BarTender 2021 Full Support Ends in 2027: What Apparel²¹ Customers Need to Know
If your business is currently using BarTender 2021 or an earlier version, there is an important support deadline to plan for.
BarTender has advised that full support for BarTender 2021 and earlier versions, including licensing and activation assistance, ends after 31 December 2027.
While there is still time to prepare, reviewing your current BarTender environment early can help your team understand its upgrade requirements and plan any changes around your operations.
What changes after 31 December 2027?
After the support deadline, customers using BarTender 2021 or earlier will no longer have access to the same level of support currently available, including licensing and activation assistance.
This does not mean BarTender 2021 will automatically stop working on 31 December 2027. However, continuing to use an unsupported version may make future infrastructure changes, licensing requirements and troubleshooting more difficult.
BarTender also advises that updating its software requires an active Maintenance & Support Agreement (MSA), making it worth reviewing your current version and support status well ahead of the deadline.
Why consider upgrading before support ends?
The technology around your labelling environment continues to evolve, even if your existing setup is working today.
BarTender says newer versions include infrastructure and security updates designed to keep labelling environments current and supportable, alongside improvements to labelling and printing workflows.
BarTender 12.1 includes enhancements across areas such as:
label design and printing
labelling system management
print-time controls
connections across labelling operations
support for newer infrastructure
regulatory and compliance requirements
For businesses where labelling plays an important role across warehouse, distribution or retail operations, planning an upgrade early can provide more time to assess requirements and minimise disruption.
