Update the desktop app
Understand update prompts, restart behavior, and what changes after an app update.
Desktop updates keep the native app current
The ALLO desktop app can prompt you when a new desktop version is ready. An app update can improve sign-in, tabs, windows, notifications, badges, support logs, and local app behavior. It is different from refreshing a page inside ALLO.
When the app has an update ready, ALLO may show a restart prompt. Restarting lets the app install the update and reopen your workspace.
Availability
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Available on | macOS and Windows desktop app |
| Who can update | Any user who can run app updates on the computer |
| Managed devices | Company policy may control installation or restart |
| Tab restore | ALLO attempts to restore windows and tabs after restart |
What the update prompt means
The update prompt means the desktop app package has a newer version available. If you see a Restart action, choose it when you are ready for ALLO to close, install, and reopen.
Dismissing the prompt does not permanently opt out of updates. It only postpones the visible action. If an update includes an important sign-in or stability fix, support may ask you to restart and install it before deeper troubleshooting.
Before restarting
ALLO usually syncs work continuously, but be sensible before restarting:
- Finish active text entry, checkout, upload, or AI actions.
- Wait for important files to finish uploading.
- Save or close any modal that is waiting for your confirmation.
- Then choose Restart from the update prompt.
For normal tab recovery expectations, see Restore tabs after restart.
During installation
After you choose Restart, the update prompt can change to an installing state. The app may close and reopen. Do not repeatedly open the app during installation unless it appears stuck for several minutes.
If your organization manages the computer, you may see an operating-system or security prompt. Follow your company's policy or ask IT to approve the update.
App update versus refresh
| Action | What it does | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | Reloads the current ALLO content in the active app view | A dashboard, settings page, or canvas looks stale. |
| Restart | Quits and reopens the desktop app | The app is sluggish, sign-in state changed, or update needs restart. |
| App update | Installs a newer desktop app version | ALLO shows an update prompt or support asks you to update. |
| Reinstall | Replaces the app from a fresh download | Update fails repeatedly or app installation is damaged. |
For refresh behavior, see Use back, forward, and refresh and When refresh helps and when it does not.
After updating
After update, ALLO attempts to reopen your previous windows and tabs. If a tab points to a canvas or dashboard you no longer have permission to access, it may show an access message. If a tab was mid-checkout or mid-upload, you may need to reopen that workflow.
If the app shows old data after update, refresh the affected tab. If it still looks wrong, compare with the browser to see whether the problem is desktop-only or account/workspace-wide.
If the update prompt keeps coming back
Try this sequence:
- Choose Restart from the prompt and wait for the app to reopen.
- Quit ALLO completely, then reopen it.
- If the prompt still repeats, download the latest installer from Download ALLO.
- Install over the existing app.
- Contact support if the prompt still appears after reinstall.
Include whether you are on macOS or Windows and whether the computer is managed by IT.
If tabs did not restore
Open Home, Recent, Search, or the relevant workspace area to reopen work. Session restore is best-effort, and it can be affected by local app state, crash timing, sign-out, account switch, deleted work, permission changes, or an update that had to recover from damaged state.
Use Restore tabs after restart for the full recovery guide.
Troubleshooting updates
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Restart button does nothing | App is blocked, update is still preparing, or OS prompt is hidden | Wait briefly, check behind windows, then quit and reopen ALLO. |
| Update repeats | Installation did not complete or app lacks permission | Reinstall from Download ALLO. |
| App opens blank after update | Local app state or network issue | Use Troubleshoot the desktop app. |
| Sign-in fails after update | Browser handoff or session issue | Use Sign in to the desktop app. |
| Company computer blocks update | Managed device policy | Ask IT to approve the ALLO update. |
When to contact support
Contact support when update repeats after reinstall, the app will not reopen, tabs never restore after update, or the app becomes blank after every update. Include OS, app version if visible, update prompt text, whether reinstall was tried, and whether support logs can be exported.