Can I use a newer release of AYS with an older license?

The version 2025 AYS program installation will work with any AYS license that is version 2020 or newer. If you have an older AYS license then some newer AYS features may either be disabled, or a message may be displayed indicating which license version is required to use that feature. An exception to this is that a newer license version may be required if you have updated your Windows operating system to a newer version.

Updating your Windows operating system

An AYS version 2022 or higher license is required for compatibility with Windows 11 or Windows Server 2022

An AYS version 2025 or higher license is required for compatibility with Windows Server 2025.

You should always install the latest AYS service pack to ensure that you have the newest features and resolutions to any reported issues.

License file format

If your license file is in the legacy license.wcs file format then you will need to contact [email protected] to request your license in the newer .ayslic format.

Reasons to upgrade your license version

There are good reasons to upgrade your AYS license version:

  • Microsoft is constantly upgrading their Windows operating systems and older versions of AYS are not compatible with some of the technologies used in the newer operating systems. Newer licensed versions of AYS are updated to keep pace with these changes and upgrading your license ensures that you have maximum compatibility.
  • New technologies continue to be developed or have come into popular use in mainstream society. A few basic examples are spell-check, SMS text messaging, bar codes and QR codes, and integrated credit/debit card processing. Many of these technologies are expensive to implement and require dozens of hours of research, development, and testing. Upgrading your AYS license version adds support for new technologies like these to your program.
  • Every month we receive numerous feature requests from our customers asking for new features or improvements to existing modules. With every new major version we spend hundreds of hours to implement as may of these new features as possible. While some of these features are released to all users regardless of license version, most of these new features are available only by upgrading your license version.

For a list of new features that have been added with each software update see:

  • The What’s New list (a list of significant feature additions)
  • The Read Me file (includes a list of every major and minor update including bug fixes)