> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gamelauncher.cloud/help/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gamelauncher.cloud/help/launchers/how-updates-work.md).

# How the Launcher Self-Updates

Understanding how launcher and configuration updates work

Learn how different types of updates are delivered to your players and when a launcher rebuild is required.

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## How Updates Work

**When you save your launcher configuration:**

* When you save your launcher configuration, every user gets the new changes as soon as they **open the launcher** or press the **Refresh** button.
* When the launcher starts, it automatically **checks for updates**. If a new version is available, a button appears at the top so the user can download it.

**When you publish a new build for an app:**

* The launcher compares the build the player has installed against the build published for the environment they are on, and starts the update when the two differ.
* That check runs when they **open the launcher**, **select the app**, **switch environments**, or press **Refresh**.
* Each environment is checked on its own, so a build published to a testing environment reaches testers on their next switch to it.

**About forced updates:**

* The platform enforces a **global minimum launcher version** for security and compatibility.
* If a player's launcher version is older than the minimum required version, they must update before accessing the platform.
* This ensures all users benefit from the latest performance improvements, security patches, and bug fixes.
* Future versions will allow developers to set custom minimum version requirements for their launchers.

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## Understanding "Launcher Deploy" vs. Regular Customization Updates

It's important to clarify what requires a **Launcher Deploy** and what doesn't:

**A Launcher Deploy is ONLY needed when:**

* You change the **Launcher Icon**
* You change the **Launcher Splash Art**
* Game Launcher Cloud releases a **new internal update of the launcher**

**A Launcher Deploy is NOT needed when:**

* ✅ You update **App customization**
* ✅ You update **Launcher customization**
* ✅ All these changes are applied instantly and the launcher fetches them automatically

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**Remember**: Most changes you make are delivered instantly to players. Only icon and splash art changes require a full launcher rebuild!
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***

## Next Steps

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Launcher Builds</strong></td><td>Build and distribute your launcher</td><td><a href="/help/launchers/launcher-builds.md">Launcher Builds</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Customize Appearance</strong></td><td>Personalize your launcher</td><td><a href="broken://pages/jW4jBajP5V0z6QhqdOJw">Broken link</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Launcher Settings</strong></td><td>Configure launcher behavior</td><td><a href="/help/launchers/launcher-settings.md">Launcher Settings</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

{% hint style="success" %}
**Questions?** Visit our [documentation](https://help.gamelauncher.cloud) or join [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/FpWvUQ2CJP)!
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