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Desktop · Use

Auto-update

Dock Desktop updates itself in the background. New versions download silently when available; you only notice on next launch when the new version starts. No nag dialogs, no mid-session restarts.

Cadence

  • Check on launch: every time the app starts, it pings the update server.
  • Check every 6 hours while running.
  • Download in background: if a new version is available, the binary downloads silently. No progress bar, no interruption.
  • Apply on next launch: the new version replaces the old on the next time you start the app. Mid-session work isn't affected.

Update channels

  • stable (default): production releases. ~weekly.
  • beta: candidates for stable. ~daily. Switch via Settings → Desktop → Update channel.

Beta is a one-way door if you load a workspace with format the stable version can't read, back-loading works, but stale stable installs may need to update first.

Manual check

macOS: Dock menu → Check for Updates. Windows / Linux: Help → Check for Updates.

Rollback

If a new version breaks for you, file a support ticket with the version number. Past releases are listed on the changelog; support can send an older installer on request. Reinstalling an older version disables auto-update until you trigger it manually.

Signing

Every release is code-signed:

  • macOS: signed + notarized by Vector Apps Inc (Apple Developer ID).
  • Windows: signed by Vector Apps Inc (DigiCert EV cert).
  • Linux .deb / .rpm: GPG-signed by our repo key.
  • AppImage: SHA256 published alongside the binary; verify before running.

Updates verify the signature before applying, a tampered binary won't install.

Opting out

Settings → Desktop → Update channel → Off. Not recommended; you'll miss security patches. If you have a real reason (air-gapped environment, IT policy), file a ticket and we'll work with you on a managed-update path.

Frequently asked questions

How does the Dock desktop app update itself?
Sparkle (macOS framework) checks for updates on launch + every 24 hours. New version downloads in the background; the next app relaunch installs it. You see a 'Restart to update' notification when one's ready.
Can I disable Dock desktop auto-update?
Yes. Settings → General → Software updates → toggle off. The app stops checking for new versions; you can manually check via Settings → Check for updates. Useful for IT-managed deployments.
How do I force the Dock desktop app to update right now?
Settings → General → Software updates → Check now. Or Cmd-, → Updates tab → Install update. If a new version is available, it downloads + installs on next app relaunch.
How often does the Dock desktop app check for updates?
On every launch + every 24 hours while running. Background check, no UI interruption. When a new version is ready, you see a Restart-to-update prompt; you choose when to actually install.
Can I downgrade my Dock desktop app to an older version?
Direct download links to specific past versions are available at trydock.ai/desktop/releases. Drag the older `.app` to Applications, replace the current install. To prevent re-update, also disable auto-update in Settings.
Does the Dock desktop app update independently of the web app?
Yes. Web app updates ship every deploy (no user action). Desktop app updates ship every release tag (~weekly). They share the same backend; the desktop app is essentially a web wrapper with native menus + file handlers.
Why does the Dock desktop app keep prompting me to restart for an update?
The new version is downloaded but waiting for restart. Click the prompt to restart immediately, or dismiss to defer. If you keep dismissing, the prompt re-appears every few hours; the install only happens on actual restart.
Are Dock desktop updates safe (signed)?
Yes, code-signed by Vector Apps Inc and notarized by Apple (macOS). Sparkle verifies the signature before installing; a tampered binary would fail verification and the update is rejected. Standard macOS app distribution security.
How do I report a bug in a Dock desktop update?
Settings → Support → Report bug. Or `dock support new "Desktop bug: …"` from the CLI. Include `dock-app --version` (the desktop app version, distinct from CLI version) and what you observed.
Can my IT department manage Dock desktop updates centrally?
Yes. Configure via macOS MDM (Jamf, Mosyle): set the Sparkle preferences plist to disable user-initiated checks; deploy specific versions via your usual deployment channel. Email support for the full plist key reference.
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