Uninstalling before updates

[spaceman]

I am upgrading Pro Tools 12.8.3 to 2020.12 on Mac Catalina.

Do I need to uninstall the old version first?

I have heard conflicting advice on whether Pro Tools requires an uninstall before upgrading to a newer version, can anyone give clarification on this please?

[JFreak]

That was DigiDesign era


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[EdgarRothermich]

Originally Posted by spaceman

I am upgrading Pro Tools 12.8.3 to 2020.12 on Mac Catalina.

Do I need to uninstall the old version first?

I have heard conflicting advice on whether Pro Tools requires an uninstall before upgrading to a newer version, can anyone give clarification on this please?

No need to uninstall. On macOS, apps are located in the Applications foldern default and updating an app will just overwrite the current app in the Applications folder. That is the case for all Apple apps and most third-party follow that procedure, including Pro Tools. Some might give you the option to drag the app over manually.

A common practice I recommend to users is to create a separate Archive folder (i.e. in your user directory) and before you upgrade an app (that you rely on), drag a copy to that folder. This way, you always have the option to launch a previous version of an app in case something went wrong with the current app.

You can just double-pick on an app to launch it, it doesn't have to be placed in the Applications folder.

[spaceman]

Thanks.

A few retailers are still saying to uninstall in their customer guidance which is confusing and why I was asking.

Although not required is there anything to be gained from uninstalling first? ie. Would it clean out any other older files which might provide a cleaner install and less likelihood of any issues in the future? I use App Cleaner on the Mac when I trash an app.

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by EdgarRothermich

No need to uninstall. On macOS, apps are located in the Applications foldern default and updating an app will just overwrite the current app in the Applications folder. That is the case for all Apple apps and most third-party follow that procedure, including Pro Tools. Some might give you the option to drag the app over manually.

A common practice I recommend to users is to create a separate Archive folder (i.e. in your user directory) and before you upgrade an app (that you rely on), drag a copy to that folder. This way, you always have the option to launch a previous version of an app in case something went wrong with the current app.

You can just double-pick on an app to launch it, it doesn't have to be placed in the Applications folder.

Can't agree with the latter statement. Have had issues with programs NOT being in the Applications folder. Easiest thing to do is to just rename the existing program version BEFORE doing any update. And leave it in the Applications folder.


Don't forget that there's a myriad of support files that go with an application that are not in the Applications folder. You know things like the plugins folders, etc.

[charleshollins]

You don't need to uninstall the old version. A newer version of Pro tools will save in the application folder where all other applications are saved.

[drh1]

General comments in the past would indicate that it may be advisable to uninstall the old version if you have a PC (which I do), but not necessary if you are using a Mac.

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by drh1

General comments in the past would indicate that it may be advisable to uninstall the old version if you have a PC (which I do), but not necessary if you are using a Mac.

And don't forget to take a trip through the registry.