Prepare to update your software

To prepare for the upcoming update, we recommend you complete a few quick checks first to ensure your installation goes smoothly.

Optimise your data

Optimise your data before you install your update, to ensure your database is organised and ready for the update.

Back up your data

We recommend you back up your data before installing an update.

Run your software as an administrator

Running Payroll as an administrator ensures your software has access to all necessary files and data on your computer.

Follow the steps below to set your software to run as admin automatically:

1. Right-click the icon for Sage 50 Payroll and select Properties.
2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
3. Select the checkbox beside Run this program as an administrator.
4. Select Apply, then OK.

Check system requirements

For your software to run correctly, your computer system must meet or exceed the system requirements for Sage 50 Payroll.

Check your antivirus software

When you install a software update, there can be conflicts with your Sage installer, and your antivirus software on your computer. 

To ensure this doesn't occur when you install, check your antivirus software to avoid conflicts with Sage 50 Payroll.

Update and refresh your licence

To activate any additional modules that your subscription includes, you need to use up-to-date activation details.

To do this, you need to check your serial number and activation key.

1. Using your account number and postcode - Find my serial number and activation key.
2. Open your Sage 50 Payroll software, click Tools, then Upgrade Program.
3. Check your Account Number and Serial Number are correct.
4. If the Current Key has changed, enter the New Key, then click Update.

If your serial number hasn't changed but you have a new activation key, you need to ▼ Follow different steps to update these details.