The desktop_updater package enables Flutter applications on Windows, macOS, and Linux to automatically check for, download, and install updates. It supports multiple update sources including GitHub, GitLab, local file systems, and AWS S3. Designed specifically for desktop apps, it simplifies the deployment of new versions without requiring users to manually reinstall. The plugin integrates seamlessly with existing CI/CD workflows and provides reliable update handling across platforms.
Use cases
- Auto-update desktop Flutter apps
- Distribute updates via GitHub releases
- Deploy updates from S3 or local servers
- Support multi-platform desktop apps
- Integrate with CI/CD pipelines
Key features
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Downloads updates from GitHub, GitLab, S3, and local paths
- Automatic installation after download
- Cross-platform update logic
- Simple integration with pubspec.yaml
Suitable for
- Desktop app developers
- Apps using GitHub/GitLab release hosting
- Teams managing app distribution
- Projects needing automated updates
- Developers targeting multiple desktop OS
Considerations
- Requires internet access for updates
- Needs proper permissions for file system writes
- Update URLs must be publicly accessible
- S3 requires valid credentials
- Not suitable for mobile platforms