Roon 1.8 (Legacy)

Roon 1.8 (Legacy)

What is Roon 1.8 (Legacy)?

Roon 1.8 (Legacy) is an older version of Roon. If you are already running it, this version allows you to continue enjoying Roon on hardware that does not meet the requirements for Roon 2.0 or later.

If you're on this page, you're unsure if you should move to Roon 2.0, or you're looking to understand your options. This article covers why staying on Roon 1.8 might make sense for your situation, and how to migrate to Roon 2.0 when you're ready.

Warning
Roon 1.8 (Legacy) can continue to be used, but will receive no further development.
There are no future updates planned. This means there will be:
  1. No bug fixes
  2. No performance improvements
  3. No new features or integrations
  4. No support for new streaming protocols or service changes (e.g. changes to TIDAL/Qobuz APIs)
  5. No security patches
NotesVersion Matching Required:
If your Server is running 1.8 (Legacy), all Roon remote apps (on phones, tablets, or computers) must also run 1.8 (Legacy). The system does not support cross-version connections between 1.8 (Legacy) and newer versions like Roon 2.0 or later.

Staying on Roon 1.8 (Legacy)?

While we generally think you'll have the best experience with Roon by running the latest version, we know that's not always possible or practical. There can be plenty of reasons why now isn't the right time to update. Here are at least two:

1. Your hardware doesn't meet Roon 2.0 requirements

Compared to Roon 1.8, the minimum requirements for running a Roon Server have changed. If your server or desktop remotes don't meet these requirements, they won't be able to run Roon 2.0. To upgrade, you'd first need to update any hardware or operating systems that fall below the minimum specification.


2. You're not ready to update just yet

If you're happy with what Roon 1.8 provides and don't want to change things up right now, that's completely fine. Just keep in mind that staying on 1.8 means accepting the tradeoffs outlined above, including potential service degradation over time as external services evolve.

Ready to Move to Roon 2.0?

Updating your system to support the latest version of Roon is strongly recommended for ongoing feature access, performance improvements, and continued compatibility with external services. When you're ready to make the move, the process is straightforward. Just follow these steps:

  1. Completely close out of Roon and stop RoonServer
  2. Download the appropriate software package for your Roon Server from the links below
  3. Install and run.

Info
You may notice only one download link for Mac and Windows. This is because Roon 2.0 has combined both the All-in-one and Server into a single process. During the installation process, you can select how you want to use each device, either as a Roon Server or as a Roon control device. 

Roon 2.0 (Nucleus / ROCK)

Warning
The filenames below are red is case-sensitive. Capitalization matters.
1. Download the following file: roon-production.bin to a PC (do not modify the name, extension, or content of this file).
2. Navigate to the /Data/Reinstall directory on your Nucleus or ROCK.
3. Copy the roon-production.bin file that you downloaded into the Reinstall directory.
4. Visit the RoonOS webUI page and click on the “Reinstall” button.

Alert
The instruction file will be deleted after the installation process completes. Once on a particular track or version, you will continue to receive updates from that track automatically. This includes future use of the "Reinstall" function.
Android Manual Install

Still have questions or issues? Get in touch with Roon Technical Support over on community.  

Roon Server Partners

Roon Server Partners who are not basing their offerings on RoonOS may choose to provide access to 1.8 (Legacy), while others focus solely on the current version. We reached out to our Roon Server Partners ahead of time to discuss this.

We recommend contacting your Roon Server Partner directly to confirm which software version they support and to obtain the appropriate installer for your needs.