Summarize this article with:
Running an outdated IDE slows you down. Bugs persist. New Python features stay out of reach.
Learning how to update PyCharm takes less than five minutes and keeps your development environment running at peak performance.
JetBrains releases regular updates with security patches, plugin compatibility fixes, and performance improvements. Missing these updates means missing out.
This guide walks you through the complete update process for both PyCharm Community Edition and Professional Edition.
You’ll learn how to check your current version, access update settings, install the latest release, and verify everything works. We also cover the JetBrains Toolbox method and common troubleshooting fixes.
Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
How to Update PyCharm
Updating PyCharm is the process of installing the latest version of JetBrains’ Python IDE to access new features, bug fixes, and security patches.
Developers need this when their current build becomes outdated, plugins stop working, or PyCharm displays an update notification.
This guide covers 4 steps requiring 3-5 minutes and basic familiarity with your operating system.
Prerequisites
Before starting the update process, verify you have these requirements ready:
- PyCharm version currently installed (Community Edition or Professional Edition)
- Operating system: Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, or Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian)
- Stable internet connection for downloading the update
- Administrator privileges (Windows) or sudo access (Linux)
- Time estimate: 3-5 minutes
- Skill level: Beginner
If you haven’t installed the IDE yet, check out how to install PyCharm on Windows or set it up on Linux first.
Step 1: How Do You Check Your Current PyCharm Version?
Open the About dialog to see your installed build number and determine if an upgrade is available. Navigate to Help > About on Windows/Linux or PyCharm > About PyCharm on macOS; the version details appear in a popup window.
Action
- Windows/Linux path: Help > About
- macOS path: PyCharm > About PyCharm
- Result: Dialog displays current version, build number, and JetBrains license status
Purpose
Knowing your current version helps you confirm whether the update completed successfully later.
Write down or screenshot your build number. You’ll compare this against the new version after the update finishes.
Step 2: How Do You Access the Update Settings in PyCharm?
Access the update checker through the Help menu to scan JetBrains servers for the latest version. The IDE connects to JetBrains’ update servers and compares your installed build against available releases.
Action
- Windows/Linux: Help > Check for Updates
- macOS: PyCharm > Check for Updates
- Configure automatic updates: Settings > Appearance & Behavior > System Settings > Updates
- Result: Update dialog appears if a new stable release or patch is available
Purpose
The update settings let you choose between the stable channel and Early Access Program (EAP).
Stable releases suit production work. EAP versions give you early access to new features but may contain bugs.
Step 3: How Do You Download and Install the PyCharm Update?
Click the Download button when PyCharm finds an available update; the IDE handles the patch download and installation automatically. After downloading, PyCharm prompts you to restart the application to apply changes.
Action
- Step 1: Click “Download” in the update notification popup
- Step 2: Wait for the download manager to complete (progress bar visible)
- Step 3: Click “Restart” when prompted
- Result: PyCharm closes, applies the update, and relaunches with the new version
Purpose
The restart applies all changes to the Python development environment safely.
Your projects, settings, and virtual environments remain intact after the update.
If you’re working on active code, save everything and commit changes to source control before restarting.
Step 4: How Do You Verify the PyCharm Update Was Successful?
Check the About dialog again to confirm the new build number matches the expected release. The version history should reflect the update you just installed.
Action
- Windows/Linux: Help > About
- macOS: PyCharm > About PyCharm
- Compare: New build number should be higher than your previous version
- Result: Updated version displays with current release notes link
Purpose
Verification confirms the upgrade completed without errors.
If the version hasn’t changed, the update failed silently. Try the manual update method or use JetBrains Toolbox.
Alternative Method: Using JetBrains Toolbox App
JetBrains Toolbox manages all JetBrains IDEs from a single interface, including IntelliJ IDEA, WebStorm, and DataGrip.
The Toolbox App handles automatic updates, version rollbacks, and multiple IDE installations without manual intervention.
JetBrains Toolbox Method
- Download: jetbrains.com/toolbox-app
- Update process: Click the update icon next to PyCharm in the Toolbox list
- Time required: 2-3 minutes
- Bonus: Keeps previous versions available for rollback if needed
When to Use Which Method
Built-in updater: Single IDE installation, prefer minimal additional software.
Toolbox App: Multiple JetBrains products installed, want centralized update management, need easy version rollback.
Updating PyCharm Community vs Professional Edition
Both editions use identical update processes. The menu paths, update channels, and restart procedures work the same way.
PyCharm Community Edition updates are free forever. Professional Edition updates require an active JetBrains subscription.
If your Professional license expires, you keep the last version you activated but lose access to newer releases.
Check your license status at Help > Register before updating to avoid activation issues.
Troubleshooting
Update Fails to Download
Issue: Download stalls or returns a network error.
Solution: Check firewall settings, verify internet connection, disable VPN temporarily. Try Help > Check for Updates again or download the full installer from jetbrains.com/pycharm/download.
PyCharm Does Not Restart After Update
Issue: IDE freezes or fails to relaunch.
Solution: Close PyCharm manually via Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS). Clear the cache folder:
- Windows: %LOCALAPPDATA%JetBrainsPyCharm[version]
- macOS: ~/Library/Caches/JetBrains/PyCharm[version]/
- Linux: ~/.cache/JetBrains/PyCharm[version]/
Relaunch PyCharm after clearing the cache.
Plugins Become Incompatible After Update
Issue: Installed plugins show errors or fail to load.
Solution: Navigate to Settings > Plugins, check for plugin updates. Disable incompatible plugins until their developers release compatible versions.
Some plugins from the JetBrains Marketplace take a few days to update after major IDE releases.
Settings or Projects Missing After Update
Issue: Custom configurations disappeared.
Solution: PyCharm stores settings separately from the installation. Check File > Manage IDE Settings > Import Settings to restore from a backup.
For projects, verify the project directory path hasn’t changed. Reopen via File > Open.
Related Processes
After updating PyCharm, you might need to reconfigure certain features or learn new functionality.
- How to use PyCharm effectively after the update
- How to setup PyCharm with your preferred configurations
- How to add Python interpreter in PyCharm if the update reset your interpreter settings
- How to install packages in PyCharm using the updated package manager
- How to connect PyCharm to GitHub for version control integration
- How to debug in PyCharm with new debugging features
If you work with data science libraries, check guides on installing NumPy or setting up Pandas after the update.
Compare PyCharm against other Python development tools: PyCharm vs Jupyter for notebooks, PyCharm vs Spyder for scientific computing, or Sublime vs PyCharm for lightweight editing.
FAQ on How To Update PyCharm
How do I check if a PyCharm update is available?
Go to Help > Check for Updates on Windows/Linux or PyCharm > Check for Updates on macOS.
The IDE connects to JetBrains servers and displays available updates. If your version is current, you’ll see a confirmation message instead.
Can I update PyCharm without losing my settings?
Yes. PyCharm stores settings, keymaps, and preferences separately from the installation directory.
Your configurations remain intact after updating. JetBrains designed the update process to preserve all user customizations automatically.
What is the difference between stable and EAP updates?
Stable releases are production-ready with full testing. Early Access Program (EAP) versions offer new features before official release but may contain bugs.
Configure your preferred update channel in Settings > Appearance & Behavior > System Settings > Updates.
How often does JetBrains release PyCharm updates?
JetBrains follows a regular software release cycle with major versions annually and minor updates every few weeks.
Security patches and bug fixes ship as needed. Enable automatic update notifications to stay current.
Why does PyCharm update fail to download?
Common causes include firewall restrictions, unstable internet, VPN interference, or proxy settings blocking JetBrains servers.
Try disabling your VPN temporarily. If issues persist, download the full installer directly from jetbrains.com/pycharm/download.
Can I rollback to a previous PyCharm version?
Using JetBrains Toolbox, yes. Toolbox keeps previous versions available for quick rollback.
Without Toolbox, you’ll need to uninstall the current version and manually install an older build from the JetBrains version archive.
Do I need to update plugins after updating PyCharm?
Often, yes. Major PyCharm updates may break plugin compatibility with older plugin versions.
After updating, go to Settings > Plugins and check for available plugin updates. Some plugins take days to release compatible versions.
How do I update PyCharm using JetBrains Toolbox?
Open JetBrains Toolbox and find PyCharm in your installed applications list. Click the update icon next to it.
Toolbox handles the download, installation, and restart automatically. Takes about 2-3 minutes.
Is updating PyCharm Community Edition different from Professional?
The update process is identical for both editions. Same menu paths, same steps.
Professional Edition requires an active subscription to access new versions. Community Edition updates are always free.
Will updating PyCharm affect my Python interpreter settings?
No. Your configured Python version settings and interpreter paths persist through updates.
If something seems off after updating, verify your interpreter at Settings > Project > Python Interpreter.
Conclusion
Knowing how to update PyCharm keeps your Python development environment secure, stable, and equipped with the latest features.
The IDE update process takes minutes. Check for updates through the Help menu, download the patch, restart, and verify the new build number.
JetBrains Toolbox offers an alternative for developers managing multiple IDEs. It simplifies version management and enables quick rollbacks when needed.
Keep automatic update notifications enabled. Review release notes after each upgrade to discover new functionality.
Your settings, projects, and interpreter configurations survive the update intact. No need to reconfigure anything.
Regular software maintenance prevents compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities. Update when JetBrains releases a new stable version. Your future self will thank you.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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