Before installing ActiveWords 5, it’s important to understand how it interacts with existing versions and what happens during an upgrade.
This article explains what happens when you install ActiveWords 5 and how to proceed safely.
What to Know Before Installing
ActiveWords 5 replaces ActiveWords 4 during installation and uses a new internal database format.
Before installing, keep in mind:
- ActiveWords 5 replaces ActiveWords 4 during installation
- Some changes are not backward-compatible
- Documentation is still evolving alongside the product
If you depend on ActiveWords daily for critical workflows, review this information carefully.
What Happens When You Install ActiveWords 5
When you install ActiveWords 5, it replaces ActiveWords 4 on your system and begins using a new internal database format.
At install time:
- Your existing ActiveWords data is preserved
Note: Your ActiveWords data is stored in your Windows user profile, not in the Program Files folder. When you install ActiveWords 5, your data is saved here:
%AppData%\Roaming\ActiveWords. If you previously used ActiveWords 4, you may also see this folder:%AppData%\Roaming\ActiveWords4. This is why upgrading to ActiveWords 5 does not remove your existing data. Each version stores its data in its own folder. - ActiveWords 4 is automatically removed
- ActiveWords 5 starts using its own database structure
Your existing actions are available immediately after installation. However, any actions you create or modify in ActiveWords 5 are handled differently due to the new database format.
Returning to ActiveWords 4 If Needed
Installing ActiveWords 5 does not permanently lock you in.
If you decide to return to ActiveWords 4, you can:
- Uninstall ActiveWords 5
- Reinstall ActiveWords 4
When you return to ActiveWords 4:
- ActiveWords 4 uses its original data
- Actions created or modified in ActiveWords 5 do not appear
This lets you return to ActiveWords 4 if needed without risking your existing setup.
Important: ActiveWords 5 uses a new database structure. Actions that are created or edited in ActiveWords 5 cannot be used in ActiveWords 4, and if you switch back to ActiveWords 4, any changes made in ActiveWords 5 will not carry over. This behavior is expected and supports future development.
Recommended Upgrade Approach
To upgrade to ActiveWords 5 safely:
- Avoid making large structural changes if you expect to return to V4
- Use ActiveWords 5 for new features and workflows
- Keep in mind that ActiveWords 5 uses a separate database from ActiveWords 4
Power users with large action libraries should be especially mindful of this distinction.
Who Should Install ActiveWords 5
ActiveWords 5 is available to:
- Existing users ready to move to the new version
- Power users who understand the database compatibility notes above
What to Read Next
To better understand how ActiveWords 5 manages data and why compatibility differs from previous versions, read:
