--- title: "Whatfix Software Updates" slug: "whatfix-software-updates" status: "update" updated: 2026-06-11T04:41:25Z published: 2026-06-11T04:41:25Z canonical: "support.whatfix.com/whatfix-software-updates" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.whatfix.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Whatfix Software Updates ## Overview Whatfix releases major software updates twice every quarter (see [release notes](/studio/docs/whatfix-release-notes) for details of past releases), along with several minor updates in between to deliver bug fixes, performance improvements, and security patches. The software updates go live along with any content you publish from the dashboard. While this ensures that you are always on the latest version, it might lead to disruptions (such as content not appearing or breaking the end-user experience) if not tested. Starting **October 2025**, Whatfix has introduced a new capability, Software Release Management, that ensures you stay on a stable software version while you review, test, and adopt newer releases at your own pace. Whenever there is a new software update, Whatfix notifies you using email and dashboard notifications. You can then choose to update your test environments first, validate changes, and promote the update to the production environment. The new software release management process gives you complete control over when and how software updates are applied, ensuring greater predictability, stability, and transparency throughout the release cycle. > [!WARNING] > Note: > > Only Account Manager can access and view the **Software Update** on the Whatfix Guidance Dashboard. View the following video to learn more: [Whatfix Software Updates](https://player.vimeo.com/video/1125875069?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479) --- ## How does the Software Update process work? When a new software version is available, Whatfix notifies **Account Managers** using email and in-dashboard alerts: ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/image-44M4RGOQ.png) > [!WARNING] > Note: > > Whatfix sends [software update](/studio/docs/whatfix-software-updates#auto-update-schedule-notifications) notifications on a recurring schedule (monthly by default). Whatfix enables you to access and manage software updates from the **Software update** page in the **Settings** section on the Whatfix Guidance Dashboard. The dedicated page provides a comprehensive view of your software versions including the one currently available in your test environments and the version deployed to your production environments. From here, you can: - Update your software version in your test and production environments - View detailed [release notes](/studio/docs/whatfix-software-updates#release-notes) - [Report issues](/studio/docs/whatfix-software-updates#report-an-issue) related to the software update - [View additional settings](/studio/docs/whatfix-software-updates#additional-details) Expand the following accordions to learn how to test and publish software updates from the Whatfix Guidance Dashboard: #### **Step 1: Apply software updates to the Testing environment** Use the following steps to apply the latest available version to your test environments: 1. On the Whatfix Guidance dashboard, click **Settings**. ![ia_settings_without_auto_testing](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/ia_settings_without_auto_testing.png) 1. Click **Software update**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/image-D9IQRA93.png) 2. In the **Testing environment** section, click **Update now**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/image-OFORCAT4.png) 3. In the dialog box, click **Update**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/image-F114L4ZR.png) #### Step 2: Test Whatfix Content after applying the software update [Preview whatfix content](/studio/docs/how-to-use-preview-mode-to-review-content) and validate the content in your test environments to ensure everything works as expected. [Test Whatfix Software Updates](https://player.vimeo.com/video/1131298206?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479) > [!WARNING] > Note: > > - If you use the [browser extension method](/studio/docs/integrate-whatfix-using-browser-extension), then [use preview extension](/studio/docs/use-preview-extension-to-test-whatfix-content) to view Whatfix content, it automatically reflects the newer software version. > - If you use the [JS embed delivery method](/studio/docs/integrating-whatfix-using-javascript), then [map the ready stage](/studio/docs/how-are-the-visibility-rules-evaluated-while-mapping-stages) with your test environment details, the Ready Stage URL then displays content using the latest software version. #### **Step 3: Apply software updates to the Production environment** After confirming that the Whatfix content is functioning correctly in your test environments, you can publish the software update to your production environment without risking disruptions to the end-user experience. Use the following steps to publish software updates to Production: 1. On the Whatfix Guidance dashboard, click **Settings**. ![ia_settings_without_auto_testing](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/ia_settings_without_auto_testing.png) 1. Click **Software update**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/image-D9IQRA93.png) 2. In the **Production environment** section, click **Update now**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/image-3D8NV2GC.png) 3. In the confirmation dialog box, click **Update**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/image-J3HCMEKC.png) #### What happens if you don’t update the Production environment? > [!WARNING] > Note: > > When a new version is published to your production environments, both an email and a dashboard notification are sent to all **Account** **Managers**. Whatfix recommends you to preview and test each new version in your test environments, and then publish the update to your production environments **within 15 days** of the version’s release to the test environment. If updates aren’t applied to the production environment within the 15-day timeframe, Whatfix may temporarily pause your ability to publish new content to ensure compatibility and prevent potential disruptions. Whatfix recommends you to publish the latest version to the production environment. Here’s a GIF that shows you the experience when you do not update your production environment within 15 days. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/Software Updates Canary (2).gif) --- ## Additional Details #### Update Schedule and Notifications Whatfix notifies you that a new software update is available using email and in-dashboard alerts as per your update schedule. You can view the schedule details in the **Testing environment** section. For example, it may indicate that your next update is scheduled for **November 1** and that your cadence is **monthly.** ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/image-6632OCHX.png) > [!WARNING] > Note: > > - By default, all accounts are set to a **monthly** update schedule. You can choose to switch to a **quarterly** schedule if preferred. > - When a new account is created, the latest software version is automatically applied to the Testing environment, and a 15-day grace period begins. During this period, update the Production environment to avoid publishing restrictions. After the grace period, all future software updates follow the account's configured update schedule. > > To change your update schedule, contact [support@whatfix.com](mailto:support@whatfix.com?subject=Update%20Software%20Release%20Schedule&body=Hi%2C%0A%0AI%20would%20like%20to%20move%20to%20a%20Quarterly%20Release%20Scedule%20for%20Software%20Updates.). #### Report an Issue If you face any issue while previewing the software version changes, use the **Report an issue** button in the **Testing environment** section. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/image-NCHKEHJF.png) This helps the Whatfix team investigate and resolve potential version-related concerns quickly, ensuring a smoother experience before you promote the update to production. #### Release Notes The Software Updates page also includes a **Release Notes** section, which provides complete visibility into every software version update. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a268766e-d74d-4619-9613-e2472f809ffb/Images/Documentation/Drawer.png)Reviewing the release notes enables you to stay informed about product changes and assess the impact of updates before applying them to your environments. ## Related - [FAQs: Whatfix Software Updates](/software-release-management.md)