Ecoscope Desktop receives regular updates that improve the application itself — separate from updates to individual workflow templates. These app updates can include new interface features, improved result filtering and display, and general performance improvements.

This article explains the two update methods available, when each applies, and how to complete an update.

Why Update the App?

App updates are distinct from template updates. While template updates affect the analysis logic inside a workflow, app updates affect how Ecoscope Desktop works as a whole. Examples of what an app update might include:

• New functionality in the results view, such as additional filtering options
• Interface improvements that apply across all templates and workflows
• Fixes for app-level issues not related to any specific template

Staying on the latest version ensures you have access to the most current tools and a stable experience.

Update Priority Levels

Updates for Ecoscope Desktop come in 3 levels of priority or urgency.

Update sectionities

When an update is available, Ecoscope Desktop will prompt you. Depending on the nature of the update, you will see one of the following:

Patch Updates (Most Common)

Patch updates deliver only the files that have changed. They are the standard update method for most releases.

• Download size: approximately 9 MB (compared to 175 MB for a full install)
• Speed: fast — suitable even on slower connections such as 4G mobile data
• No disruption to your template environments or workflow history

Most users will always receive patch updates. Full downloads are only required when there are low-level dependency changes on the developer side, which are expected to be rare.

Full Updates (Occasional)

In rare cases — typically when there are low-level Desktop application dependency changes on the developer side — a full update (downloading the new full app installer and running it) is required. The interface for initiating a full update is the same as for a patch update. The app will guide you through the correct process automatically.

How to Update the App

From the critical update available screen:

1. Only when a critical update is available, you will be shown the critical update available screen every time you start the app. You may choose to skip this screen by clicking “Skip Now” but we strongly advise you to upgrade immediately to any critical update that is available.

2. Click “Download Update”". The dialog will show your current version and the version you are updating to.
3. If the critical update is a patch update,
   1. The app will download and stage the update. This download typically takes only a few seconds on a standard connection. 
   2. Once the update is staged, you will be asked to restart the application.
      1. Note: After restarting, the app will confirm that you are on the latest version. You can verify this by checking the version number in the app settings or by running Check for Updates.
4. If the critical update is a full update,
   1. The app will open up your internet browser to the app download page.
   2. You must download the new installer and reinstall the application yourself. 
      1. Note: that you must close the Desktop app before you run the new installer. However, you do not need to uninstall the Desktop app before you run the new installer.

From the “Check for Updates” section:

1. When an update of any priority level is available, an update notification dot will appear on the File menu. This dot is red for a critical update, blue for a recommended update, and gray for a maintenance update.

2. Click on “Update Available” to see the Check for Updates section.

3. Click “Download Update”. The dialog will show your current version and the version you are updating to.
4. If the update is a patch update,
   1. The app will download and stage the update. This download typically takes only a few seconds on a standard connection. 
   2. Once the update is staged, you will be asked to restart the application.
      1. Note: If you have workflows currently running, you must choose Restart Later to avoid interrupting them. The update will take effect the next time you restart the app.
      2. Note: After restarting, the app will confirm that you are on the latest version. You can verify this by checking the version number in the app on the About section (by clicking on the Help > About Menu) or by running Check for Updates.

5. If the update is a full update,
   1. The app will open up your internet browser to the app download page.
   2. You must download the new installer and reinstall the application yourself. 
      1. Note: that you must close the Desktop app before you run the new installer. However, you do not need to uninstall the Desktop app before you run the new installer.

Checking Your Current App Version

You can view the current app version from the About screen in Ecoscope Desktop. After an update, running Check for Updates should show no further updates available.