Try it out!
Update ProSeries on 8/11, then in ProSeries, go to
Menu > Update > Beta Background Updates > Activate Background Updates
We know some of you experienced issues with updates in the last year and the last thing we want is for you to worry about updates in the middle of tax season. To address the challenges of our existing updater, we have been working on a new and improved update system.
In the upcoming release of ProSeries on 8/11, we are launching a beta release of Background Updates to all ProSeries Basic users & ProSeries Professional standalone users!
Here’s what Background Updates will do for you:
With Background Updates enabled, ProSeries will check for updates, download them, and install them - even when you are using ProSeries (a restart will be required once updates are ready). Update faster, with less disruption and more reliability.
How to participate in the beta
- Wait for the new release of ProSeries on 8/11
- Update your ProSeries to the latest version
- Start ProSeries
- Activate Beta Background Updates via Menu > Update > Beta Background Updates > Activate Background Updates
- Follow the prompts on the screen, providing credentials as needed
- Upon a successful activation, you will see
- Important! For background updates to work during the beta, you will need to launch ProSeries using a new shortcut that should be on your desktop:
- ProSeries Professional
- ProSeries Basic
What does an update look like?
If you are not using ProSeries when an update becomes available, there’s nothing for you to do. Simply start ProSeries using the “Test Update” shortcut, and you’ll be on the latest version of ProSeries.
If you are using ProSeries when an update becomes available, you will see a Windows notification:
As well as a message from ProSeries:
You can click on either to restart ProSeries and apply updates, or you can simply continue working. The next time you launch ProSeries using the beta shortcut, you’ll be on the latest version of ProSeries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I turn Background Updates off?
You can turn Background Updates on and off any time in ProSeries, under Menu > Update > Beta Background Updates
What do I do if I run into problems?
If you notice any issues with updates, we recommend you run Tools - Repair Updates. For more information, please see this article.
Does my computer need to be on for Background Updates to work?
Yes, ProSeries will only check for updates if the computer is turned on.
Can I still check for updates manually?
You can continue to check for updates in the same way you have in the past.
That said, we recommend you not do this during the beta to fully experience Background Updates.
(Professional Only) - How does this interact with Task Scheduler?
Background Updates replaces Task Scheduler. When you enable Background Updates, Task Scheduler will stop checking for updates.
If you still have any questions, please reply to this post!
