Moving to BrightPay Cloud

Starting in the 2026/27 tax year, BrightPay will be exclusively cloud-based. The desktop version will no longer receive updates, support, or legislative compliance.

Bright’s cloud solutions offer enhanced functionality, security, and a modern payroll experience. To stay at the forefront of innovation, we are focusing our development on advancing the platform, ensuring a seamless transition for users.

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions about moving to BrightPay cloud, feature comparison, Connect and support. Our download our pdf version here. 

FAQs: Why BrightPay cloud?

Q Why will BrightPay for Windows be discontinued after the 2025/26 tax year?

A As payroll processes evolve, compliance requirements grow, and businesses demand greater efficiency, transitioning BrightPay entirely
to the cloud ensures a future where you will have seamless access to the latest tools and automation. This move allows us to focus on delivering continuous innovation without disruption – helping you manage payroll more efficiently and stay ahead in an ever- evolving landscape.

Q Where can I find out more information about BrightPay cloud?

A To find out more information about BrightPay cloud, please visit: www.brightsg.com/brightpay-cloud- payroll-software/

Q Will BrightPay Connect also be discontinued?

A Yes. From the start of the 2026/27 BrightPay Connect will no longer be available with bureau desktop licences. Please note, starting 2025/26, BrightPay Connect is not available with BrightPay desktop standard licences.

Q Is BrightPay for Mac available for 2025/26?

A No. As previously communicated to BrightPay for Mac customers, this version of BrightPay will not be available from the start of 2025/26 tax year. BrightPay for Mac customers have the option to move to the cloud version now or choose to move to BrightPay for Windows for the 2025/26 tax year. For more information on BrightPay for Mac, please visit this page.

Q Should I make the move to BrightPay cloud now or do I have to wait until the 26/27 tax year?

A Yes, you should make the move for the 2025/26 tax year unless you rely on any of the following features:
• Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
• Have more than 300 employees per employers (including leavers)
To understand the full feature parity, please click here to view a side-by-side view of the feature comparison of BrightPay cloud and BrightPay for Windows and BrightPay Connect.

Q Can I book a demo of BrightPay cloud?

A Yes, to book a demo of BrightPay cloud click here.

FAQs: Feature Comparison

Q What’s the difference between BrightPay for Windows, BrightPay Connect and BrightPay’s cloud software?

A Click here to view a full feature comparison

Q What is the maximum number of employees allowed?

A BrightPay’s cloud software is currently restricted to 300 employees (including leavers) per employer upon release. This limit will be increased in the future.

Q Is the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) module available on BrightPay cloud?

A CIS functionality is currently only available on BrightPay for Windows. We are developing a separate solution and this will be available later in 2025. If you require CIS functionality now, you can use BrightPay for Windows for CIS alongside BrightPay cloud. Please contact our team on [email protected] for assistance

FAQs: Making the move

Q Can I use BrightPay Connect with BrightPay’s cloud software?

A No. BrightPay’s cloud software and BrightPay Connect are two separate products. BrightPay Connect is only designed to work with BrightPay’s for Windows

Q Can I use BrightPay Connect for the 2025/26 tax year?

A If you hold a bureau desktop Licence, you can use BrightPay Connect for the 2025/26 tax year. BrightPay Connect is no longer available alongside standard desktop licence.

Q What functionality on BrightPay Connect is not currently available on BrightPay’s cloud software?

A While almost all functionality of BrightPay Connect is available as part of BrightPay’s cloud software, there are a few remaining features which are currently in development.
• Employee mobile app (coming in 2025)*
• Two-factor authentication for employees (available 25/26 release)
• Document upload facility (available 25/26 release)
• The option for employees to view other employees’ leave on the calendar (April 2025)
The employer portal functionality of BrightPay Connect will soon be on BrightPay cloud.
• Employer / client portal (available April 2025)
• Payroll Entry Requests (available May 2025)
• Payroll Approval Requests (available May 2025)
• Client dashboard to access payslips, payroll reports and HMRC payments (available April 2025)
*While the employee mobile app is not yet available, employees can access all of the same functionality as the app through their online employee portal, accessible via an internet browser.

Q How long will my employees and users be able to access the Connect portal?

A BrightPay Connect will not be available to standard users for the 2025/26 tax year. However, to support their transition, these users will retain access to Connect for the first three months of the 2025/26 tax year, until 5th July 2025. Employees will lose access to their Employee Self-Service portal after 5th April 2025.
Similarly, bureau licence users will have access to BrightPay Connect for the first three months of the 2026/27 tax year, with employee access ending after 5th April 2026.
Bureau licence users migrating to the cloud for the 2025/26 tax year will not receive extended access to BrightPay Connect unless they continue to pay for the service.

FAQs: Support for BrightPay

Q How long will BrightPay for Windows/Mac be supported?

A The 2025/26 version of BrightPay for Windows will be supported for the entire tax year. However, BrightPay for Mac will no longer be available, and support for it will be discontinued.

Q Does BrightPay cloud offer free product support?

A Yes, all BrightPay cloud customers receive free phone and email support. Click here for more information. View our detailed help guides to help you get set up on BrightPay cloud or view our onboarding videos here.