Update Windows forwarder

This document describes how to update the Stairwell Windows Forwarder, including supported upgrade methods and detailed recommendations for older releases.

There are two supported update methods:

Option 1 (Recommended): Update through the Stairwell Web App.
Option 2: Update out of band using another deployment tool.

For best results, remain consistent with the installer type used for the original installation (MSI vs. bundled installer). Mixing installer types will work but may create duplicate entries in Windows Control Panel.

Known issue:

If the forwarder was originally installed using the MSI and later updated with the bundled installer (or vice versa), the upgrade will succeed, but two entries will appear in the Windows Control Panel. This behavior is expected and does not affect functionality.

Upgrading from the Stairwell Web App (Recommended)

For all versions 1.5.0 and later, updates can be performed directly through the Stairwell Web App.

Note: The Web App installs the bundled installer, which includes the latest available Runtime at the time of the forwarder release.

Log into app.stairwell.com/assets
Select your environment in the top right
Select the desired asset(s)
Right click or Select the ellipsis (...) in the top right
Select Update
Select the desired version
Select Next
Select Update

Update outside the UI

If your organization deploys or manages the forwarder outside of the Stairwell Web App (for example, using SCCM, manual installation, or other deployment tools), follow these guidelines:

If upgrading from version 1.5.x or later:
- Perform a direct in-place upgrade. Uninstallation is not required.
If upgrading from versions earlier than 1.5.x:
- Uninstall the existing forwarder before installing the new version. This ensures a clean transition across architectural changes introduced in later builds.
- Refer to the manual update procedure included below.

Manual Update Procedure

Uninstall the existing forwarder.
Install the new forwarder package (version 1.7.0 or later).
Verify that the forwarder appears active in the Stairwell Web App.

Recommendations

1.4.0 installations must first update to 1.5.1, then to 1.7.x or later.
1.5.x and newer versions can upgrade directly to 1.7.x or newer.
Always use the Stairwell Web App for upgrades when possible to ensure version integrity and telemetry continuity.

Legacy Version Update Paths

Installed Version	Version Info	Supported Updates	Notes
pre-1.3.6	Early versions that may still be in use in limited environments.	Recommend Uninstall	Updating first to 1.3.6 ensures compatibility before moving to newer releases. Versions 1.4.x and 1.5.1 are not recommended for ongoing use.
1.3.6	Stable baseline release but lacks diagnostic uploads and sleep/wake handling.	Recommend Uninstall	Versions 1.4.x and 1.5.1 are not recommended for ongoing use.
1.4.x	Contains anti-tamper behavior that prevents direct self-upgrade. Supports limited diagnostic uploads.	1.5.1 → 1.7.0 or later	Version 1.5.1 is required to transition from 1.4.x before upgrading to 1.7.0 or later.
1.5.x	Maintenance release based on 1.3.6.	1.7.0 or later	No restrictions on upgrading.