Updating Automotive Maps and Software with Garmin Express

Before updating your device, you will need to download and install Garmin Express onto your computer. See How Do I Install Garmin Express?

Download Garmin Express Software for Windows

• • Windows 10 or newer
  • Microsoft .NET 4.7.2 (included in the download)
  • 1024 x 768 display
  • USB port
  • 1 GB RAM
  • High-speed Internet access (not for use with dial-up, mobile, or satellite connections)
  • Up to 20 GB free disk space
  • For users running Windows 8 or older, please download version 7 of Garmin Express for Windows.

Download Garmin Express Software for Mac

• • macOS 13 or newer
  • 1440 x 900 display
  • USB port
  • 1 GB RAM
  • High-speed Internet access (not for use with dial-up, mobile, or satellite connections)
  • Up to 20 GB free disk space
  • For users running older macOS versions, please download 7.18.x of Garmin Express for Mac.

See the links below for help finding the download file on your computer:

• Opening a Downloaded File on Windows

Connect your Garmin device to the computer with the appropriate data USB cable.

Desktop:

Laptop:

Most devices come with a compatible data cable. See Types of USB Cables Used to Connect Automotive Devices to the Computer to find out what cable you need.

Note: Place the unit screen side down when it's plugged into the computer to reduce stress on the device's USB port. 

Garmin Express will launch during the installation.

To Open Garmin Express Manually:

Windows: Use one of the following methods (examples from Windows 10 pictured).

Double-click the Express icon in the system tray

Search for Garmin Express in the Start menu

Double-click the desktop shortcut (if present)

Mac: Launch Garmin Express from the Applications folder in Finder (example pictured from macOS 10.13.6). The location of the  Finder icon may vary depending on the position of the Dock.

1. Click on your device. The green dot means Garmin Express recognizes the device

2. Click Add a Device and follow the on-screen steps to add a new device

3. A message may appear asking if you want to replace the first device if you're adding a second device of the same model.

Select Yes if this is a replacement device.

Select No if you have two devices of the same model. 

Garmin Express will display the updates. Your device may have a software update available, a map update available, or both. You will have an option to “Update Software,” “Update Maps,” “Install,” or “Install All.” Each path begins with this selection.

NOTE: Your device may require a software update before installing a new map. In this case, the software update will be installed before returning you to this screen where you will then have the option to “Install All” or “Update Maps.”

4. Click Update Software, Update Maps, Install, or Install All

Clicking View Details allows you to see a list of available updates and install them individually.

Garmin recommends clicking the option in the blue button to ensure all updates are installed.

5. Read the notes and click Continue

Garmin Express will display the current progress.

6. You may be prompted to restart your device if software updates are installed. Garmin Express will display instructions.

7. Click Install All or Update Maps if you have a map update available.

NOTE: See Space Issues when Installing Map Updates if the desired coverage area is not offered.

8. Read the Terms and Conditions and click Accept

9. Read the notes and click Continue

Garmin Express will display the Map Update progress.

An “Updates complete” message will appear when the map update finishes.

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Note: Disconnecting the device or shutting down the computer before the update completes will cause an error and may make the device unusable.

Use a Memory Card (Recommended) - In situations where a Garmin device does not have sufficient internal storage space to load the full coverage of a City Navigator NT map update, Garmin Express allows the maps to be installed to a microSD/SD card. 

When using the SD card installation option, critical files are loaded to the SD card so it must remain in the device after the update to ensure full functionality. For the largest size SD card a device can use, see the FAQ SD Memory Card Sizes for Automotive Devices.

Adding a memory card to a compatible device will help to give it enough storage space for the entire map. For more information about using a memory card for map updates, including SD card size requirements and instructions if Garmin Express does not offer a memory card option, see Garmin Express Prompts to "Use A Memory Card (Recommended)".

If you select Use a Memory Card, the card must be inserted into the device, not the computer. The map file will be deleted from the device's internal storage drive; therefore, the memory card must remain inside the device at all times both during and after the map update.

If issues persist, see Garmin Express Only Offers Options to Contact Product Support or Use a Memory Card for additional steps