Open-PHA^® version 1.8.0 comes with a major change intended to improve the user experience of Open-PHA^® software updates on Windows. This article discusses the changes and how it will impact users.  This change will only impact Windows users.

What’s Changing

Every version of Open-PHA^® desktop up to 1.8.0 has been installed in the program files directory. Installing software in this location requires administrator privileges. For many Open-PHA^® users who are installing the application in a corporate environment, this presents a challenge because they do not have administrator privileges on their devices. For these users the process of receiving Open-PHA^® updates is difficult because it requires special permissions for corporate IT departments to install updates.

To help improve the software update experience for all of our users, version 1.8.0 introduces a change to the install process. The application is now installed in your Windows user directory, which does not require administrator privileges. This creates a smoother update experience for all users and improves your device’s security.

How do I Receive this Update

The update will be installed automatically through Open-PHA^® Desktop automatic updates on any Open-PHA^® Desktop installation running version 1.7.14 or earlier.  If the application is installed on a computer where you do not have administrator privileges you will notice that the 1.8.0 update will not result in a dialog prompting you for administrator credentials.  The software will simply install itself.

What Do I Need to Do

Because version 1.8.0 will be installed in a new location (your Windows user directory), the update process will not remove the old version of Open-PHA^® Desktop from your device (in the program files directory).  While is it not required, it is highly recommended that you uninstall the older version of Open-PHA^® Desktop from your device.  You can do this by going to the control panel and selecting uninstall a program.  Locate the two versions of Open-PHA^® Desktop and uninstall the version earlier than 1.8.0.