Slicer updates bring new features, but they also update vendor printer and filament profiles and sometimes change defaults. Your custom presets are what you can’t download again.
1. Find and back up the configuration folder
PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer and Bambu Studio store user presets in a per-user configuration folder. Look for Help → Show Configuration Folder. Copy the whole folder somewhere safe before a major update. Cura keeps its configuration in a per-version folder and migrates it when a new version first starts; back up the previous version’s folder before the new one runs.
2. Use built-in snapshots and exports
PrusaSlicer has configuration snapshots: it takes one automatically when it updates its configuration, and you can take one manually and roll back from the Configuration Snapshots dialog. Exporting a config bundle gives you a portable file of all your presets. OrcaSlicer and Bambu Studio can export presets too. Bambu Studio can also sync presets to your Bambu account if you use cloud features.
3. Read the release notes for defaults changes
Watch for changed defaults (seam placement, wall generator, support styles, flow/pressure-advance handling) and updated system profiles. Tracked slicers on SafeToUpdate: OrcaSlicer, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, Cura.
4. Re-slice a reference part
Keep one known-good 3MF project. After updating, re-slice it and compare estimated time, filament use and the preview against the old G-code. Big differences mean something changed. Find out what before your next long print.
5. Keep the old installer
On Windows and macOS, keep the previous installer or AppImage. If a new release has a regression, going back is quick.
Checklist
- Config folder copied / bundle exported
- Release notes checked for default changes
- Reference part re-sliced and compared
- Previous version’s installer kept