Open PHA version 1.8.0 comes with a major change intended to improve the user experience of Open PHA software updates on Windows. This article discusses the changes and how it will impact users.  This change will only impact Windows users.

What’s Changing

Every version of Open PHA desktop up to 1.8.0 has been installed in the program files directory. Installing software in this location requires administrator privileges. For many Open PHA users who are installing the application in a corporate environment, this presents a challenge because they do not have administrator privileges on their devices. For these users the process of receiving Open PHA updates is difficult because it requires special permissions for corporate IT departments to install updates.

To help improve the software update experience for all of our users, version 1.8.0 introduces a change to the install process. The application is now installed in your Windows user directory, which does not require administrator privileges. This creates a smoother update experience for all users and improves your device’s security.

How do I Receive this Update

The update will be installed automatically through Open PHA Desktop automatic updates on any Open PHA Desktop installation running version 1.7.14 or earlier.  If the application is installed on a computer where you do not have administrator privileges you will notice that the 1.8.0 update will not result in a dialog prompting you for administrator credentials.  The software will simply install itself.

What Do I Need to Do

Because version 1.8.0 will be installed in a new location (your Windows user directory), the update process will not remove the old version of Open PHA Desktop from your device (in the program files directory).  While is it not required, It is highly recommended that you uninstall the older version of Open PHA Desktop from your device.  You can do this by going to the control panel and selecting uninstall a program.  Locate the two versions of Open PHA Desktop and uninstall the version earlier than 1.8.0.