Install an Ascend update
When a new Ascend version is available, each user receives a daily update prompt immediately on login. An alert also displays in the Messages pane of the Ascend Desktop.
- Your store's server must be updated prior to updating any workstations.
- Workstations cannot use Ascend during the server update
- Update all computers during non-business hours. Every computer must be updated separately (workstations can be updated simultaneously).
- (multi-store retailers) Some Ascend functions may not function properly until all locations are updated. Each store must be updated separately.
Sherpa Tip: Review the release notes and Ascend University modules prior to updating to ensure your shop is prepared for all the changes in the new version.
Complete all required Windows® updates before installing Ascend. The Ascend Installer may not complete if Windows® is not up-to-date. Windows® updates may not be cumulative. Additional updates may be required after another is installed.
How long will it take?
While the Ascend update itself should only take a few minutes per computer, there are several other factors that may affect the total amount of time you'll need.- If your store has a slower internet connection, updates may take several minutes to download on each computer.
- If a database schema update is required, a manual backup runs prior to updating. If you're already backing up daily (automatically or manually), this should only take a few minutes - but if you have an especially large database, this may take 5-10 minutes. After the backup is complete, the schema update should only take a few minutes.
- (Chase users) If a configuration or firmware update for your Ingenico payment terminal is required, you'll need up to an hour for each device.

Server Update
- From the Update prompt, click Take me to the future.
Or, from the Ascend Desktop, click the Internet Update tile. - Release notes for the current and past year's versions can be viewed from the Internet Update screen.
- From the toolbar, click the Update button.
On the Install new application update prompt, click Yes. - Download progress displays, and the Ascend.RMS Setup Wizard automatically runs.
Sherpa Tip: If your location has a slower Internet connection, the download process can take several minutes. - Welcome to the Ascend.RMS Setup Wizard: Click Next.
- End User License Agreement: Select I accept the terms in the License Agreement and click Next.
- Ready to Install: Click Install. Sherpa Tip: This process can take several minutes.
- Completing the Ascend.RMS Setup Wizard: Ensure Launch Ascend.RMS is checked and click Finish.
- Log into Ascend. A backup automatically runs, and the system database updates. Sherpa Tip: This process can take several minutes.
Workstation Update
- From the Update prompt, click Take me to the future.
Or, from the Ascend Desktop, click the Internet Update tile. - From the toolbar, click the Update button.
On the Install new application update prompt, click Yes. - Download progress displays, and the Ascend.RMS Setup Wizard automatically runs.
Sherpa Tip: If your location has a slower Internet connection, the download process can take several minutes. - Welcome to the Ascend.RMS Setup Wizard: Click Next.
- End User License Agreement: Select I accept the terms in the License Agreement and click Next.
- Ready to Install: Click Install. Sherpa Tip: This process can take several minutes.
- Completing the Ascend.RMS Setup Wizard: Ensure Launch Ascend.RMS is checked and click Finish.
- Log into Ascend. If the workstation has a payment terminal connected, a Firmware Update prompt displays.
- On the Firmware Update prompt, click Yes. The payment terminal automatically calibrates and installs the new firmware version. Sherpa Tip: This process may take up to 15 minutes to complete on each device. Do not unplug your payment terminal until the Firmware Update Complete prompt displays.