of the software.

Long story short, a LOT of money was required to placate the vendor to enable the software to continue to be used, and just as a bonus, the vendor imposed harsh new conditions on its use too.

For businesses, it is important to read software licenses, especially in merger and acquisition work, otherwise those licenses can land you in serious trouble, as the vendor will have you by the short and curlies.

gzt

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#3487372 4-May-2026 15:19

MYOB: If you stay on your current version (PC edition earlier than 2026.5) and do not update, you may be able to keep using your offline file for now, but: In the near future, these older versions will stop working, and you’ll no longer be able to use them

I'm unfamiliar with this software technology and it's licensing terms. That advice could mean a many different things in practice.

Initially you might want to know if you unplug your network cable and restart the computer does the software continue to work?

Then later if you install and activate this software in a VM (or standalone machine) and then remove the network - does the software continue to work standalone after a restart?

It is not unknown for users to implement similar kinds of workarounds to keep very old software running for a long time, including local date changes and things like that.

On the other hand if this is a software subscription then it's likely that kind of action will directly break the terms and conditions you signed up for, and you're exposing your business to liability - not a good thing. Even if it works within the license terms you're exposing yourself to all kinds of future technical problems with no support available. The technical expertise just to keep non-updated legacy systems running in future and recover from unplanned disasters can get expensive.

Edit: Don't try any of those things unless you're already well prepared to see it fail and wipe your data and possibly prevent your current software working.

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mattwnz

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#3487376 4-May-2026 15:44

I have an older version of MYOB that doesn't need any form of online license check, it used a key when first setting it up and the pc I use it on I don't connect to the internet. So it continues to work ok. My photo software though stopped allowing me to reinstall it after they turned off their activation servers. It is all to do with the technology they use at the time for licensing, and it often ends up negatively affects legitimate purchasers.

Handle9

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#3487456 4-May-2026 18:46

networkn:

I don't really get people complaining that old software is being retired. Most that software wouldn't meet modern standards for security, is hard to find people who can still code for that, and the support costs and limitations are a pretty big deal.

Ultimately, customers want stuff to cost less, so companies need to reduce their support and development footprint to allow for that.

I get it's annoying, but it's also an indication of not having considered the matter fully.

The complaint isn't that the product isn't being supported or updated. The complaint is the product is being arbitrarily bricked.

The two are significantly different issues.

Goosey

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#3487466 4-May-2026 19:14

I reckon you need to find a cheap or free community lawyer who’s keen to make a point about this.

darkasdes2

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#3487490 4-May-2026 22:27

SteveXNZ:

Anyone else in a similar situation, with a possible remedy? I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars annually for features I don't need. As I'm nearing retirement I'm quite happy using my existing software.

I am in the same boat as you and still have no idea on what to do next.

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