How To Download A Previous Version Of An App

Although it's not something you should do regularly due to potential security issues, there will always be times when you might need to download old versions of software and apps. For example, maybe the newest version has bugs, has lost features, or is no longer compatible with your operating system.

Today, we are going to look at some of the best sites for downloading older versions of software. Keep reading to learn more.

1. OldVersion

OldVersion offers previous versions of Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android apps for you to download. It has been online since 2001 and is one of the most trusted names in the sector.

All the apps are neatly organized to make it easy to find what you are looking for. You can filter by your preferred operating system and there are also lists for Recently Added, Editor's Choice, and Top Rated.

Some of the app categories covered by OldVersion include Utilities, Security, Office, Networking, Multimedia, Internet, Graphics, FTP, File Sharing, Drivers, Development, and Communication.

Old versions of popular apps such as AVG, Opera, Winamp, TeamViewer, WinRAR, Notepad++, and even MSN Messenger are all available.

And if you're interested in adding to the community, you can upload your own old versions of apps to the database for other people to use.

2. APKMirror

APKMirror is well-established as one of the best sites for downloading old APK files for Android. It does not offer downloads of old apps for other operating systems.

In addition to the availability of old versions of apps, the site has some other features that help it to stand out. They include staff-verified uploads (for security/malware/bugs, etc.), cryptographic signature matching (to ensure apps are genuine), and lists of related apps for you to explore.

If you use APKMirror to grab an APK file, you will need to manually move it over to your Android device before you can use it. If that sounds like too much hassle, APKMirror has also developed its own Android app, so you can download the files directly onto your phone or tablet.

3. Softonic

Softonic still suffers from the reputation it earned in its "dark years", a period in which it harmed users with a junk-ridden downloader, toolbar, and endless recommended offers.

However, in March 2015 (and under the guidance of a new CEO), Softonic committed to cleaning up its act. Today, the site is much more trustworthy and has become a solid repo of old apps for you to download. Old software is available for Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, and various web apps.

If you click on the Apps tab at the top of the page, choose the app you want to download, then scroll to the bottom of the page, you will find several old versions for you to download. Depending on the app, some of these versions go back several years.

Softonic is also a great source for finding downloads of depreciated apps. If there was an old game you used to love or app that was an important part of your professional workflows, there is a good chance you will be able to find it on Softonic.

In addition to the app downloads, Softonic also offers installation guides, reviews, opinion pieces, and more.

4. FileHippo

FileHippo's main selling point is its handpicked list of the latest versions of the best software for Windows and Mac. However, for popular apps, the site also offers extensive back catalogs of old versions of apps and software.

The supported operating systems are Windows, Mac, Android, and web apps. In total, more than 40,000 software versions are available.

The apps themselves are divided into 13 main categories. They are Browsers, Desktop, Games, Leisure, Personal, Social and Messaging, System Tuning and Utilities, Office and News, Learning, File Sharing, Multimedia, Security and VPN, and Maps and Travel.

To see the older versions of software that are available on FileHippo, navigate to an app's page, then click on View More under Old Versions in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

5. FileHorse

FileHorse also offers a hand-picked list of software for you to download. It specializes in the Windows and Mac operating systems.

Apps on the site are updated daily with new versions, icons, screenshots, and other related material. All changelogs are available, and all software that is available for download on the site is first checked for viruses and malware using the VirusTotal and Google Safe Browsing tools.

Of course, old versions of software and apps (for both Windows and Mac) are also available. To find the old versions of apps, just click through to an app's listing and use the dropdown list adjacent to Old Versions at the top of the page.

The site also offers app overviews, RSS feeds, and email notifications for when new apps and versions are added.

The main app categories on FileHorse are Browsers and Plugins, Anti-Spyware, MP3 and Audio, Messaging and Chat, Anti-Virus, Video Software, Games, Firewalls and Security, CDs and DVDs, File Transfer and Networking, Cleaning and Tweaking, Desktop Enhancements, Office, Compression and Backup, Imaging, Developer Tools, Benchmarking, and Drivers.

6. APKPure

APKPure is an alternative APK download site in case you cannot find the old app you are looking for on APKMirror.

The security practices on APKPure are just as rigorous as those found on APKMirror. All apps are verified using SHA1, it uses cryptographic signature matching, and all new apps are verified using other software from the same developer.

And, like APKMirror, the site also offers an Android app in case you don't want to transfer the downloads to your Android device manually.

Don't Use Dedicated Downloaders

Between the seven resources we have listed, you should be able to find all the old versions of software that you require.

However, a word of warning, we dedicated downloaders are still available, we recommend that you do not use them. They are still prone to packaging other unwanted apps into your downloads.

All the sites we have discussed offer direct download links that will pull the download directly from the developer's site. You should use those instead.

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