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A Windows Update You Don’t Want to Miss

Olive Tree Windows Update

It has been a long, long road! We are so happy to announce a major update for the Olive Tree Bible App for Windows. If you’re one of our Windows users—thanks for sticking with us! It took a lot of work to get this app to match our iOS and Android apps. The day is finally here.

If you’re ready, you can get it here.
Keep reading to learn about all the new updates and fancy features. ?

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Also, just a heads up: when you download the app from the Microsoft store, you’ll need Windows 10 and you’ll have to sync/re-download your purchases. Then you can remove the old app from your device if you wish. Our support team put together an article on how to download your resources for Windows here.

VERSE OF THE DAY

Olive Tree Windows Update 4

Now you can see the verse of the day inside the app on Windows. Simply click on the main menu into the top-left corner. Then select “Verse of the Day.”

We love using this feature to get us into God’s Word for the day. Tap “Read” at the bottom to dig deeper into the passage.

You can also share this verse and graphic on your favorite social media accounts. Just click “Share.”

AUDIO: BIBLES & BOOKS

In Summer of 2018, we built audio into the app! Now you can access all your favorite audio books and Bibles on the Windows platform.

If you want to know more details about the audio feature, we have a blog post on that.

READING PLANS

Now, you have the latest version of reading plans! We made huge adjustments in the Fall of 2018. You can quickly see your progress in this beautiful layout. Also, you can use popular devotionals in the reading plan layout. Look under the features tab when viewing a devotional on our store to see if it works in this way.

So, start a new reading goal!

And don’t forget to set up alerts. We’ll never let you forget to read. ?

HIGHLIGHT… WITH A PEN

If you’re using the app on Windows-supported tablet, you can use a pen to highlight! You’re the only platform with this feature, so take advantage of it!

DRAG & DROP LINKS

This is a really fun perk of the Windows version of the Olive Tree Bible App. You can drag pop-up windows into already-opened windows to get a better view. Just click and drag.

SYNC WINDOWS WITH A TAP

If you get the Study Center out of sync with the main window—have no fear. You can tap on this fancy link button in the bottom-right corner… and SHAZAM! The Study Center will sync back up.

So much easier than scrolling.

DARK MODE

Lastly, we added a dark mode! And, don’t forget that you can also open multiple windows on desktop versions of the app. It makes in-depth studying so much easier!

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85 Comments

  1. Sally

    I would love to see rich text capability for notes.

    • Alan McIlwaine

      I too would like to see rich text capability, especially on the iPad version.
      As for the rest; we have waited an age and what do we get! I will not be installing the Windows version until I get an assurance that future versions will not require a fresh download of all my books.

      • Cierra Loux

        You’ll still have all of your notes and highlights and things. If anything, it might take 10 mins for the books to download (if you have a lot!) to your computer. But anytime you install/re-install one of our apps, this is required. 🙂

        • Isaac

          @Cierra Loux, we have been asking for this for long.

          I have personally, over and over again. Whereas, a simple deployment of markdown into the note part of the App will do this for users without any need for bogus provision of HTML.

          Help us please!

      • Nathan

        I noticed that there is a pencil icon above the highlighter and eraser. Is this for a drawing function? It appears I can circle words and draw arrows etc, but as soon as I do the screen freezes. Is this supposed to happen?

  2. Dru Spluga

    Still waiting for the ability to paste Jpegs in Notes

  3. Hannes

    You really surprised me with the pen feature – I never thought that it would be possible in a non-Microsoft-app 😉
    Thanks for making my bible study time so much more enjoyable!

  4. Jonathan Bach

    I like it, but on both PC’s it crashes on the purchased books page.

  5. Stephen

    Good Grief, no mention that you have remove the old version first, so it’s not an “update” it’s a new install. Microsoft store is terrible as well. Crashed first time it opened, crashed 2nd time opened after login with credentials during sync. Third time appears to be working so far.

    • Cierra Loux

      Sorry about the Microsoft store! Not too much we can do about that. But thank you for mentioning that it would be good to teach about removing the old version. I’ll add a note to this article. 🙂

    • Cierra Loux

      Also, just to clarify, you don’t have to remove the old version before downloading the new version.

      • Steve Puleo

        I went to the Microsoft Store to get the product and after the install it was the same app that I had before. I went back to double check and the only Olive Tree Bible app available says it was released 9/12/2017. So far this is underwhelming.

        • Cierra Loux

          The release date isn’t accurate. That is the day we first started looking into the Microsoft Store options. If your app doesn’t look like the screenshots above, then you have opened the old app, not the new one. If you haven’t used our Windows app before, and you’re commenting on how this looks the same as the iOS and Android app—you’re correct. However, the Windows app didn’t look like this previously. It was very different from the iOS and Android apps.

          • Steve Puleo

            My app looks nothing like the screenshots and the version in the Microsoft Store is version 6 and the Store tells me that I already have the app installed. When I search the store, the version 6 app is the only one found.

          • Cierra Loux

            We don’t have the older version in the Microsoft Store. Sorry, Steve! Sounds like you are opening up the old one somehow. If you need additional help, feel free to email support@olivetree.com. They can point you in the right direction if you give them the details.

    • JesusIsntReal

      Well when you use garbage software and a garbage os what did you expect to happen?

  6. Carl

    I agree with Stephen–very disappointed that this is a new install that leaves my old version in place and then apparently requires me to go through and re-download all of my resources.

    • Cierra Loux

      Hey, Carl! Yeah, the extra steps can be overwhelming if you weren’t prepared for them! But that was the only way for us to get this new app out there for you guys. If you have questions about how to get things set up, you can always email support@olivetree.com, and they can get you going in the right direction.

  7. Lawrence

    I’d love to use the update, but after download from the Microsoft storre, it won’t load… the green Olivetree window comes up and then crashes.

    • Micah

      After installing the new version upon running it would show the green OT screen but crash immediately.

  8. Leslie Flom

    When I download all my books again will I lose my notes and highlights?

  9. Richard

    I updated through Windows but only 3 or so books showed up and I have dozens. What is the proper procedure to update?

    • Cierra Loux

      Hey, Richard! There are links at the top of the blog for this. Look for info on sync and downloading purchases. Thanks!

  10. Richard

    I think my problem is when I use the Microsoft link on this page for the update it installs a new app separate from my desktop version. My desktop version is still 6.1 and not version 7.

    • Cierra Loux

      Nope! That is what is supposed to happen. 🙂

  11. James

    Any chance the desktop version will get an upgrade or is that going to get phased out? That’s what I use now.

    • Cierra Loux

      Hey, James, this is the updated desktop version. 🙂

      • James

        I guess what I’m asking is that Windows programs can be installed through the Windows Store, which work either in Tablet Mode or Desktop Mode, and those that get installed by downloading outside the Windows Store and work only in desktop mode. Olive Tree has traditionally had both versions (with the downloaded one substantially superior IMO. The one that was updated was the Windows Store version. Does that mean there will no longer be the version that is downloaded from the website? Or will it remain yet be not upgraded? Or will it be totally phased out.

        • Cierra Loux

          All further updates will be done through the Microsoft store.

    • Oyira onun itam

      Am to extend my gratitude for you, am grateful for the opportunity given to me to comment on the desktop version is great I recommend to you James.

  12. Sam

    In the old version I did like the ability to use book ribbons in the split screen on the right side. New version looks to have eliminated that option. Can now only open book ribbons from main menu on left side. Too many moves on new version when using APP for live speech. ☹️

  13. Leonard

    Hello Cierra,
    Is it right that the app is not available in the Dutch Microsoft Store?
    Regards, Leonard

    • Cierra Loux

      Yes, that is true. So sorry Leonard. We are still waiting for permission to list our apps in the EU stores. We really want this fixed soon!

  14. Matt

    looks great, but when will people in Europe be able to get it? The GDPR issue still has us unable to update mobile apps and we cannot download this from the windows store

    • Matt

      Sorry, just saw the post above the one I just made and couldn’t work out how to remove mine.
      Can someone give an update on the blog some time about the status perhaps? Even just a rough suggestion as to when it may become available would be worth it.

      • Cierra Loux

        Hey, Matt! So sorry but we don’t have a way to give an estimate. Whenever our legal team gives us the OK is when we will list them. We’re trying to patiently wait. 🙂

        • Matt

          Thanks for the response. I appreciate what you are saying, but the lack of information for European customers is very frustrating and someone within your legal department must have a timeframe in mind. Whilst the details may not be known to you as of yet, it would be great if you could ask them to give an update.
          I just had to format my iPad, I now can no longer access the app on it and if this will be the case for another few months I may consider purchasing a different app. The lack of information makes that decision hard

    • Mark

      Yeh..I queried this with the support desk a few weeks back now. Very prompt in replying but merely repeating what Cierra wrote above. Don’t understand why it’s taking them so long as their competitors don’t appear to have had any problems.

      I did query whether Olive Tree were going to ditch their European market as it’s been nearly a year now but they assured me they wanted to remain ‘live’ over this side of the great watery divide. Otherwise, I’ll have to switch to e-sword or perhaps the more expensive Accordance or Logos where there are no availability problems.

      I hope their Mac version is getting equal amount of attention as well!

  16. Toni

    Not available in Windows Store for me in Germany.
    I’d like to be able to create custom collections, instead of only having “favorites”.

  17. ThM

    It is very disappointing that you didn’t mention in your Newsletter that the App is not available in Europe. It would have saved me some time if I had known this before trying to get the App!

    • SteveH

      I’m afraid this ‘launch’ feels quite disappointing for Europeans. I have wasted a lot of time trying to obtain the update until I had to come onto this thread to find it unavailable!
      I am sure it’ll be great when it comes – but a global email saying it is available when it is NOT available to all on your email list is very disappointing.
      It will be helpful if you send an email to your European users to let us know when it is available so we don’t have to waste more time having to keep checking the Wondows Store.

      • Mark Underhill

        Olive Tree are taking ages to sort out their GDPR compliance. Is this what is causing the unavailability of the new version on WIndows? Seems a shame as it is diverting many new users to other apps like Logos. Once on another system, people are unlikely to return to try Olive Tree I think. The Windows Store on my machine says ‘Bible by Olive Tree is currently not available’. No reason, no anticipated date. Please can someone give us a date for resolving this? I can’t think of any other software supplier that hasn’t sorted its GDPR status 10 months on from the implementation date last May. But maybe this isn’t the cause. I’d value some clarification.

        • MarkG

          Hi, Mark

          Yes, just noted to another poster that I picked this up some weeks ago. Olive tree support desk were very helpful but it’s out of their hands. I really don’t understand the delay seeing as their competitors have not had any problems. GDPR came into force in May last year and there was plenty of time to prep for it. Although Olive Tree deny it, I have suspicions they are not bothered about supplying the software in the EU otherwise they’d have been up and running by now. Shame really.

  18. Len

    The new Windows version was so easy to setup. I was concerned that I would have to download all my books individually but was pleasantly surprised that the new app downloaded them for me…all I had to do was wait for the sync to complete. I haven’t found the “Close Bible” button like the 6.0 app had for a controlled shutdown. Learning how to manage Notes now. I like the revisions made, looks good. Great work.

  19. terry fry

    The new version is great but I miss the ability to choose a update all button when it come to updating the books. Plus with a lot of Windows tablet now available it would be nice to have the parallel book mode be in top and bottom in portrait mode. It’s kind of hard to read the 2 different bibles in a skinny window. This feature is available in the IOS and android so I assume it can be put in the windows version.

  20. Richard Smith

    I was absolutely thrilled when I got the email about a new windows version of your program. Then the huge let down when I tried to download the program and found it is only for win 10. Nothing prior is supported. Are you aware almost 50 % of windows PCs still run win 7. My main computer is such and I have no plans to replace it anytime soon due to the efficiency I get from it. So once again I am left without options and suppose I will now certainly stop any future plans for added purchases, as I begin a search for a new platform and program to use for Bible study and lesson preparation.

    • Brian Daniels

      Same here, Richard. I have quite a few Windows PCs, having worked many years in the industry…all Windows 7. I upgraded a couple to 10 for less than a week before wiping and reinstalling 7. My main PC is ten years old this year, and still going strong. I will not upgrade to Windows 10. I made the leap to Logos last year, and now I’m glad I did. Their newest version runs Windows 7.

  21. Michael Morris

    Will the old version remain active with all my books after I setup the new version?

    • Cierra Loux

      Yes. But once you have the new app set up, you can uninstall the old one if you wish.

  22. Jacobus

    Still very disappointed that the European users are without any update untill now. Almost a year without news of a reappearance of the app in windows or ios.

  23. Brian Daniels

    I got pretty excited there for a moment.
    It appears this new version is only available to Windows 10 users. Why are you pushing your customers towards competing products that support previous Windows versions? Is Microsoft offering incentives to software developers (directly or indirectly) to assist in their push to force people away from previous Windows versions?

  24. Vincent Olaer

    FINALLY! I long to see this app to be available on Windows 10. Been using this app is Android and in IOS and is indeed my favorite Bible app. And now I can use it on Windows too. This is really awesome. The best thing is, it can be synchronized in cross operating system platforms. 🙂 THANK YOU Olive Tree!!!

  25. Vincent Olaer

    One suggestion though, can you make the window on Notes (when you click Add Note) movable? Often times, when you take notes you need to see the passage, but since it blocks the way one will have to close the add note first before checking the passage at the back. So it will be good if the window will be movable.

    • Cierra Loux

      Hey, Vincent! In the Study Center, the third tab over is for notes. If you create a note in the Bible text and it is in the way a bit, like you mentioned, you can open it in there and keep on editing. However, if you start by making a note there, I don’t think it will be tied to the verse. So just be aware of that!

  26. Herman de Waal

    It would be very helpful if you specifically mention that this update is only for Windows 10 devices…
    Some of us cannot afford a new PC just to get a new version of Windows to load your app.

  27. Pilgrim

    The last thing I want to trust to Microsoft is my Bible and study notes.
    It appears this will only be available through the “Windows store”.
    No one is able to second guess the future implications of that and for that reason I will be uninstalling this nice app and going back to my eSword program.
    Best wishes to Olive Tree!

  28. Gnat

    Hurrah! ? I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. Too late for my old Windows Phone unfortunately but it might make a Windows tablet viable!

    To those who are concerned that it won’t work on Windows 7, I understand your concern but unfortunately Windows 7 itself has less than one year of Extended Support (security patches only) from Microsoft left (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet), so it may be worth considering an upgrade.

  29. David Schopp

    Love the new Windows 10 app, perfect! Thanks!

  30. Stephen

    When can we expect to get this in Europe/the UK please?

  31. Paul McHenry

    Please advise as I am a bit shocked at not being able to download the Bible App. I have just purchased a new windows laptop so looking forward to getting down to some studying as I have previously PAID for resources. I am a UK user so why have you removed access, this is very poor customer service. I use the app on ipad and windows desktop but desperately need the app and my paid resources on my laptop. Please advise as soon as possible. Microsoft store is the worst store in the world cannot believe you went this route. I remember downloading an app store version ages ago quickly uninstalled as it was so poor in comparison to the Full Fat version you had for direct download. Please Please rectify this

    • Cierra Loux

      Hey, Paul! We hope to get the app back up in EU app stores soon. We’re doing everything we can! This new app is better than our older version, and brings the app on our Windows platform up to par with our app on Android and iOS. If you have other questions, you can contact support@olivetree.com. Thank you!

      • Matt

        Support are unable to advise any more clearly than “soon”, I contacted them a few days back. I was however informed by them just over two months ago now that there would be an announcement “soon” so I am not sure what that term actually means at this point.
        It is also concerning as to why the GDPR compliance is so compel and why there doesn’t seem to be a clear plan that can be communicated to users who have paid for resources and want to use them on the devices that they own

  32. MarkG

    Same as other comments re availability in the UK and Europe. Now nearly a year. Not convinced Olive Tree are serious about make this app available again over here. E-Sword, Accordance, Logos et al have had no problems so I really do not understand the problems. Many of us here knew about the GDPR regs well before they came into force and took steps to ensure our respective companies/organisations complied. Sorry to whinge, but like others, I have bought products in good faith for use on the old version (ie, pre GDPR) but I don’t see any commitment being returned from Olive Tree.

    • Matt

      What I find even more staggering is that they even allow us to pay using European currency for audio resources that we cannot even use!
      That is absolutely terrible customer service

      I am complaining a lot here not aimed at any one person, but it feels as a company that unless we show customer dissatisfaction then nothing will happen re even basic communication to their customer base other than one article buried on their support page

      • MarkG

        Quite agree, Matt. The fact that folk like us are complaining would hopefully send a message that there are European users aplenty who want to use their product. Unfortunately, Olive Tree really don’t seem that bothered. Unlike their competitors.

  33. Shozzer

    I am also very frustrated with the lack of ability to download the software in the UK, despite having received the ‘Don’t Miss Out on the New Windows App Update!’ email. I had not appreciated until I looked at all the comments above as to how long this issue has been taking to resolve. The Android app works well but a desktop version is really need for making notes.

    Whilst I appreciate the comments from some users about moving to other software, this is not a reasonable solution as over the years I have purchased a number of resources and I want to be able to use these all in one app – not spread across different apps.

    An update as to when we can expect to be able to download the app would be really appreciated as it will allay any fears the European users have that they have been abandoned.

    • Matt

      I understand what you mean about the investment you have already made. I am in a fortunate enough position to be able to afford to buy Accordance this last week for my ipad as I cannot use Olivetree on it, but this has cost me a decent whack to have BDAG, NA28 and a couple of others on it. In other words, I have had to pay close to over £150 to have bible software fit for purpose on my laptop, with some of the same resources as I have on Olivetree.
      Given that I use my ipad for teaching a small group Greek I can’t not these resources available for use

    • MarkG

      Yep, I have downloaded Accordance now as they had an offer on their basic package of $25. Sad thing is we want to use the Olive Tree app but despite mine and others emails and comments I see the service desk have stopped responding. No doubt they have nothing to add but the silence from senior executives is a bit telling at the moment.

  34. Roger Perkins

    Maybe a little off topic, but can anyone show me how to read my default Bible with split window open to relevant commentary I have in my library simultaneously (i.e., synced and scrolling along together) on iPad Pro? Perhaps a link?

    And, I keep seeing something online about Olive Tree Forums—but cannot seem to locate any forums (such as I have with Logos)?

    • Cierra Loux

      Hey, Roger! We’ve been making some changes lately to the way things sync and scroll in the app. If you want something to sync and scroll together, open one resource in the main window and another in the Parallel tab of the Study Center.

      Back in the day, we had Olive Tree Forums. We no longer have them, as they were hard to moderate. However, there is a Facebook group that some Olive Tree users started on their own that you could join if you’re on Facebook.

  35. Nathan

    I noticed that there is a pencil icon above the highlighter and eraser. Is this for a drawing function? It appears I can circle words and draw arrows etc, but as soon as I do the screen freezes. Is this supposed to happen?

    • Cierra Loux

      Hey, Nathan! I’ve asked our Windows developer and here is his answer: “The pencil is meant for handwritten notes in the margin, which we convert to text (We don’t save the handwriting). The freezing is mostly likely from us blocking additional interaction with the text view until you’re done with the note.” If you have more questions, please email support@olivetree.com. 🙂 They have all the information on our Windows app.

  36. Roger Parrow

    Still getting an error every time I try to install 🙂

  37. Reggie Norman

    Do you all have plans on being able to have the program being able to run from a flash drive or portable hard drive? There are times when I’m not at my own computer, but using another, and it would be nice to be able to use the program even if its not my computer. Any thoughts on this?

    • Cierra Loux

      Hey, Reggie! If you’re using another device, you can download the app to it from our website or the device’s app store, then log into your account. You might have to initially download your resources to that device, but you can still access them as usual after that. You are allowed to keep your Olive Tree account on up to 5 devices.

  38. Reggie Norman

    Cierra, this is a work computer, where I can’t install anything. I can use apps from a flash drive, but I can’t install. I have another program that I have installed on a flash drive that I can use at work, but it doesn’t have the library of titles I’ve purchased over the years. That’s why I’m asking if you all had a similar option. Thanks

    • Terna Barnabas

      Please where can I get the latest version for olive tree bible for pc windows. I heard there is a version 7 but am not seeing it. Thank you

  39. Jacob Delich

    Thank you for the fresh update… so far it looks easier and smoother to navigate. 🙂 I removed the Bible Study 6 version from my Windows laptop, but do I need to go to some location in Windows Explorer to remove the previously downloaded books from my hard drive or did that happen automatically when I removed the older OliveTree software? …I don’t want 2 copies of all my purchased books taking up precious space on my laptop’s hard drive.
    Appreciate any clarification that you can give on where to find those old books to delete…
    Thanks.

    • Cierra Loux

      Hey, Jacob! I’m pretty sure that if you successfully uninstalled the old app, all the data (including the books) should be removed from your computer. If you are seeing something that makes you feel unsure this is the case, please reach out to our support team by emailing support@olivetree.com. They would love to help you with this!

      • Jacob Delich

        okay, thanks for your prompt response!