Garmin Map Update 2026.10

Maybe I'm misremembering.

Was there a time where we could reduce the map size in Garmin express such that the map fit entirely in internal storage?

You could use MapInstall and select map segments if you only planned to use the device in a certain region. You also used to be given the option of installing only a chosen region, for example "Border States and Canada" if you didn't want to load the full map. But you could never shrink the map to fit.

Thank you.

So, the only option that Garmin express offers is a full map install while relying on external microSD storage. Did they offer the option to select regions in previous Garmin Express versions?

From your User account, you don't have one of the models that normally benefit from the manual addition of them to a Garmin device with each map update.

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/45292

Thanks for letting us know about the update.

I recall being offered selected regions, but since I wanted the full map I dropped in a MicroSD and called it a day. To do that however, I believe Garmin would push the regional map image to the device instead of the full image. Based upon file lists of less than legal map downloads I have seen Garmin stopped doing this some time ago. Thus you have the current status quo: one map download, requiring a MicroSD card if your internal storage is insufficient.

Thank you for the Heads up!

hello

I had no idea that the large JCV files were only relevant on certain units.
I had thought they could be beneficial on all of them. MY wife has been using a 3590 and I usually load the large JCV file on hers. SO far... so good.
Thanks again for the info.

Thank you both for the info. Much appreciated

No issues!

Now I need to collect my 3597s and seee how they work.

Zounds! I'm surprised. Guess I need to update the two ancient nüvi 760 devices. Still chugging along. The only thing wrong (with both of them!) is that I can only get the right channel of audio when I plug them into the truck audio system. I used to get sound from both left and right speakers but, alas, no more.

Thanks for the heads up. I'm sure my wife will plan a multi-week cross country camping trip for sometime this summer.

Sorry, I meant to check for remaining storage size (vs updates).

Gotcha, for that I just hook up to a PC and check the "properties" of the Garmin.

Will update soon.

Unexpected, but great! Thanks.

Ah ok. I couldn't recall if there was an "About" page on the unit itself to display it. Yeah, I guess I can hookup to the PC and check it that way. I was way more on top of it years ago when I used it all the time. Now it's just once in awhile when I travel since my main unit is in the dash. -Thanks

Updated both units. The old nüvi 760s keep on chugging along. Thanks for the heads up about the new maps.

This map update snuck up on me. Downloading now.

My old 1490T updated like a champ. As tech goes it's been a marvel. Replaced the battery in it once, but almost always use it plugged in. I put a SD card in years ago and couldn't remember exactly how big it was, but apparently big enough.

Updated my DS55 using GE, all to internal memory (have SD card in it but not needed for the update), no issues. May do the Nuvi 760 later, but only keep it for emergency backup at this point. Screen display refreshes on it when a route is active are too slow to really be useful for navigating.

My 3550LM is like this. Too slow on the refresh rate, but still useful. It however doesn't see any serious use, not when I have my DS76 and its backup, a DS65.

Thank you for the alert!

I'm downloading it now.

I saw HarryAR someone provided a link to the large JVC file(s) for this version too. Thanks for that !

I forgot why are there are TWO Large JCV Files? ALso can't remember if I use/need both of them?

As mentioned in an earlier post of mine, I have been loading/using the Large JCV files on a 3590 without any problems.

I'll have to do some research/reading about that. I see Strephen posted some info on that subject.

Thanks again.....

Garmin split the JCV files into one for the US, the other for Canada & Mexico. So if you have all of North America - everyone does as of 2025.20 - you need both files. As to the large JCV files working on your device it seems I've forgotten that for some devices with split-screen views the full-screen file DOES work. There's little actual need to replace the files as the same views are in both files.

Thanks

Updated. Probably late to the party but I got there.

Garmin can only use FAT32 format.
The largest card that can be formatted FAT32 is 32GB.
Therefore, the largest card you can put into a (modern) Garmin is 32GB.
Some older Garmins were specified at 8GB. That was only because when they were introduced the largest card was only 8GB. Because they used FAT32 they would actually take a 32GB card when it was available, but the spec never changed. So if you asked, you were told 8GB was the largest.
That happens with a lot of devices.

Used Express to update to 2026.10 but it only installs Canada and Mexico
What am I doing wrong?

The first statement appears to be true, though I have not yet tried formatting a large card in exFAT to see if my DriveSmart 76 can see it. The second statement is absolutely false. While third party software like SDFormatter may be needed to perform the task, formatting large cards as FAT32 is possible. MacOS can do it natively.

For clarity's sake I've condensed Garmin's current help page on MicroSD card sizes into something a bit easier to digest. I do not touch upon the ancient Streetpilots as they cannot use cards larger than 4GB at all.

The Drive 53, DriveSmart 66/76/86, Overlander, and all Tread models can accept a MicroSD card up to 256GB in size. The DriveCam 76's two slots each can accept an MicroSD card up to 512GB in size.

All other devices in the Drive series (Drive, DriveSmart, DriveAssist, DriveLuxe, DriveTrack) are limited to 32GB cards.

All nüvi devices except the 295, 850 series, 880 series, and the 5000 can use 32GB cards. The previously mentioned devices are limited to 8GB. While the nüvi 350, 360, and 370 series as well as the nüvi 650, 660, and 670 series can use 32GB cards they cannot read files larger than 2GB in size due to FAT16 limitations.

The nüviCam's camera card slot can accept up to a 64GB MicroSD card. The map card slot is limited to a maximum card size of 32GB.

Thanks for the information

Thanks for the update. I am logging in after some time as I was out of country.

Could you please upload the maps my garmin 2699 not detected by garmin express,I would highly appreciate your help!
Thank you!

There's no chance in hell of that happening.

good, updated

I'm wondering why the recent version 2026.10 that was released almost two months ago isn't on the list of releases on the home page.

than not at all. Updated Garmin Express then did 2455LMT and 2555LMT. No issues, smooth update installation and took about 30 mins per unit. Also updated the POI files we use. Ready for the trip next week!

for the heads up

Thanks

Downloaded and installed with no issues. Thank you

with Wifi

Gary Indiana?
Grew up near 45th & Broadway!

I've been reading up on old Garmin policies, and it says that you'd get 4 updates/yr, but for the 2025 year we only got up to 2025.20, and then 2026.10, does this mean there are only 2 updates/yr now?

A Garmin site now says “ Garmin Express™ is computer software used to download and install the latest version of maps and software to your device. Map Updates are released at least once per year.”

I didn't know that haha, mostly just been wondering when they'd change it and why they'd change it as they use a 3rd party map supplier (here, right?) and don't take up the task of updating the map themselves, so wouldn't it be fairly easy to pull the data from them and compile a map more often? I dunno, I'm happy they're still updating the maps with how few people are buying GPSes nowadays!
Edit: found a link for reference, says "up to 4" per year, looks like I misinterpreted it lol https://menga.net/garmin-discontinuing-map-updates-for-older...

I have not been here for a while and I can see I missed out on something major! Great news.

Thanks

How to download Garmin Map Update 2026.10?

I prefer to use Garmin Express. With Garmin Express installed on a computer, connect your GPS to the computer with its data cable. When Garmin Express recognizes the GPS just following the options on the screen to install the update.

Depending on the model GPS you have, you might be able to install the update using the GPS Updates settings with the GPS using a wifi connection.

Adding to “old geezer” you can get an appropriate version of Garmin Express at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/software/express/windows/