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The desktop app won't update

Most update problems come from where the app is installed. Here's what each update message means and how to get the newest version.

When an update needs your help, a card at the bottom right of the app says what's wrong:

  • Move the app to your Applications folder (Mac): see My Mac says to move the app.
  • This copy of the app cannot be updated (Mac): it was installed somewhere you can't change, usually by an administrator. Ask whoever manages the Mac to update it, or install your own copy.
  • This copy of the app cannot update itself (Windows): it was installed into a protected folder such as Program Files from your own account. On your own computer, uninstall it from Windows Settings, then Apps, and install it again by opening the installer the normal way. On a school computer, ask whoever manages it.
  • Your school keeps this app up to date (Windows): your school installed this copy, so they install new versions of it too. Nothing is wrong. See Can I use the desktop app on a school computer?.
  • That restart did not go through: download the new version and install it yourself with Get the latest version. Quitting the app and opening it again also works, but can take a few minutes and one more restart.
  • Not enough disk space to update: free up some space, and the app tries again by itself.
  • The update could not be verified or The update could not be installed: download the app again from the download page and install it.

On Windows: the app closes and doesn't come back

Older versions of the app don't show those messages. If you select Restart now and the app closes without reopening, or Windows says it failed to uninstall old application files, the app was probably installed in a protected folder such as Program Files, and the fix is the same: on your own computer, uninstall it and install it again the normal way; on a school computer, ask whoever manages it.

Tip

The planner in your web browser is always the newest version, so you can keep working there while you sort this out.

Updated September 27, 2026

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