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SAP Business One and the Windows 11 update – how to prepare

Microsoft’s Windows 11’s next big update is on its way, and many businesses are now planning upgrades across their devices. If you're using SAP Business One, here's what you need to know before upgrading to Windows 11.

With many of SAP Business One users gearing up for the next edition of Windows 11, set to be released in the latter stages of this year, there are some things you need to know before making the change to your operating system.  

Some versions of SAP Business One will be out of maintenance or have limited support, so it’s important to ensure everything is where it needs to be to avoid any issues long term.  

To help with your understanding, here’s a simple guide to what’s changing, what SAP says about Windows 11, and how you can make sure your system keeps running smoothly. 

The word from SAP: official support for Windows 11 users 

SAP has confirmed that SAP Business One version 10.0 FP 2305 (and later versions) is officially supported on Windows 11. That means if you’re running this version (or newer), you’re in safe territory. 

Earlier versions of SAP Business One – such as 9.0 through 9.3 – are now out of maintenance. While some businesses still run them, they are no longer actively supported. Even if these versions seem to ‘work’ with Windows 11, you may run into problems that won’t be fixed by SAP updates or bug fixes.  

Of course, a SAP Business One partner like Thinc is here to support businesses with any problems that may reveal themselves, but it’s much more efficient for your business to be on a later version that’s still ‘in maintenance’ – prevention is better than cure. 

In short, if you want your SAP Business One system to be reliable on Windows 11, you’ll need to ensure you’re running version 10.0 FP 2305 or later. 

But what are the risks of not updating? 

Upgrading operating systems is more than just a fresh look and feel – it changes how software interacts with your devices, networks and security tools.  

For SAP Business One, there are some specific risks if you don’t update to a newer version before moving to Windows 11.  

Windows compatibility issues with SAP B1 

Older versions or patches of SAP Business One may not play nicely with this latest of Windows 11, particularly when it comes to add-ons or third-party tools. This is something to consider should you be using modules for enhanced warehousing and scanning, shop floor management or Intercompany operations 

While the core system might appear to function, subtle glitches or integration failures can creep in and cause disruption to everyday processes. Over time, these issues can become harder to troubleshoot if you’re running an unsupported version, impacting your use of the system causing backlogs and discrepancies in data. 

Impact on extensions and addons 

Windows 11 only runs in 64 bit, which means any older, 32-bit components or addons will no longer work. This can impact businesses that still rely on legacy extensions or custom-built tools. If you’re unsure whether your current setup is 64-bit ready, now is the time to double-check before committing to an upgrade. 

Security and authentication 

Windows 11 enforces stricter rules around login security, certificates and identity management. That’s good news for overall business protection, but it can catch some systems out – especially those that rely on older login methods. If your SAP environment uses Windows domain accounts, single sign-on (SSO), or external identity providers – these may need reviewing and reconfiguring to ensure smooth access. 

Browser and web client access 

The SAP Business One web client and service layer rely heavily on secure connections such as TLS, certificates and domain authentication. Windows 11 updates can change how these security layers behave, sometimes disrupting browser access or blocking connections unexpectedly.  

Without the right configuration, your team could find themselves locked out of essential tools. This is really important going into 2026, as the noise from SAP is all around developing the web client into a strong browser-based solution, especially for mobile teams. 

Future updates and patches 

Windows 11 will continue to evolve, with new feature releases and Microsoft security patches rolled out regularly. Even if your SAP system works today, future updates may introduce unexpected quirks or break existing connections. Staying on a supported SAP version ensures you’ll benefit from ongoing fixes and adjustments as the operating system changes.  

Preparing for Windows 11 compatibility 

To run SAP Business One smoothly on Windows 11, there are a few important requirements you’ll want to tick off before upgrading. Here’s a handy checklist to walk through; should you have any questions about any of these requirements, get in touch. If you are a current Thinc customer, contact your account manager, who’ll be able to help. 

Upgrade to SAP Business One 10.0 FP 2305 or later 

This is the most important step. Only SAP Business One 10.0 FP 2305 and later have official support for Windows 11. As mentioned earlier, older versions won’t be receiving compatibility updates, or security fixes from SAP. Upgrading ensures your system is stable and fully aligned with Microsoft’s latest operating system. 

Keep your Microsoft .NET framework up to date 

SAP Business One relies on Microsoft’s .NET Framework to function correctly. Windows 11 expects you to use the latest supported version, so running outdated .NET components could cause errors, performance issues, or even prevent your SAP solution from starting. A quick update here avoids unnecessary headaches. 

Use fully qualified domain names (FQDN) 

Windows 11 brings stricter rules around network communication and identity management. SAP now requires the use FQDN in many configurations, instead of shorthand or local naming conventions. This ensures that your SAP clients, servers and services can communicate reliably without being blocked by Windows security policies. 

Verify certificate and encryption settings 

Windows 11 enforces stronger rules around certificate trust and encrypted communication. SAP requires modern certificate verification settings and the use of TLS 1.2 or higher to keep connections secure. If your SAP setup still relies on outdated certificates or weaker encryption, those connections may be rejected by Windows 11. 

Check add-on and integration compatibility 

Many businesses extend the capabilities of SAP Business One with third-party addons or custom-built tools. Before upgrading to Windows 11, it’s important to check whether these addons are 64-bit compatible and certified for the new operating system. Testing in advance helps avoid unpleasant surprises where a critical integration suddenly stops working. 

Prepare for ongoing updates 

Even once you’re running on Windows 11, Microsoft will continue to roll out patches and feature updates. Some of these can change how authentication, browsers or security features behave. By keeping your SAP environment on a supported version, you’ll ensure SAP releases fixes and guidance when these updates arrive. 

The bottom line on SAP Business One and Windows 11 

If you’re planning to upgrade to Windows 11, or if your IT team is already rolling it out, it’s essential to make sure your SAP Business One system is ready.  

If you’re on an older version of SAP Business One, upgrading is not just recommended – it’s necessary. Make sure that you test before you switch, as even supported versions can run into quirks with updates, so a proper testing plan helps avoid any disruptions. Also, you’ll need to ensure that you’re staying secure. Windows 11 brings stronger security policies – great for protecting your business, but you’ll need to make sure that your SAP setup aligns. 

We’re here to help you with SAP Business One  

At Thinc, we’ve supported many businesses through upgrades – both SAP updates and operating system transitions. We can help you to review your current SAP Business One version and patch level, before advising on upgrade paths if you’re not yet on 10.0 FP 2305 or later. We’ll also help you test and validate your SAP setup on Windows 11, while making sure your addons, integrations and security settings are all in sync with the new requirements. Should you seek advice from us on any of these stages, please do get in touch. 

Ready to upgrade SAP for Windows 11?

If your business is planning to move to Windows 11, don’t risk disruption to your SAP Business One system. Get in touch with our SAP specialists – we’ll help make the transition smooth, secure and future-proof.

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