The first version of the EDExpress for Windows for the 2025-26 academic year is now available and includes functionality for Global, Application Processing, and Packaging. Administrators can access the release through the ‘Software and Other Tools’ section of the FSA Knowledge Center website and should refer to the EDExpress for Windows 2025–26 Installation Guide or Desk Reference for further information.
Posted Date: November 15, 2024
Author: Federal Student Aid
Electronic Announcement ID: EDESUITE-24-08
Subject: Availability of EDExpress for Windows 2025–26, Release 1.0
We are pleased to announce the posting of EDExpress for Windows 2025–26, Release 1.0, in the Software and Other Tools area of the Knowledge Center website (https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/topics/software-and-other-tools). This release contains Global, Application Processing, and Packaging functionality for the 2025–26 cycle.
In addition, the following EDExpress 2025–26 documents are available on the Knowledge Center website:
- EDExpress for Windows 2025–26 Installation Guide (provides technical guidance regarding installation and initial setup of Release 1.0 and subsequent versions)
- EDExpress for Windows 2025–26, Release 1.0 Cover Letter (provides information regarding enhancements available in Release 1.0)
- EDExpress for Windows 2025–26, Release 1.0 Desk Reference (covers Global, Application Processing, Packaging, and College Financing Plan functionality)
The 2025–26 Packaging Technical Reference, which provides technical guidance and record layouts for use with the EDExpress 2025–26 Packaging module, is also available on the Knowledge Center website.
EDExpress 2025–26 Redesign
We have continued to modernize the EDExpress user interface in 2025–26 by relocating major functionality such as setup, import, export, and report printing from separate dialog boxes to the main EDExpress screen. We also implemented “wizard” options for functions like Query and File Formats setup to provide a more intuitive, step-by-step path to using these advanced features to facilitate more effective use of your EDExpress data.
Release 1.0 functionality is consistent with the most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) changes for 2025–26, including any changes implemented during extensive beta testing conducted by Federal Student Aid prior to processing start-up.
EDExpress 2025–26 Installation – Special Notes
Note the following guidance during the installation of EDExpress 2025–26, Release 1.0:
- When you initiate the EDExpress 2025–26 installation process, you may be prompted to install the ACE Access Database Engine. This functionality is required to install EDExpress 2025–26. Click Install to allow the process to determine if the ACE Access Database Engine is already on the workstation and install it if necessary.
- EDExpress 2025–26 requires Microsoft .NET version 8.0. You may be prompted to install this software if the EDExpress 2025–26 installation process determines it is not available on your workstation.
EDExpress 2025–26 Initial Login Information
When you first access EDExpress 2025–26 after installation, the default User ID is SYSADMIN and the default password is $y$tem Adm1n. Be sure to include the space between $y$tem and Adm1n (the two parts of the default password).
After you enter the default user ID and password, EDExpress 2025–26 requires that you immediately (before selecting the Login button) define a new password for the SYSADMIN. New passwords must be a minimum of 12 characters and must include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one keyboard character that is not a letter or number (such as an exclamation mark or other punctuation symbol). You can adjust the minimum password length and other requirements in the Password Setup screen.
The SYSADMIN user ID only provides access to critical administrative functions in order to limit its use for routine software tasks and improve your ability to trace actions taken in the software to specific users. EDExpress administrators at your school should create unique user IDs in Security Users setup with the necessary access (based on the associated Security Group) and log into the software under those IDs for most software tasks they perform.
If You Have Questions
If you have questions regarding this message, please contact the FPS Help Desk at 1-800-330-5947 or by email at support@fps.ed.gov. The FPS Help Desk provides customer service for the FAFSA Processing System (FPS), the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG), and the EDExpress for Windows software.
SOURCE: (EDESUITE-24-08) Availability of EDExpress for Windows 2025–26, Release 1.0