Steps to reproduce:

1. Download 2 versions of NVDA (for instance, NVDA 2024.4.2 and 2025.1.1)
2. Create a portable copy with the newer version of NVDA.
3. Create a portable copy of the older version of NVDA in the same location as the portable copy created in step 2.

Actual behavior:

NVDA notifies the user that there is already a copy of NVDA at that location, and asks them whether they would like to update it. The message reads:

A portable copy already exists in the directory 'c:\nvda'. Do you want to update it?

Expected behavior:

The user should be shown a similar message to that shown when attempting to downgrade an installed copy of NVDA. For example:

You are attempting to create a portable copy of an earlier version than the version that already exists in the directory 'c:\nvda'. If you really wish to revert to an earlier version, you should choose a different directory.

NVDA logs, crash dumps and other attachments:

N/A

System configuration

NVDA installed/portable/running from source:

Portable

NVDA version:

Tested with NVDA 2024.4.2 and 2025.1.1.

Windows version:

Windows 11 Business Insider Preview Version 24H2 (OS Build 26200.5641) x64

Name and version of other software in use when reproducing the issue:

Other information about your system:

Other questions

Does the issue still occur after restarting your computer?

Yes

Have you tried any other versions of NVDA? If so, please report their behaviors.

No

If NVDA add-ons are disabled, is your problem still occurring?

Yes

Does the issue still occur after you run the COM Registration Fixing Tool in NVDA's tools menu?

Yes