# Updates

> How ClassicTunes checks for and installs new versions, how to check by hand, and why an update never interrupts a sync.

ClassicTunes can keep itself up to date. It checks classictunes.app for a new version, shows you what's new, and installs it when you say so (or by itself, if you prefer).

## Check for updates by hand

Choose **ClassicTunes › Check for Updates…**. A window says whether there's a newer version. If there is, it shows what's new and offers to install it. If you're up to date, it says so.

You can also click **Check Now** in **Settings › General › Updates**.

## Automatic updates

![The Updates settings](https://classictunes.app/images/settings-updates-light.png)

The second time you open ClassicTunes, it asks whether to check for updates automatically. You can change your answer any time in **Settings › General › Updates**:

| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| **Check for updates automatically** | Checks for a new version once a day, in the background, while ClassicTunes is open. When there's one, ClassicTunes tells you and offers to install it. |
| **Download and install updates automatically** | Downloads new versions without asking, and installs them the next time you quit ClassicTunes. Only available while automatic checks are on. |

Below the settings, "Last checked…" says when ClassicTunes last checked (or "Not checked yet.").

These settings are the same for every library on your Mac.

## Updates never interrupt a sync

Installing an update means quitting and reopening ClassicTunes. Quitting in the middle of writing to an iPod could leave it half written, so an update waits while ClassicTunes is:

- syncing an iPod or another music player,
- taking a snapshot of an iPod, or restoring one,
- adding music to the library.

As soon as that's finished, the update installs and ClassicTunes reopens.

## Is the update genuine?

Every update is signed, and ClassicTunes checks the signature before installing it, so only updates that really come from ClassicTunes' maker are installed. Updates are handled by Sparkle, the update system many Mac apps use.

## From AppleScript and Shortcuts

```applescript
tell application "ClassicTunes"
    -- Check once a day from now on
    set automatically checks for updates to true
    -- Check now (shows the update window if there's a new version)
    check for updates
end tell
```

In Shortcuts, use **Check for ClassicTunes Updates**. It opens ClassicTunes and checks, showing what's new and offering to install it. See [AppleScript](https://classictunes.app/docs/applescript) and [Shortcuts](https://classictunes.app/docs/shortcuts).