Auto Updates
Cluster Terminal includes a built-in auto-update system that delivers new features, performance improvements, bug fixes, and security patches without manual intervention. Updates are downloaded in the background, cryptographically verified, and installed seamlessly when you restart.How Updates Work
Update Process
Check for updates
The app checks for new versions on launch and periodically while running. It contacts the update server to compare your current version with the latest available release.
Download in background
When a new version is found, the installer is downloaded in the background without interrupting your work. A progress indicator shows download status in the notification area.
Verify signature
The downloaded installer is cryptographically verified using Ed25519 digital signatures. This ensures the update is authentic and has not been tampered with during transit.
Show notification
Once the download is complete and verified, a notification appears showing the new version number and release notes (changelog) describing what changed.
Update Notification
When an update is ready to install, the notification component appears in the terminal UI with:| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Version number | The new version available (e.g., “v1.3.0”) |
| Release notes | A brief changelog describing new features, fixes, and improvements |
| Install & Restart | Applies the update immediately and relaunches the terminal |
| Dismiss | Close the notification; the update installs on next manual restart |
Security
All updates are cryptographically signed using Ed25519 digital signatures. The signing process ensures end-to-end integrity:- At build time — the installer binary is signed with a private key stored securely in the build environment
- Signature published — the signature is uploaded alongside the installer to the release server
- At update time — the terminal downloads both the installer and its signature, then verifies the signature against the embedded public key
- Rejection on failure — if the signature does not match, the update is rejected entirely and the terminal reports the verification failure
You cannot install unsigned or third-party updates. This protects you from malicious software even if the download is intercepted.
Update Server Endpoint
The terminal checks for updates by querying the server’s updater endpoint:| Parameter | Example Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
target | windows-x86_64 | Operating system and architecture |
current_version | 1.2.0 | Currently installed version |
- HTTP 200 with a JSON manifest containing the download URL, version, release notes, and signature — when an update is available
- HTTP 204 (No Content) — when the installed version is already the latest
Update Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Auto-check | Enabled by default — checks for updates automatically on launch and periodically |
| Manual check | Trigger a check from Settings or the update notification area |
Manual Update Check
If you want to check immediately without waiting for the automatic cycle:Installation Details
On Windows, Cluster Terminal uses the NSIS (Nullsoft Scriptable Install System) installer. When you accept an update:- The terminal saves all workspace states and closes gracefully
- The NSIS installer launches and performs an in-place upgrade
- Application files are replaced with the new version
- User data (workspaces, settings, license, drawings) is preserved
- The terminal reopens automatically on the new version
Your workspaces, indicators, drawings, settings, and license activation are never affected by updates. The installer only replaces application binaries and assets. All user data persists through the upgrade.
Rollback Behavior
If an update installation fails for any reason (power loss, disk error, corrupted download), the previous version remains intact. The NSIS installer performs the upgrade atomically — it either completes fully or rolls back to the prior state. In the rare event of a failed update:- The terminal reopens on your previous working version
- The failed update is not re-attempted immediately
- On the next launch, the update check may offer the same version again
- If the problem persists, download the latest version manually from the official site or contact support
Release Cadence
Updates are released as needed. A typical cadence includes:| Release Type | Frequency | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Feature release | Every 2-4 weeks | New indicators, chart types, UI features |
| Bug fix release | As needed | Fixes for reported issues |
| Security update | As needed (priority) | Critical security patches |
Troubleshooting
Update fails to download
Update fails to download
Check your internet connection and firewall settings. The app needs access to the update server on the configured server URL. Verify the server is reachable in Settings > Server URL.
Update fails to install
Update fails to install
Close all instances of Cluster Terminal and try again. Ensure no other process is locking files in the installation directory.
No update notification appears
No update notification appears
Verify the server connection in Settings. If the server is unreachable, update checks will silently fail. Try a manual check from Settings.
Version unchanged after update
Version unchanged after update
Close all terminal windows completely and relaunch. Check the About dialog to confirm your version number.
Terminal does not reopen after update
Terminal does not reopen after update
Launch manually from the Start menu or desktop shortcut. The update completed but the auto-relaunch may have been blocked by system permissions.