---
locale: "en"
updated_at: "2026-07-08T12:02:19.902Z"
canonical: "https://www.isdecisions.com/en/fileaudit/docs/guides/installation/upgrade-procedure"
---

# Upgrade procedure

Update FileAudit while keeping your settings, database, and reports.

## Before you begin

Read the [Requirements](/fileaudit/docs/getting-started/requirements) Getting started before installing a new version.

Check the following before launching the upgrade:

- FileAudit provides a direct shortcut to launch the console in the Windows Explorer Context Menu. This shortcut can request a reboot when an upgrade of FileAudit is performed. To avoid any reboot, check that:
  - Close all other sessions on the system.
  - Do not use the **Windows Explorer context menu** before or during the upgrade. If it was used on the current session, close and reopen the session first.
  - Upgrading to **FileAudit 6.5 or later** may trigger a restart, caused by the **Visual Studio Redistributable 2015-2022** component.
- A **major version upgrade** requires a valid maintenance contract if you use a permanent license. See [Manage your license](/fileaudit/docs/guides/configuration/manage-your-license) Guide.

## Back up your configuration and database

Back up your data before upgrading. If the upgrade fails or you need to roll back, these files let you restore the previous installation.

1. Stop the **FileAudit service**.
2. Back up the database.
  - The default database is located at `C:\ProgramData\ISDecisions\FileAudit\Database\FileAudit.db`.
  - If you use another database system (SQL Server, MySQL), back it up with your usual database tool.
3. Copy the configuration file `Default.xml` from `C:\ProgramData\ISDecisions\FileAudit\`. This file contains your FileAudit configuration.
4. Back up your scheduled reports:
  1. Navigate to `C:\ProgramData\ISDecisions\Tasks` ,
  2. Copy every file named `FileAudit task for [report name].xml`
  3. Then export the matching tasks from **Microsoft Task Scheduler**, keeping their original names.

## Download the latest version

You can download the latest version from the console or from the official link.

From the FileAudit Console:

1. Open the **FileAudit Console**.
2. Click **Help**.
3. Click **Check for updates**.
  ![Check for update](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/995x574/9aedb77781/check-for-update.png)
4. Download the latest available package.

You can also download it directly from the official URL: [Download FileAudit](/fileaudit/download).

## Run a minor version upgrade

A minor version upgrade is when the third or fourth version number changes, for example 6.6.**0.29**.

1. Run the installer for the new version.
2. Do **not** uninstall the previous version.
3. Complete the installation.

All FileAudit components are updated automatically.

## Run a major version upgrade

A major version upgrade is when the first or second version number changes, for example **6.6**.0.29.

1. Confirm your latest license key is registered under Settings → License. If you use a permanent license, make sure the maintenance contract is valid.
2. Close the **FileAudit Console** if it is open.
3. Run the installer for the new version.
4. Do **not** uninstall the previous version.
5. Complete the installation.

FileAudit is fully operational once the installation finishes.

> **⚠️ Important**
>
> After a major upgrade, if you had changed the service account, it is reset to Local System (the default account). Reconfigure it if needed.

## Restore a previous installation

If you need to roll back to the previous version:

1. Follow the backup procedure.
2. Uninstall the upgraded FileAudit.
3. Restore the backed-up files to their original folders: the database, `Default.xml`, and the scheduled report task files.
4. Re-import the scheduled tasks into **Microsoft Task Scheduler**, keeping their original names.
5. Install the previous FileAudit version.