Epicor 2026.1 Ends Classic Screen Support: What Clients Need to Know Before Upgrading
Epicor is moving at full speed into its modern, cloud‑ready future, and with the upcoming Epicor Kinetic 2026.1 release scheduled for May, one of the biggest shifts becomes official: Classic screens are reaching end of support.
For manufacturers who have relied on classic forms for years, this is more than a UI change. It is a strategic milestone that affects customizations, workflows, and upgrade readiness. If your organization plans to move to 2026.1, there is one critical requirement you must address first:
All customizations must be converted to the browser experience before upgrading.
Why Epicor Is Retiring Classic Screens
Epicor has been investing steadily in its modern, browser‑based UX for several years. The Kinetic interface delivers:
- A unified, cloud‑optimized experience
- Faster performance and improved responsiveness
- A consistent design across modules
- Better support for automation, personalization, and low‑code tools
- A foundation aligned with Epicor’s long‑term roadmap
Classic screens, while familiar, simply cannot support the pace of innovation Epicor is driving. Ending support allows Epicor to streamline development and deliver features exclusively in the modern interface.
What This Means for Your Upgrade to 2026.1
If your organization is planning to upgrade to Epicor 2026.1, you cannot bring classic customizations with you. They must be:
- Reviewed
- Rebuilt or converted
- Evaluated in the browser environment
before the upgrade can proceed.
This includes:
- Custom forms
- BPMs and method directives
- UI customizations
- Embedded dashboards
- Personalization’s
- Third‑party integrations that rely on classic UI elements
For many organizations, this is not a small task, especially if customizations have accumulated over years or multiple versions.
The Hidden Risk: Upgrade Delays
The biggest risk for clients is timing.
If you wait until the upgrade window to start converting customizations, you may face:
- Project delays
- Unexpected rework
- Compatibility issues
- Extended downtime
- Increased cost due to compressed timelines
Epicor 2026.1 is a major release, and the shift away from classic screens adds another layer of complexity. Starting early is the best way to avoid disruption.
How to Prepare Now
Organizations should begin planning immediately. A successful transition typically includes:
- Customization Inventory
Document every customization, no matter how small. Many clients discover they have more than they realize.
- Impact Assessment
Identify which customizations can be migrated, which need to be rebuilt, and which can be retired.
- Browser Conversion
Recreate or redesign customizations using:
- Application Studio
- Modern UI components
- Updated Epicor frameworks
- Functional & User Testing
Validate that converted customizations behave as expected in the browser.
- Upgrade Readiness Review
Ensure all customizations, integrations, and workflows are fully compatible with 2026.1.
Why This Is the Perfect Time to Modernize
While the end of classic screens may feel like a forced change, it is also a strategic opportunity.
Browser‑based customizations are:
- Easier to maintain
- More upgrade‑friendly
- Better aligned with Epicor’s cloud roadmap
- More secure and scalable
- Compatible with automation and AI‑driven features
Organizations that modernize now will be better positioned for future Epicor releases, and for broader digital transformation initiatives.
How 2W Tech Can Help
As an Epicor Platinum Elite Partner and multi‑year Epicor Global Partner of the Year, 2W Tech has deep experience guiding clients through UI modernization and upgrading readiness.
Our team can support you with:
- Full customization audits
- Browser conversion and redesign
- Application Studio development
- Upgrade planning and execution
- Testing and validation
- Long‑term Epicor optimization
If you want to be ready for Epicor 2026.1, without surprises, now is the time to start. May will be here before you know it. With classic screen support ending, organizations that plan will upgrade smoothly. Those that wait may find themselves scrambling. If you are unsure where to begin, or want expert guidance, 2W Tech is ready to help you build a clear, confident path to Epicor 2026.1.
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