How to update SharePoint feature?

Question

I've created and installed a custom Document Library as a feature to SharePoint (WSS3) installation. The installation and activation went fine and the feature is operational.

However, now I need to change the feature schema.xml file but I can't find a way to update the changes to SharePoint. I guess it's done via the stsadm.exe tool but can't find documentation on how to actually perform the update. Is there a simple to command to update the feature with FeatureId or name? Or do I need to deactivate and uninstall it before readding it to the site?

Thanks.

Answer 1

You need to deactivate the feature, install an updated version, and then activate it again.

Answer 2

Following is relevant to 2010/2013.

Increment the feature version in your feature manifest (found in visual studio) then use PowerShell and run the following.

Update-SPSolution -Identity "My Awesome WebParts v1.wsp" -LiteralPath "C://My Awesome WebParts v2.wsp"