No 2BrightSparks software automatically updates itself and it never has. We are occasionally contacted by users accusing us of automatically updating our software without their knowledge. We do not and never have. All updates and upgrades must be performed manually by the user.


SyncBack has an option to check for new versions, but that will only inform you if there is a new version. It does not download it nor does it install it.


If your version of 2BrightSparks software has been updated without your knowledge then it has been updated by a 3rd party system (e.g. winget, UniGetUI, etc.) or by another user of your computer. Apps on Android (e.g. SyncBack Touch and SyncBack Monitor) may be auto-updated by the Google Play Store, but that is based on your Google Play Store configuration.


Preventing major version upgrades with winget (version pinning)

If you install SyncBack through the Windows Package Manager (winget), you can stop it from being upgraded to a new major version (for example, from V12 to a future V13) while still allowing minor maintenance updates within your current major version. This is known as pinning. Pinning only affects winget — it does not change SyncBack itself, and you can always upgrade manually whenever you choose.

The winget package IDs are:

  • 2BrightSparks.SyncBackPro
  • 2BrightSparks.SyncBackSE
  • 2BrightSparks.SyncBackFree

If you are unsure of the exact ID installed on your computer, run winget list --name SyncBack to see it.

Pin to your current major version (recommended)

Use a gating pin with a wildcard so that only updates within your major version are offered. For SyncBackPro V12, for example:

winget pin add --id 2BrightSparks.SyncBackPro --version "12.*"

winget will now upgrade SyncBack only to versions that start with 12. and will not move you to V13 or later. Substitute your own edition ID and major version number as needed.

Block all winget upgrades

To prevent winget from upgrading SyncBack at all (including minor updates) until you remove the pin, use a blocking pin:

winget pin add --id 2BrightSparks.SyncBackPro --blocking

A plain pin (winget pin add --id 2BrightSparks.SyncBackPro) is less strict: it excludes SyncBack from winget upgrade --all, but still allows an explicit winget upgrade 2BrightSparks.SyncBackPro.

View, remove, or override pins

winget pin list
winget pin remove --id 2BrightSparks.SyncBackPro

To upgrade everything including pinned packages in a single command, add --include-pinned:

winget upgrade --all --include-pinned

Notes:

  • Pinning applies to winget only. It does not stop another package manager (such as UniGetUI, which uses winget under the hood), a manual installer, or another user from upgrading the software.
  • A SyncBack licence is tied to a specific major version. If you have Upgrade Assurance, you are entitled to use newer major versions and may prefer to upgrade rather than pin. Without it, staying within your licensed major version avoids unexpectedly running a version you are not licensed for.
  • If you need to install a specific older build, see Installing old versions using winget.