How-ToAdministration

How to Manage Extensions and Apps in Business Central

Install, update, and uninstall extensions in Business Central, including AppSource apps, .app files, and per-tenant extensions.

Stein Sæstad
7 min read

Extensions are the standard way to add functionality to Business Central without modifying the base application. They can come from Microsoft AppSource, from a partner, or from your own development team. Managing them correctly, particularly around updates and uninstallation, avoids data loss and keeps your environment stable.

You need the SUPER permission set or equivalent to install and manage extensions.

Step 1: Open Extension Management

  1. Search for Extension Management using Alt + Q.
  2. The page lists all currently installed extensions with their name, publisher, version, and scope (Global or Per Tenant).

Understanding the scope distinction is important:

  • Global extensions are installed at the service tier level and apply to all tenants. These are typically Microsoft-published apps.
  • Per-tenant extensions (PTE) are installed for a single tenant only. Partner-developed or custom extensions are usually PTEs.

Step 2: Install an App from AppSource

  1. On the Extension Management page, select Marketplace from the action bar.
  2. The AppSource marketplace opens inside Business Central.
  3. Search for the app you want and select it.
  4. Select Get it now or Free trial depending on the app.
  5. Follow the prompts. The app installs and appears in the Extension Management list.

Some apps require additional configuration after installation, check the app documentation for any required setup steps.

Step 3: Install an Extension from a .app File

If you have received an extension file directly (for example, from a partner or your development team), you can upload it manually.

  1. On the Extension Management page, select Manage > Upload Extension.
  2. Select the .app file from your computer.
  3. Choose the Language if prompted.
  4. Select Deploy to install the extension.

Deployment runs in the background. Refresh the page after a moment to confirm the extension appears in the list.

For SaaS environments, uploaded extensions are installed as per-tenant extensions. They must be compatible with the current Business Central version.

Step 4: Check Extension Dependencies

Some extensions depend on other extensions being installed first. If a dependency is missing, installation will fail.

  1. On the Extension Management page, select the extension.
  2. Choose Dependencies from the action bar to see which other extensions it requires.
  3. Install any missing dependencies before retrying.

Step 5: Update an Extension

When a new version of an extension is available, Business Central notifies you in the Extension Management page or through the admin center.

  1. On the Extension Management page, look for extensions with an available update indicated.
  2. Select the extension and choose Update from the action bar.
  3. Review the release notes if available.
  4. Confirm the update.

For AppSource apps, updates are sometimes applied automatically during a Business Central update cycle. For per-tenant extensions, you need to upload the new .app file manually using the same process as the initial installation.

Step 6: Uninstall an Extension

  1. On the Extension Management page, select the extension you want to remove.
  2. Choose Manage > Uninstall.
  3. A dialog appears with an important option: Delete Extension Data.

This option matters:

  • If you leave Delete Extension Data unchecked, the extension’s tables and data remain in the database. You can reinstall the extension later and retain the data.
  • If you check Delete Extension Data, the data is permanently removed. This cannot be undone.

For most uninstallations, especially when you plan to reinstall or upgrade, leave Delete Extension Data unchecked.

Step 7: Republish and Sync After Issues

Occasionally an extension gets into an inconsistent state, particularly after a Business Central version update. If an extension shows a warning or fails to load:

  1. Select the extension on the Extension Management page.
  2. Choose Manage > Repair.
  3. If that does not resolve the issue, select Unpublish and then reinstall.

For per-tenant extensions, contact the developer for a version-compatible .app file if the issue is a compatibility mismatch.

Permissions Required

Installing extensions requires the SUPER permission set in Business Central. In addition:

  • Accessing AppSource requires internet connectivity from the browser session.
  • Uploading .app files requires that the user is an administrator in the environment.
  • In SaaS environments, some extension operations (such as global app deployment) are managed through the Business Central Admin Center rather than inside the application itself.

To control which users can access Extension Management, see How to Manage Environments in Business Central (SaaS).