---
id: troubleshooting.update-required-before-it-can-run
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/troubleshooting/update-required-before-it-can-run
category: "Troubleshooting & messages"
subcategory: "Updates and installing"
question: "Why does Storage Studio say it needs to update before it can run?"
alt_questions:
  - "storage studio needs to update before it can run"
  - "a new version is available required update"
  - "forced update storage studio"
  - "can't open storage studio until update"
short_answer: "This version is too old to keep running safely, so Storage Studio updates first — it downloads, checks and relaunches automatically. Settings and moved items carry over."
tags: ["update", "required"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/troubleshooting/couldnt-reach-update-server", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/troubleshooting/intel-mac-stays-on-4-17-1"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why does Storage Studio say it needs to update before it can run?

Occasionally a version is too old to keep working safely — for example, after an important fix. When that happens, Storage Studio asks to update before it opens. It downloads the new version, checks it, and relaunches automatically, usually in under a minute.

Your settings, moved items and history carry over. You can read what's new from the same screen.