---
title: Check for and install updates
description: Back up sessions and presets, check for an official update and verify your normal workflow before the next client appointment.
url: "https://viewips.com/docs/check-for-updates/"
updated: "2026-10-12"
category: Install and troubleshoot
---

# Check for and install updates

Choose a time when you can save your work and try the new version before an appointment.

**Still seeing “IPS Viewer Lite”?** That’s the previous name. Your existing purchase and license remain valid. Keep using your account download and the application’s update checker; you don’t need to buy the renamed program again.

## Save a backup

Save the open .IPS session and keep separate copies of important sessions, source photos, and PDFs. Back up studio settings and the pricing catalog too. An export of applied pricing gives you a workbook record; label draft exports separately.

## Check for a release

Use **Check for Updates** while connected to the internet. It checks the available release information and can open the download page. Checking or downloading doesn’t install the update or change activation.

Use the official IPS Viewer download. If you see an unexpected security warning, stop and follow the download troubleshooting guide.

## Install it

Save and close IPS Viewer when the installer needs to replace files, then follow the installation screens.

Update or repair flows for an existing installation validate the saved activation before changing files. You may not need to enter the key again. Reinstalling doesn’t reset activation.

Check the installed version afterward. If you’re working with test builds that share a version number, also confirm you installed the intended package.

## Check a familiar session

Open a copy of a session and check the photo order, tags, crops, treatments, notes, products, prices, quantities, discounts, payments, and totals. Keep the original backup unchanged.

Check your studio settings and applied price lists, create a practice order, and generate a fresh PDF to compare with your earlier copy. Test the client display and slideshow on your usual equipment.

## If there’s a problem

For a failed update check, check your connection and note the error. For an installation problem, note where it stopped and keep your saved files.

Contact support with your previous and intended versions, the package you used, your Windows version, and the error message. Keep settings, licenses, and sessions in place rather than deleting them to force the update.

Keep the pre-update backup until you’ve checked the result.

## Related guides

- [Saving and backing up](https://viewips.com/docs/save-session-load-session/)
- [Download problems](https://viewips.com/docs/problems-downloading/)
- [Troubleshooting and support](https://viewips.com/docs/troubleshooting/)