> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gta.clothing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gta.clothing/basics/good-to-know/updates-and-channels.md).

# Updates & Channels

Release and Experimental update channels, the Updates page and What's New

## Introduction

Durty Cloth Tool ships on two update channels:

* **Release** is the stable channel. Use it unless you have a reason not to.
* **Experimental** gets features earlier, and gets them before they have been through a full release. Expect rough edges.

V4 installed and self-updating portable builds can update themselves. The older `DurtyClothTool.App.zip` download uses the legacy layout; the V4 launcher and update steps below apply to V4 packages.

## The version indicator

The version indicator sits at the **right end of the menu bar**, beside your account chip. It shows:

* the installed version;
* a dimmed channel name when you are not on Release;
* a small dot when there are release notes you have not read yet. The exact count is in the tooltip.

A status icon appears **only** when something needs your attention or an update operation is running. A downloaded update waiting for a restart counts as attention.

## Checking for updates

**Check for Updates** is available from the Help menu, from the version indicator, and from a keyboard shortcut you can assign. See [Shortcuts](/basics/useful-to-know/shortcuts.md).

It opens **Options** on the **Updates** page and starts the check there, so you can see what is happening rather than wondering whether anything did.

The Updates page leads with a **status card** that answers the only question you actually have, which is whether you are up to date. It shows the last successful check and the single action that your current state calls for. The progress bar, the restart button, the Experimental warning and release recovery each appear only when they apply.

## Switching channels

The Updates page shows the channel you are running and the channel you have selected, along with compatibility information. Switching to Experimental warns you before it downloads anything.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Switching channels does not touch your projects. However, a project saved by a newer project format cannot be opened by an older build. See [Durty Cloth Projects](/basics/useful-to-know/durty-cloth-projects.md) before you move from Experimental back to Release.
{% endhint %}

If an Experimental build leaves you unable to start, the launcher can recover to Release.

## What's New

**Help > What's New** keeps the notes for the current version and for earlier ones. Change categories are grouped under headings, and Experimental history is presented as **one cumulative entry for the upcoming release** rather than one entry per build.

## Signed downloads

Release and Experimental downloads carry a timestamped Windows signature naming the **Schmid Software Solutions** publisher. The download warning and the Administrator prompt show that name instead of Unknown publisher, and an installed copy that needs Administrator rights to write to a protected folder can offer to restart itself with them.

{% hint style="info" %}
Windows can still show its "Windows protected your PC" notice on a freshly published file until enough installations have built up its reputation. **The publisher line in that dialog is what tells you the download is genuine.** See [Quickstart](/getting-started/quickstart.md).
{% endhint %}