Family history projects often grow over many years. A single tree can eventually contain hundreds or thousands of people, photographs, source citations, notes, and historical records. For users who created or continue to maintain this research with FTM 2019, understanding the software’s current update status is important for keeping their work accessible and organized.
Family tree maker 2019 remains an edition used by existing Family Tree Maker customers, although it is no longer the newest edition. The latest available version of FTM 2019 is 24.2.2, build 560. The 24.2.2 update was released in September 2023.
Knowing the installed version can help users determine whether their copy is fully updated before they start troubleshooting other problems.
How to Check the FTM 2019 Version
Users do not need to guess which build is installed. The version information can be checked directly inside the application.
On Windows, users can open the Help menu and select About Family Tree Maker. Mac users can open the Family Tree Maker 2019 menu and select About Family Tree Maker 2019.
A fully updated installation should display:
- Version 24.2.2
- Build 560
- FTM 2019 as the installed edition
Build 560 is the latest listed build for this edition. Checking these details first is useful because a user may already have the latest FTM 2019 update installed.
What Does the 24.2.2 Update Address?
The 24.2.2 update is particularly important for users who work with Ancestry synchronization. The release includes changes to FamilySync technology that help maintain compatibility with changes made on Ancestry’s side.
The update is therefore more than a change to the number shown in the About screen. It helps maintain compatibility with functions used by people who synchronize their genealogy work.
Before assuming that the tree itself causes an Ancestry or FamilySync problem, users running an older FTM 2019 build should check whether the current update has been installed.
Back Up the Tree Before Updating
An update should not normally require users to rebuild an existing family tree, but a current backup is still an essential precaution.
Before applying an update, users should consider the following steps:
- Open the main tree and confirm that it loads normally.
- Complete any normal synchronization that is currently working.
- Compact the tree where appropriate.
- Create a fresh backup of the genealogy database.
- Include important media in the backup.
- Store another copy away from the main working file.
- Close the program before starting the updater.
A backup is particularly valuable when the tree contains research that would be difficult to recreate, such as old photographs, manually entered source details, interview notes, or years of corrections.
Downloading and Running the Updater
A dedicated updater is available for FTM 2019 users who need version 24.2.2. The updater is intended for an existing FTM 2019 installation rather than as a replacement for purchasing or installing the full application.
After downloading the appropriate updater, users still need to run the file and complete the installation process. Simply saving the update file to the computer does not change the installed software.
Once the installation finishes, reopening the About screen should show version 24.2.2, build 560.
Can Existing Users Continue With FTM 2019?
A newer edition does not automatically make an existing genealogy database unusable. People who continue using Family tree maker should base software decisions on their own computer setup, required features, synchronization needs, and plans for future upgrades.
The main priority for an FTM 2019 user should be knowing exactly which build is installed and maintaining reliable backups.
If the application currently works well for a user’s research, there is no reason to treat the family tree itself as outdated. The genealogical information remains valuable regardless of which software edition was originally used to organize it.
What If FTM 2019 Must Be Reinstalled?
Users sometimes need to reinstall after replacing a computer, changing a hard drive, or losing an original installer. In these situations, the software installation and the genealogy data should be handled as separate items.
Before resetting or discarding an old computer, locate the most recent tree and backup files. Also confirm where photographs and other media are stored.
After reinstalling, restore the appropriate tree and check that:
- recently added people appear correctly;
- notes and sources are available;
- linked media opens as expected;
- the version number is correct;
- synchronization behaves normally if it is being used.
Taking time to verify these areas can identify missing files before the previous computer or backup is removed.
Conclusion
FTM 2019 is an older edition, but it continues to matter for users who still maintain genealogy projects with it. Version 24.2.2, build 560 is the latest listed update for FTM 2019. Existing users should check their build number, maintain current backups, and apply the appropriate update when needed. Keeping the software and research files organized can make synchronization, troubleshooting, computer replacement, and future migration much easier to manage.
