Update DaVinci Resolve SAFELY in 2024 (ROBUST Way!)

featured How to Update DaVinci Resolve

Today we’ll see how to update DaVinci Resolve for Windows and Mac in 2023 – be it upgrading to a new version, say, from Resolve 17 to 18, or, within the same version, like 18 to 18.5. (A very useful guide for beginners and newcomers to DaVinci Resolve.)

To update DaVinci Resolve, go to the menu in the top left of the screen, and click on “DaVinci Resolve”. Select “Check for Updates…”. Click on the “Download” button – if there are any newest updates available. But before that, you must backup your project library.

Let’s explore the updating of DaVinci Resolve safely (in a robust way) in detail – step-by-step with pictures. If you’re upgrading from 17 to 18, then you must backup your project library before upgrading – covered in detail in the below sections.


How to Update DaVinci Resolve 18.5?

  1. Launch DaVinci Resolve and open any project.
  2. Go to the upper left-hand corner of the screen menu, “DaVinci Resolve”, and click on it.
  3. Select “Check for Updates…”.
  4. Click on the “Download” button if there are any latest updates available.
  5. The download should start automatically, and it gets downloaded in your downloads folder as a “.zip” file.
  6. Extract it and double-click on the “.exe” file to install the Resolve update!

DaVinci Resolve Check for Updates

The “Check for Updates” option from the menu “DaVinci Resolve” will check for any latest software update available for DaVinci Resolve. If there are any new updates, it will ask you to download them. If there are no new updates, then it will say that your software is up to date.

When you launch Resolve, it automatically throws a pop-up window to let you know that there is a new update.

If it doesn’t, then you can always click on “Check for Updates” to update to the latest version.


Backup Before Updating DaVinci Resolve!

If you’re already working on a project in an earlier version of DaVinci Resolve, it is better to finish it off before updating Resolve.

Always back up your project library (formerly known as a database) before updating DaVinci Resolve so that you can always go back to your earlier version in case something goes wrong.

It is especially useful when you are upgrading from one version to another, say from version 17 to 18. In this case, Resolve will ask you to upgrade your project library (formerly known as a database).

You should upgrade your project library or database (read on to know more).

Once you upgrade your database, the old database becomes incompatible with the newer version of Resolve.

But you should always have a backup of your project library (database) if you ever want to downgrade Resolve.


Where to Find the Latest Updates for DaVinci Resolve?

The updates are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.


How to Install the DaVinci Resolve Update?

Installing the DaVinci Resolve update is simple. Extract the downloaded zip file. Then double-click on the “.exe” file and follow the onscreen instructions.

The installation should be straightforward. If you face any issues, then I highly recommend the below detailed guide:

Download & Install DaVinci Resolve on Windows: (Step-by-Step Guide)


How to Check For DaVinci Resolve Updates From the Blackmagic Support Website?

  1. Navigate to Blackmagic Design Support Center.
  2. Scroll down to “Latest downloads“.
  3. Choose your required latest update.
  4. Click on your OS (Windows / Mac OS / Linux) button for the download.
  5. On the next screen, you will be asked to register (even if you have already registered).
  6. The file will be downloaded as a zip file. Extract it and install the “.exe” file.

Related Articles:

Set up DaVinci Resolve 18 the Right Way (& Fix Issues)

Is Free DaVinci Resolve Safe? (Here’s What You Should Know)


DaVinci Resolve Older Versions

The older versions of DaVinci Resolve are maintained in the Blackmagic Design Support Center. Scroll down to the “Latest Downloads” section and scroll further down to access older versions of DaVinci Resolve.

Under the “Latest Support Notes” section, you’ll see a log of instruction manuals, new features introduced in various versions over the years, etc.


How to Take Project Library Backup Before Updating Resolve?

  1. Click on the home icon from the bottom right corner (short cut for the project manager is “Shift + 1“).
  2. Click on the “Show/Hide Project Libraries” icon.
  3. Select your required project library.
  4. Click on the “Details” icon (the one with the circled i)
  5. Choose a location for a safe backup.
  6. Click on “Save“.
  7. You will get a window telling you that the operation might take some time for backup. Go ahead and click on “Back Up“.
  8. Done

For more details, please click on the below detailed step-by-step guide:

Backup DaVinci Resolve Project Library/Database (+Restore)


How to Upgrade Project Library in DaVinci Resolve?

  • After you upgrade from an earlier version to the new version (say, from version 17 to 18), Resolve will ask you to upgrade your project library.
  • Before upgrading, make sure you backup your project library. (covered in the above section)
  • Click on “Upgrade“.
  • Resolve will upgrade the project library so that it is compatible with the newer version.

If you want to learn more about moving your databases and projects between computers, read the below:

How to Move DaVinci Resolve Projects & Databases (Quick Tips)


Does DaVinci Resolve Have an Auto Update?

DaVinci Resolve doesn’t have an auto-update feature. You will have to download the update manually and then install it.


Are DaVinci Resolve Updates Free?

All the updates for the DaVinci Resolve free version and paid version (Studio) are free.

In fact, if you buy DaVinci Resolve Studio for a one-time payment of $295, the updates and upgrades are free for a lifetime!

I highly recommend the below detailed guide for more information:

DaVinci Resolve Free (Commercial Use & Other Imp Things)


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