Microsoft Solutions
Business Solutions
Microsoft for Business
Join us at our next event
By Industry
How we help
Blog

Business Central Version 28: What’s New (and What to Know)

15 Jun, 2026

Microsoft is rolling out Business Central version 28, the Spring 2026 major update. The official release notes are packed with technical detail, so this guide focuses on the changes users will actually notice. Plus a few important things to be aware of as the update rolls out.

What this update is all about

Version 28 is designed to make Business Central simpler to use day to day, with clearer insight, stronger controls, and more practical AI features.

Rather than big, disruptive changes, this release focuses on polishing how teams work, helping users spot issues faster, reduce manual effort, and stay in control as systems and teams grow.

Clearer insight, without extra reporting

One of the biggest improvements is how information is surfaced directly in the system.

In the Business Central update, BC now shows AI‑powered item insights on records, including inventory value, sales performance, and gross margin. This makes it far easier to identify slow‑moving stock, high‑margin items, or areas that need attention.

The key difference is that users no longer need to export data or build extra reports, the insight is available in context, when it’s needed.

Copilot improvements that feel practical

Copilot has been refined to better support everyday work.

Users can now review and approve AI‑generated content directly on the page it relates to. Rather than switching to a separate chat or pane. Tasks created by Copilot agents are also shown in one clear task list, making them much easier to track and manage.

Overall, Copilot feels more transparent, easier to trust, and far more practical for daily use.

Stronger controls for inventory, planning & manufacturing

For operations and planning teams, version 28 introduces stronger approval workflows.

Approvals can now be applied to item and inventory journals, as well as requisition and planning worksheets. Once submitted, changes are paused until approved, helping reduce errors and improve accountability.

Manufacturing and regulated businesses also benefit from built‑in quality checks with the new Quality Management module. Business Central now supports quality inspections on purchase receipts and on production or assembly output, helping with traceability, sampling rules, quarantine handling, and quality documentation.

Smaller improvements users really notice

Alongside the headline features, version 28 includes smaller usability improvements that make a real difference.

Document attachments can now be stored externally, improving performance for document‑heavy systems. Users can also see who last created or modified records directly in lists, making collaboration and accountability clearer.

These aren’t flashy changes, but they’re the kind users notice quickly.

 

 

Updates, timing & extensions (what to be aware of)

Business Central online receives two major updates per year, and version 28 is one of them. Microsoft allows a 5‑month window to choose when the update is applied, running until 31 August 2026.

You don’t need to update immediately, but updates can’t be delayed indefinitely. If no date is chosen, Microsoft will apply the update automatically later in the cycle. Planning ahead simply gives you more control.

Already evolving: Version 28.1 updates

Since the initial release, Microsoft has continued to build on version 28 with additional updates.

One of the most notable additions is the introduction of AI‑powered expense management. A new Expense Agent can capture receipts, extract key details, and automatically generate expense reports — helping reduce manual admin and improve accuracy.

Alongside this, Business Central now includes built‑in expense reporting, with approval workflows, mileage tracking, and reimbursement posting all handled within the system.

There are also ongoing improvements to reporting, governance, and performance, as Microsoft continues to refine how Business Central works in day‑to‑day use.

Of course, as with any update, it’s not just about what’s new, it’s also about how those changes fit with the extensions and customisations you already rely on.

A further note on extensions (PTEs)

Many systems use extensions (sometimes called PTEs) to tailor Business Central.

  • If your extensions are compatible, the update will apply smoothly
  • If extensions have conflicts, the update will still go ahead, but some functionality may not work as expected afterwards

This is why choosing when to update, rather than leaving it to the automatic update, is usually the calmer option. If you’re unsure, it’s best to speak to your partner, or to us at String, so things can be checked in advance.

 

Final takeaway

Version 28 is about working smarter, not harder, clearer insight, better controls, more usable AI, and practical improvements across the system.

You have flexibility over when the update happens,  just not forever. A little planning now helps ensure the update is smooth and disruption‑free.

If your curious about learning more about Business Central and what it can do for your business, have a look at our Business Central page and blogs down below!

 

Business Central Page Business Central: The Backbone your Business Didn’t Know it Needed

Related

How can we help?
Let's Talk