How do I update Cerberus FTP Server to the latest release?

There are two methods for upgrading an existing installation of Cerberus FTP Server. You can use the built-in auto-updater, or you can download the latest installer and run it to manually upgrade your installation. Both methods are discussed below.

When upgrading using either method, the installer first stops the Cerberus FTP Server service, uninstalls the existing Cerberus FTP Server installation, then installs the latest release. The uninstallation only affects the actual program files. The server configuration and user settings are never removed.

An upgrade usually takes about 5 minutes, and almost never requires a reboot. The Cerberus FTP Server service will be unavailable during the upgrade.

NOTE: We always recommend making a backup of your users and settings from the Cerberus Tools menu before upgrading. Select the Backup Users and Settings option to create a zip file of all of your Cerberus settings and users.  When updating, you can only change the service account that Cerberus runs as through a manual update, which is Method 2 as described below.  Updating using Method 1 runs the installer in a reduced-UI mode which will continue to use the previous service account. 

Method 1: Using the Auto-updater

The Cerberus FTP Server automatic updater will check for a new release of Cerberus FTP Server, and allow you to download and run the updater to upgrade your installation. To check for an update and, optionally, install it:

1. Select the Help menu option from the main menu.
2. Select the Check For Update menu option.
3. You will see the Upgrade Check dialog. It will list the current version installed and any updates that are available.
4. If no updates are available, the Current Version and Latest Version will be the same, and the Update button will be disabled. If this is the case, you have the latest release and can press the Close button to end the update process.
5. If a new release is available, the Update button will be enabled and a list of changes since your current version was released will be listed in the release notes list box.
6. Press the Update button to automatically download the latest release and begin the update process.
7. Once the download has been completed, the Cerberus UI will close and shut down and the installer will automatically launch. You should select the default options for any questions in the installer. The installer will automatically remove your existing installation (users and settings are never removed during an uninstall) and then install the latest release. All of your existing users and settings will be preserved.
8. Finish the installation and you are done. The latest version of Cerberus FTP Server should now be installed and running.

NOTE: We use www.cerberusftpserver.com over HTTPS for the update server. The port should be 443.

Method 2: Manually downloading and running the latest Installer

You can manually download the latest installer and use it to upgrade your installation if you cannot use the auto-updater. The installer will upgrade an existing installation to the latest release. To download and run the latest installer:

1. Go to the Cerberus Download page
2. Download the latest installer. (Please note that as of Cerberus version 12, a 32-bit version is no longer available or supported)
3. Shut down the Cerberus FTP Server UI. Go to the File menu and select the Exit menu option. You should also shut down the Cerberus FTP Server Window Service. The installer will normally be able to shut down the service, but on rare occasions, the automatic shutdown will not work. Shutting down the Cerberus Windows Service before installation ensures a restart will not be necessary after the installation completes.
4. Launch the installer. You should select the default options for any questions in the installer. The installer will automatically remove your existing installation and install the latest release. All of your existing users and settings will be preserved.
5. Finish the installation and you are done. The latest version of Cerberus FTP Server should now be installed and running.