# How to Update DR Sim Manager

DR Sim Manager can be updated automatically or manually.

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## Automatic Update Checks

By default, DR Sim Manager checks for updates **once per day** on startup. If a new version is available, a dialog appears with:

- **Download** — Opens the releases page in your browser where you can download the latest installer.
- **Later** — Dismisses the dialog until the next check.

You can enable or disable automatic update checks in the **Settings** tab under **General → Check for Updates**.

> **note**
If you're running a **beta build**, the update checker will also show pre-release versions, so you'll be notified of both new beta builds and stable releases. Stable users only see stable release notifications.

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## Manual Update Check

To check for updates at any time:

1. **Right-click** any dock or window title bar.
2. Select **Check for Updates…**

If a new version is available, you'll see the same download dialog. If you're already on the latest version, you'll see a confirmation message.

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## Installing an Update

1. Download the latest installer from the [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/DepartedReality/dr-sim-manager-releases/releases/latest) page.
2. Close DR Sim Manager if it's running.
3. Run the installer — it will update your existing installation in place.
4. Relaunch DR Sim Manager.

> **note**
If Windows shows **Error 4551** or says an **Application Control policy has blocked this file**, download the newest installer from the official GitHub Releases page and try again. Current installers are signed to work better with Windows App Control. If the device is managed by a company or school, you may still need an administrator to approve the installer.

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## What Happens to Your Settings During an Update?

Updates **preserve** the following:

| Preserved                                             | Not Preserved |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ------------- |
| All profiles                                          | —             |
| License activation                                    | —             |
| Sim config                                            | —             |
| Output configurations                                 | —             |
| Application settings (gains, safety thresholds, etc.) | —             |
| Hardware profiles                                     | —             |
| UI layout and dock positions                          | —             |

In short: **all your settings and configurations are preserved** during a standard update. You should not need to reconfigure anything after updating.

> **tip**
If you experience issues after an update (e.g., the application won't start), try deleting the `ui.config` file. See [DR Sim Manager Won't Start Anymore](dr-sim-manager-wont-start-anymore.md) for details.

---

## Beta vs Stable Channels

DR Sim Manager has two release channels:

### Stable (Default)

- Receives thoroughly tested releases.
- Recommended for most users.
- Only shows stable release notifications in the update checker.
- Data folder: `C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Local\DRSimManager`

### Beta

- Receives early access builds with new features before they reach stable.
- May contain bugs or incomplete features.
- Shows both beta and stable release notifications in the update checker.
- Installs side-by-side with the stable version as **DR Sim Manager Beta**.
- Uses a separate data folder: `C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Local\DRSimManagerBeta`
- You can run both stable and beta versions simultaneously without conflict.

To start beta testing, download a pre-release build from [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/DepartedReality/dr-sim-manager-releases/releases). For more details, see [Beta Testing](../../development/beta-testing.md).

### Copying Settings Between Channels

If you want the beta to start with the same settings as your stable installation:

1. Close both versions if running.
2. Copy the configuration files (`app.json`, `sim.json`, `outputs.json`, `ui.config`) from the stable data folder to the beta data folder.
3. Optionally copy the `Profiles` and `HardwareProfiles` folders as well.

---

## Rolling Back to a Previous Version

If a new version causes problems and you need to go back to an older version:

1. Close DR Sim Manager.
2. Visit [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/DepartedReality/dr-sim-manager-releases/releases) and find the version you want to roll back to.
3. Download the installer for that version.
4. Run the installer — it will replace the current installation with the older version.
5. Relaunch DR Sim Manager.

Your settings and profiles are generally forward-compatible but may not always be backward-compatible. If you experience issues after rolling back:

- Try deleting `ui.config` first (preserves most settings).
- If that doesn't help, delete all configuration files (`app.json`, `sim.json`, `outputs.json`, `ui.config`) and reconfigure from scratch.

> **caution**
Rolling back may lose access to features that were added in newer versions. Configuration files created by a newer version may not be fully compatible with an older version.