Moving to BrightPay Cloud

Starting in the 2027 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 2026 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 2027 BrightPay Connect will no longer be available.

Q Should I make the move to BrightPay cloud now or do I have to wait until the 2026 tax year?

A Yes, you should make the move for the 2026 tax year unless you rely on any of the following features:
• 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.

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 2026 tax year?

A Yes you can use BrightPay Connect for the 2026 tax year.

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
• Two-factor authentication for employees
• Document upload facility 
• The option for employees to view other employees’ leave on the calendar 
The employer portal functionality of BrightPay Connect will soon be on BrightPay cloud.
• Employer / client portal 
• Payroll Entry Requests 
• Payroll Approval Requests 
• Client dashboard to access payslips, payroll reports and HMRC payments 
*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 

FAQs: Support for BrightPay

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

A The 2026 version of BrightPay for Windows will be supported for the entire tax year.

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.