Updating TalkWriter
TalkWriter is updated by downloading the latest DMG from the website and replacing the app in your Applications folder. This page explains the process.
Why Manual Updates?
TalkWriter uses a manual DMG download process rather than auto-updates. This gives you full control over when you update and ensures you always know exactly what version you are running. Your data (account, dictionary, snippets, settings, session history) syncs to the cloud, so updating the app never risks losing your content.
How to Update
- TalkWriter may show an in-app notification when a new version is available. You can also check the website directly.
- Visit talkwriter.ai and download the latest DMG for your Mac (arm64, x64, or universal).
- Quit TalkWriter if it is running (right-click the menu bar icon and choose Quit).
- Open the downloaded DMG file.
- Drag TalkWriter to your Applications folder. Click Replace when prompted.
- Eject the DMG.
- Launch the updated TalkWriter.
What Gets Preserved During Updates
| Item | Preserved? | How |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary words | ✅ | Synced to your cloud account |
| Text Snippets | ✅ | Synced to your cloud account |
| Session history | ✅ | Synced to your cloud account |
| Settings | ✅ | Synced to your cloud account |
| Subscription status | ✅ | Tied to your account |
| macOS permissions | ✅ | Granted to the app location, not the app version |
You should not need to re-grant microphone or accessibility permissions after updating. If macOS asks for permissions again, follow the First Setup steps.
Practical Example
Scenario: You see an in-app notification that version 2.1 is available.
- Finish your current work (no rush -- the old version keeps working fine).
- Go to talkwriter.ai, download the arm64 DMG.
- Quit TalkWriter from the menu bar.
- Open the DMG, drag to Applications, click Replace.
- Launch TalkWriter. You are on the new version. All your data is intact.
Total time: about 60 seconds.
Bookmark the TalkWriter download page so you can quickly grab updates. If you are unsure whether you need to update, check the TalkWriter blog or changelog for what changed in the latest version.
FAQ
How do I know which version I am running? Open TalkWriter and check Settings > About or look in the menu bar dropdown.
Do I need to update frequently? Updates are not mandatory, but they include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. We recommend updating when you see a notification.
Can I go back to an older version? If you kept the old DMG, you can reinstall it by following the same process. Your data remains intact regardless of which version you run.
Was this helpful? Let us know at support@talkwriter.ai