If you’re working on a scientific project that relies on a specific version of SAMSON for compatibility reasons — perhaps due to an extension that was developed for an older API, or to reproduce simulation results — reinstalling a past version of the platform can be essential. Thankfully, SAMSON makes it easy to install previous releases without any hacky workarounds or special permissions.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install an older version of SAMSON, complete with visuals and context to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Installing an Older SAMSON Version
The SAMSON installer includes an option to install past versions of the software. Here’s how:
- Launch the SAMSON installer on your system.
- During the second step of the installation process, check the Install an older version option:
- On the next screen, a dropdown menu allows you to pick your desired version. Versions are listed using their developer version numbers, such as 2.0.2, which corresponds to the 2021 edition.
If you need to check which version corresponds to which year or feature set, refer to the User Guides for other SAMSON versions.
Running a Specific Version
If you’ve installed multiple versions and want to run a version that’s not set as default, use the following launch paths depending on your OS:
Windows:
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C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/10.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe |
macOS:
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$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/ |
Linux:
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$HOME/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/10.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh |
This flexibility allows you to test workflows, ensure compatibility with specific extensions, or compare results between releases — essential for research validation and teaching scenarios where consistency matters.
A Note on Updating
Keep in mind that SAMSON Extensions are updated only for the latest version of SAMSON. So, if you’re running an older version, not all extensions may be available or functional. We recommend updating your version occasionally when compatibility permits.
For more details on SAMSON FAQs, visit the official documentation: SAMSON FAQ.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON here.