> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.drizz.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.drizz.dev/desktop-app/updates.md).

# Updates

The desktop app updates itself. Optional updates are taken on demand; forced updates install before work continues.

|                      |                                                                                 |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Platforms**        | macOS                                                                           |
| **How it checks**    | Automatically in the background, while the app is open                          |
| **Where you see it** | An update prompt in the sidebar                                                 |
| **Two kinds**        | Optional — take it when you like · Forced — installs before you can continue    |
| **Watch out**        | A forced update restarts the app. Save your open test file before you start one |

## Prerequisites

* Drizz desktop app running from `/Applications`, not from a mounted `.dmg`
* Network access to the Drizz download host
* No unsaved test files open

## Update types

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Optional" %}

1. Read the update prompt in the sidebar.
2. Click the prompt to download and install, or ignore it and keep working.
3. Confirm the app restarts on the new version.

Ignoring the prompt leaves the current version running. The app has no changelog surface, so a skipped update is the first thing to rule out when behavior changes.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Forced" %}

1. A full-screen overlay with a progress bar appears.
2. The download and install run to completion.
3. The app restarts itself.

A forced update cannot be deferred, and it restarts the app mid-authoring. Save the open file when the overlay appears. Forced releases carry fixes for defects that break runs — a broken device connection, a failing sign-in.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## When the automatic download fails

A flaky network or a corporate proxy blocking the download host stops the automatic download. The overlay offers a manual installer download.

1. Click the [manual installer link](https://www.drizz.dev/download-desktop-app).
2. Open the downloaded `.dmg`.
3. Drag **Drizz Desktop** into `/Applications`, replacing the existing copy.
4. Launch the app from `/Applications` and confirm the new version loads.

If the download is unreachable from your network, run **Help → Network Preflight** first. Blocked update downloads and blocked sign-in have the same causes. See [Networks, proxies & preflight](/desktop-app/networks-and-preflight.md).

## Common mistakes

| What you do                                                  | What happens                                                                     |
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Run Drizz from the mounted `.dmg` instead of `/Applications` | Updates fail silently — the app can't replace itself on a read-only volume       |
| Leave an unsaved test file open for days                     | A forced update restarts the app underneath you. Save your work                  |
| Ignore the sidebar prompt for weeks, then report a bug       | You may be reporting something already fixed. Update first, then report          |
| Quit the app during a forced update                          | You'll get the overlay again on next launch. Let it finish                       |
| Reinstall from an old `.dmg` you kept                        | You go backwards, and the next forced update immediately pulls you forward again |

## Next

* [Download & install](/desktop-app/download-and-install.md)
* [Networks, proxies & preflight](/desktop-app/networks-and-preflight.md)
* [Report an issue](/desktop-app/report-an-issue.md)

***

*Last updated: 6 August 2026*