Family Tree Maker Latest Edition Update: How to Check Your Version and Stay Current

ByBNW TEAM

Family Tree Maker has been available in several editions over the years, which can make version numbers confusing for users returning to the software after a long break. Someone may have FTM 2019 installed, another computer may contain an earlier edition, while a newer user may be working with FTM 2024. Knowing the difference between an edition and an update makes it easier to determine what is currently installed and whether any action is required.

At present, Family Tree Maker 2024 is the current edition, and the latest available version is 25.0.2, build 181. The 25.0.2 release is a free update from December 2025.

Edition and Update Are Not the Same

The name of the edition and its version number describe two different things. FTM 2024 identifies the software edition. Version 25.0.2, build 181 identifies the current update level within that edition. This distinction matters because a user who already owns FTM 2024 may only need an updater. Someone using an older edition should not assume that installing an FTM 2024 updater will convert that older program into the newest edition. Before downloading anything, first identify what is already installed.

How to Check the Installed Version

Users can check the installed version and build number directly within the program. Windows users can open the Help menu and choose About Family Tree Maker. Mac users can open the Family Tree Maker application menu and select the About option.

For FTM 2024, the latest listed information is:

  • Edition: FTM 2024
  • Version: 25.0.2
  • Build: 181

If those details already appear, the current listed update is installed. This quick check can prevent unnecessary downloads and make troubleshooting easier.

What Does the Latest Update Include?

The current 25.0.2 update is intended to improve the existing FTM 2024 experience rather than replace it with another edition. The 25.0.2 release includes fixes, enhancements, and improvements to stability and performance.

It also adds new statistics functionality within the Connect workspace, giving users additional ways to review information about their family trees. For an existing FTM 2024 user, staying current can therefore help ensure that fixes and supported improvements are applied.

Prepare Before Applying an Update

A Family tree maker update should always be approached with the genealogy data in mind.

A software update may take only a short time, while a family tree can represent years of research. Protecting that data should therefore come first.

Before updating:

  • Check that the main tree opens normally.
  • Confirm which edition and build are installed.
  • Sync linked trees if synchronization is currently working.
  • Compact the tree where appropriate.
  • Create a fresh backup.
  • Include important media and photographs where needed.
  • Store an additional copy in a safe location.
  • Close FTM before running the updater.

These steps provide a recovery point if a computer issue occurs during or after the change.

Downloading Is Only Half the Process

One common source of confusion is assuming that downloading an updater means the software has already been updated. It does not. After the update file has been saved, it must still be opened and run. After downloading version 25.0.2, users still need to run the updater and verify the installed version afterward. When installation is finished, reopen FTM and check the About screen. It should show version 25.0.2, build 181.

What About FTM 2019 Users?

Users of FTM 2019 should not confuse the latest update for their edition with the latest edition of the overall software. The latest listed FTM 2019 version is 24.2.2, build 560, while FTM 2024 is currently at version 25.0.2, build 181.

This means an FTM 2019 user can be fully updated within FTM 2019 without actually using the newest Family Tree Maker edition. That distinction is useful when searching for installers, update instructions, or technical help.

Check the Tree After Updating

Once the update is complete, do more than check the build number. Open the main family tree and review a small sample of important information. Check several recently edited people, open photographs or other media, and review synchronization status if the tree is connected with Ancestry. Users with multiple important trees should check each one. A simple post-update review can confirm that the software and research data are both behaving as expected.

Keep Version Information With Your Records

Maintaining a small note containing the software edition, current build, date of the latest backup, and location of important tree files can make future troubleshooting considerably easier. This information is especially useful when replacing a computer or asking for technical assistance because it removes uncertainty about which software version is involved.

Conclusion

Understanding the latest Family Tree Maker edition is easier when users separate the edition name from the update version. FTM 2024 is the current edition, while version 25.0.2, build 181 is the latest available update.

Users should check their existing version before downloading anything, create a current backup, apply only the updater appropriate for their edition, and verify the build afterward. These simple steps help keep the software current while protecting the family-history research stored within it.