# Upgrade an existing installation

An existing headscale installation can be updated to a new version:

- Read the announcement on the [GitHub releases](https://github.com/juanfont/headscale/releases) page for the new
  version. It lists the changes of the release along with possible breaking changes.
- **Create a backup of your database.**
- Update headscale to the new version, preferably by following the same installation method.
- Compare and update the [configuration](../ref/configuration.md) file.
- Restart headscale.