Updates
In-app updates, the stable and beta channels, and server-side improvements.
Mel updates itself in place: it checks for a new version when it starts, and one click on Update and relaunch Mel in the avatar menu downloads, checks, installs and relaunches it. This page is the short version; Updating Mel has every detail.
How Mel tells you an update exists
On startup, Mel checks in the background against a release list that Mel signs. The result lives in the avatar menu:
- Mel is up to date — nothing to do. Check for updates checks again now (on a Mac it is also in the Mel menu in the menu bar).
- Update and relaunch Mel — shown in a highlight colour. Clicking it downloads the new build, checks it against the release list, installs it and restarts Mel.
A release list without a valid Mel signature is refused, and you keep the version you have.
Stable or beta
By default Mel follows the stable channel.
Join the beta
- Open Settings → Features.
- Turn on Receive beta updates.
- Choose Check for updates in the avatar menu. When a beta is out, Update and relaunch Mel installs it.
Beta builds arrive as soon as they are made, days before they reach everyone, and are signed like every release. Settings → About shows which channel you're on next to the version. To leave, turn the switch off: you go back to stable at the next stable release. Mel only ever updates forward, so nothing is downgraded.
Found something in a beta? Tell us at hello@openmel.dev or through the contact form, with the version from Settings → About.
What updates without a download
Much of the agent lives on Mel's server — the agent loop, model routing, prompts and the model catalog. Improvements there reach you without any app update at all. App and UI changes are what need a new release.
Your data survives updates
Settings in ~/.mel/ (%APPDATA%\mel\config on Windows), conversations and Drive content in ~/.local/share/mel/ (%APPDATA%\mel on Windows) are outside the app and untouched by an update. Confirm the new version under Settings → About — the version string has a one-click copy button.
Related
- Updating Mel — downloads, the macOS and Windows on ARM notes, updating by hand
- About — finding your current version
- Settings overview
FAQ
How do I update Mel? Click Update and relaunch Mel in the avatar menu when it appears, or Check for updates to look now.
How do I get Mel's beta versions? Turn on Settings → Features → Receive beta updates.
Will an update change my settings or conversations? No. They live outside the app and are kept.