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Updating & Uninstalling

Updating & Uninstalling

Beginner13 minutes3 questions2026-08-09
The idea in one minute

Start with meaning, then move to detail.

This lesson explains Updating & Uninstalling as part of getting started with Hermes correctly. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.

If you are new

If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?

For hands-on use

For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.

For specialists

For advanced readers, inspect Updating, What happens during an update, Updating against a non-default branch: --branch, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.

What do you need first?

No prior experience is required; follow the steps on a safe test setup first.

What will you know?

A clear outcome before you read.

  • Understand Updating & Uninstalling without assumed prior knowledge.
  • Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
  • Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Official page description

How to update Hermes Agent to the latest version or uninstall it

Topic map

What does the source say, and in what order?

  1. 01
    Updating

    Start here to understand the core idea or structure.

  2. 02
    What happens during an update

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  3. 03
    Updating against a non-default branch: --branch

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  4. 04
    Local changes on non-interactive updates

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  5. 05
    Preview-only: hermes update --check

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  6. 06
    Full pre-update backup: --backup

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  7. 07
    Windows: another hermes.exe is running

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  8. 08
    Recommended Post-Update Validation

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  9. 09
    If your terminal disconnects mid-update

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  10. 10
    Checking your current version

    Finish here to verify the result and special cases.

Examples from the official page

Copy only after you understand the effect.

hermes update
hermes update --branch release-candidate hermes update --check --branch experimental # preview behindness only
# ~/.hermes/config.yaml updates: non_interactive_local_changes: stash # default: keep + auto-restore # non_interactive_local_changes: discard # throw local source edits away
Try it now

Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.

Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.

Knowledge check

Three decisions before completion.

1. What is the source of truth when “Updating & Uninstalling” changes?
2. What is the best way to apply this lesson?
3. What should happen before a step can modify files or an external account?