# Updates and beta

The download version updates itself. It gets every new version on the same day as the online version, with
the same version number.

## How an update arrives

1. The app checks for a new version at every start and every 30 minutes while it runs.
2. It downloads a new version in the background. You keep working.
3. A banner shows **Update ready!**. Click **Reload** to install the update. The app restarts with the new
   version. On Windows, the installer runs for a few seconds.

The app never restarts on its own. In the middle of a tournament, ignore the banner or close it with
**Dismiss**, and install the update after the last match. Your tournaments stay in place.

## Flatpak: update by hand

A Flatpak does not update itself and shows no update banner. To update:

1. Download the new `.flatpak` file from [download.tournament.app](https://download.tournament.app).
2. Install it as before, with `flatpak install --user <file>.flatpak`.

Your tournaments stay in place.

## Beta channel

The beta channel gets new versions before everyone else. Use it if you want to test new features and
[tell us](https://feedback.tournament.io) what you find. Beta versions can contain bugs, so don't run an
important tournament on them.

- Kickertool 3 beta: [download.tournament.app/kickertool/beta/download](https://download.tournament.app/kickertool/beta/download)
- Petanque App beta: [download.tournament.app/petanque/beta/download](https://download.tournament.app/petanque/beta/download)

The beta replaces the normal installation of the same app and keeps your tournaments. It then receives beta
updates.

## FAQ

### Can an update start in the middle of a tournament?

No. The app downloads updates in the background and installs them only when you click **Reload** in the
update banner.

### Why does my Flatpak not get updates?

Flatpak bundles from download.tournament.app have no automatic updates. Download the new file and install it
again. Your tournaments stay in place.

### Do I need internet for updates?

Yes. Without internet the app works with the installed version and looks for updates again once it is
online.

## Next steps

[Tournament data](/kickertool/desktop/data/): where your tournaments are stored and how to move them.