Documentation forKiwi CatTools NG

Kiwi CatTools NG Upgrade Guide

This topic applies to KCT NG 2026.2 and later. If you are on KCT 3.12.7 or earlier, see legacy topic.

Supports: Kiwi CatTools NG 2026.2 and earlier

Preflight checklist

Complete the checklist below to prepare for upgrading Kiwi CatTools NG.

Review release notes Review the Kiwi CatTools NG release notes.
Review system requirements Verify that the server meets the hardware and software requirements
Run all Windows updates Before the upgrade, check for and run all Microsoft Windows Updates on the server. As you upgrade, if a Windows update runs, your system might reboot.
Check for and disable anti-virus software

Determine if any anti-virus software is installed on the server where you plan to install Kiwi CatTools.

Upgrade Kiwi CatTools NG

When you upgrade to the latest version of Kiwi CatTools NG, your devices, scheduled actions, and other configuration settings are preserved. If you previously entered a license key, the key is automatically applied to the new version.

If you upgrade from KCT NG 3.12.2, the Kiwi CatTools NG database will automatically update and your data will be re-encrypted using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). If the database updates, the changes cannot be reverted.

While a typical upgrade takes approximately one minute to perform, this does not include the time required to backup your system or perform upgrade validation testing.

When updating Kiwi CatTools NG you must choose to install the Kiwi CatTools NG update as an application or as a service:

  • Installing Kiwi CatTools NG as an application is recommended if you need to run one-off or attended activities or for infrequent or part-time users who are running Kiwi CatTools NG on their own personal computers.

  • Installing Kiwi CatTools NG as a service installation is recommended for Enterprise customers, as well as anyone running unattended activities, who need to make use of around-the-clock scheduling, or who are dedicating a machine specifically for Kiwi CatTools NG to run on.

For more information on the differences between application mode and service mode, see Installing Kiwi CatTools NG as an application or a service.

Backup your existing installation

Make a full backup of your existing installation, including the database. See Backup current database.
Uninstall the current version
  1. Select File > Exit to close the console.
  2. Uninstall Kiwi CatTools NG using Windows Control Panel > Uninstall a program.
  3. If Kiwi CatTools NG Manager is installed, click Yes when you are prompted to uninstall it.
Download the installation file
  1. Go to the SolarWinds Customer Portal and log in.

    If you do not have a SolarWinds account, see Access the Customer Portal to create an account.

  2. Locate Kiwi CatTools NG under Latest Downloads for Your Products.
  3. Click Choose Download.
Run the installation file
  1. Log in using an account with administrator privileges.
  2. Extract the contents of the downloaded installation .zip file to the server.
  3. Run SolarWinds Kiwi CatTools.exe.

    If ASP.NET core runtime 1.0, Microsoft Windows desktop runtime 10.0, and MS Access Database Engine X64 are not installed, you are prompted to install them. Click OK to install.
Complete the Kiwi CatTools NG Setup wizard
  1. On the Welcome dialog box, click Next.
  2. If you agree to the license agreement, click Next.
  3. Specify whether you want to install Kiwi CatTools NG as a service or an application.
    • Installation as a service allows the program to run without the need for a user to log in to Windows. This option also installs Kiwi CatTools NG Manager which is used to control the service.
    • Installation as an application requires a user to log in to Windows before running the program.
  4. If you are installing Kiwi CatTools NG as a Service:
    1. Select Install Kiwi CatTools NG as a Service, and click Next.
  5. If you are installing Kiwi CatTools NG as an application:
    1. Select Install Kiwi CatTools NG as an Application.
    2. Click Next.
  6. Select the shortcuts to create, and click Next.
  7. Specify the installation location, and click Install.

The installer displays status messages as Kiwi CatTools NG is installed.
Close the Wizard Click Finish to close the Kiwi CatTools NG Setup wizard and open Kiwi CatTools NG Manager.
Start Kiwi CatTools NG in application mode Start the new update in application mode the first time, then change to service mode, if required.