Auto-Update
TalkWriter keeps itself up to date automatically. New features, bug fixes, and performance improvements are delivered seamlessly in the background.
How Auto-Update Works
- TalkWriter checks for updates in the background (approximately every 6 hours)
- When an update is available, it downloads silently
- A notification lets you know an update is ready
- The update installs the next time you restart TalkWriter, or you can apply it immediately
Updates are downloaded over HTTPS and verified with a cryptographic signature before installation. Only authentic TalkWriter releases are installed.
Update Settings
- Open Settings (Cmd + ,)
- Navigate to the General section
- Find Auto-Update
| Option | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Automatic (default) | Updates download and install automatically |
| Notify only | You are notified but must choose to install |
| Off | No automatic checking — you must update manually |
Keep auto-update set to Automatic for the best experience. Updates are small (10-30 MB), fast, and rarely require a Mac restart.
Checking for Updates Manually
- Click the TalkWriter menu bar icon
- Select Check for Updates
If an update is available, you see release notes and an option to install.
What Happens During an Update
- TalkWriter saves your current session state
- The app quits briefly (2-5 seconds)
- The new version is installed
- TalkWriter restarts automatically
- Your session state is restored
Your Scratchpad content, dictionary, snippets, and all settings are preserved across updates.
Rollback to Previous Version
If a new version causes issues:
- Open Settings > About TalkWriter
- Click Rollback to Previous Version
- Confirm the rollback
Rollback is only available for one version back. If you have skipped multiple updates, you can only roll back to the version immediately prior.
FAQ
Will an update interrupt my dictation? No. Updates are downloaded in the background and only installed when you restart TalkWriter or explicitly choose to update.
How do I know which version I am running? Go to Settings > About TalkWriter to see your current version number.
Do updates reset my settings? No. All settings, dictionary entries, snippets, and session history are preserved across updates.
Can I skip an update? With Notify only or Off modes, yes. But staying current is recommended for security and compatibility.