Annotation

  • What's New in Calibre 9.3
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Conclusion
  • Frequently Asked Questions
TheToolpicker
AuthorTheToolpicker Team
Publish date22 February 2026, 16:02

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Tech News2 min read

Calibre 9.3 Improves Windows Installer and KEPUB Conversion

Calibre 9.3 refines the Windows installer to prevent conflicts and fixes KEPUB cover aspect ratios for Kobo devices. This maintenance update also resolves bugs and improves overall software stability.

Calibre 9.3 Improves Windows Installer and KEPUB Conversion

Calibre, the popular open-source ebook management software, has rolled out version 9.3. This update delivers targeted refinements to its Windows installer and KEPUB conversion, alongside several key bug fixes.

What's New in Calibre 9.3

This release focuses on improving stability and user experience. It builds upon the foundation of previous versions with practical, user-focused enhancements.

Smarter Windows Installation

The Windows installer is now more intelligent. It can detect if Calibre is already running during setup.

If the application is open, users are prompted to close it before proceeding. This prevents potential file conflicts and ensures a smoother, more reliable installation process.

Refined KEPUB Conversion

For Kobo e-reader users, the KEPUB conversion process has been refined. Version 9.3 now preserves the original aspect ratio of cover images during conversion.

This fixes a minor visual issue where book covers could appear stretched or squashed on the device's library screen.

Interface and Bug Fixes

A usability quirk in the Preferences menu has been resolved. Users no longer need to click "Apply" twice for certain settings to take effect.

The update also addresses several bugs. These include issues with file output in specific scenarios, problems with metadata download plugins, and compatibility fixes for various e-reader drivers across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

The update makes the Windows installation process more robust by preventing conflicts. Kobo users benefit from correctly proportioned book covers after conversion.

Fixing the double-apply quirk in Preferences improves the overall configuration experience. The bundled bug fixes enhance stability for library management, conversion, and device syncing.

As always, Calibre remains completely free and open-source. Users can update directly through the application's built-in updater.

Disadvantages

This is an incremental update, so it doesn't introduce major new features or a significant interface overhaul. Users expecting groundbreaking changes might be disappointed.

The fixes, while important, are largely for edge cases and specific workflows. The core functionality of the software remains unchanged from the previous version.

Conclusion

Calibre 9.3 is a solid maintenance release that polishes existing features. It demonstrates the project's ongoing commitment to refining its core tools for managing digital book collections.

The improvements to the installer and KEPUB conversion directly address user-reported issues. For more on essential software for book lovers, explore our guides on ebook tools and file conversion software.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main improvement in Calibre 9.3?
The main improvements are a smarter Windows installer that prevents running app conflicts and a fix for KEPUB cover image aspect ratios during conversion for Kobo devices.
How do I update to Calibre 9.3?
You can update directly through the built-in updater within the Calibre application or download the new version from the official Calibre website.
Does Calibre 9.3 add any major new features?
No, Calibre 9.3 is primarily a maintenance and bug-fix release. It focuses on refining existing functionality rather than introducing major new features.
Is Calibre still free?
Yes, Calibre remains completely free and open-source software.
What was fixed in the Preferences menu?
The update removed the need to click the "Apply" button twice for certain settings changes to take effect, streamlining the configuration process.