This article explains how you can download and apply the free update for FTM 2017. If you have questions about the 23.3 update, click here for an article that answers many common questions.
To get the free update for FTM 2017, click here to go to the FTM 2017 Update Center. For step-by-step instructions, refer to the "Downloading and Running the Free Updater" section below.
We recommend that you read and follow the instructions in the "Important Steps before Updating" section before attempting to update.
Important Steps before Updating
Downloading and Running the Free Updater
The free update for FTM 2017 comes in the form of an updater, which is different from a full build installer such as the one you used to install FTM 2017 originally. An updater is much smaller in size because it does not install the full program, but instead makes updates to your existing FTM installation.
Official release of FTM 2017 - July 16, 2017 - version 23.0 (build 343)
FTM 2017 update - February 18, 2018 - version 23.1 (build 480)
FTM 2017 update – September 14, 2018 – version 23.2 (build 540)
FTM 2017 update – December 23, 2019 – version 23.3 (build 570)
File name: FTM2017Update.exe
Size: 237,015,488 bytes (226 MB on disk)
File name: FTM2017Update.dmg
Size: 278,662,710 bytes (278.7 MB on disk)
Note: Windows and Mac versions of FTM 2017 have different requirements when it comes to updating the application. Because of this, the file sizes for the Mac and Windows updaters will be different.
IMPORTANT STEPS BEFORE UPDATING
- FTM 2017 MUST BE INSTALLED
Because this is an updater and not a full installer, make sure that FTM 2017 (either version 23.0 - build 343, version 23.1 - build 480, or version 23.2 - build 540) is installed before running the updater. If you need to reinstall FTM 2017, please refer to the email you received after purchasing for download links, or to the downloaded installer file if you saved it. If you need a replacement download, click here for instructions on how to pick up your copy.
Note that the update will not change any of your settings and preferences - those are preserved and will automatically continue post-update.
- BACK UP YOUR TREES BEFORE UPDATING
While we're confident that the update has been tested thoroughly and is safe, it's always a good practice to compact and back up your trees periodically, and we strongly recommend it before an update.
Simply make sure your trees are synced (if you've chosen to do so), start by compacting them (Tools>Compact File) and then manually back each one up (File>Backup, making sure the Media and Restore Sync boxes are checked). If you need help compacting and backing up your trees, click here for Windows, or click here for Mac.
DOWNLOADING AND RUNNING THE FREE UPDATER
- To get started with downloading the FTM 2017 updater, click here to go to the FTM 2017 Update Center.
- Fill out the form, then click the Verify User button, like you see in this example:
- If you've entered your information correctly, you will see a short message saying "We have found your purchase of FTM 2017." Click the Continue button to proceed.
- The following page gives you two options - get the free update for FTM 2017, or upgrade to FTM 2019 at a discount. It's a good time to consider whether the new features in FTM 2019 interest you and take advantage of the special offer. However, if you're just looking for the free update for now, click GET UPDATE to continue.
- On the next page, you will see three options for the update: Download, DVD + Download, and USB + Download. The free Download option is selected by default, but you can also add a DVD or a USB drive if you'd like to purchase backup media for FTM 2017. Choose the option you prefer and click NEXT.
- On the next screen, you will see an optional Family Pack license. You can read about the Family Pack by clicking SHOW DETAILS.
- After clicking NEXT, you will be taken to the Family Tree Maker Gift Collection. You're welcome to look through the offers we have available and choose any that you wish to add to your order. Click NEXT to proceed through the gift collection, and on the last page click CONTINUE. This will take you to the Software MacKiev Orders and Downloads page, where you should click the Order Now button to proceed.
- Fill in your order details then click NEXT.
- Make sure you click the Complete Order button on the page with your order summary. The next page will have download links for the update (both Windows and Mac) that you can click to start downloading the updater. You'll also receive the download links via email.
- Click on the link that matches your operating system (Windows or Mac) to download the updater file.
- Once you have downloaded the updater file completely, double-click it and follow the on-screen instructions.