diff --git a/.github/release-body.md.template b/.github/release-body.md.template
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e0a351603
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/release-body.md.template
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+<!-- HEADER -->
+> [!WARN]
+> 🚧 DO NOT EDIT 🚧
+>
+> The [builds are still running](https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator/actions/workflows/create-release.yml).
+> This banner will be replaced after the builds are finished.
+<!-- /HEADER -->
+
+<!--REPLACE with auto-generated release notes (see below)
+### What's New 🎉
+### Bugfixes 🐛
+### Other Changes 📎
+END REPLACE-->
+
+For a comprehensive view of changes, read the [CHANGELOG](https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator/blob/$VERSION/CHANGELOG.md).
+
+---
+
+💾 SHA-256 checksums of release artifacts:
+```
+$TARBALL
+$EXE
+$MSI
+$DMG_x64
+$DMG_arm64
+$APPIMAGE_x86_64
+$APPIMAGE_aarch64
+```
+
+> [!TIP]
+> You can verify the GPG signature of all assets using our public key: [`5811 7AFA 1F85 B3EE C154  677D 615D 449F E6E6 A235`](https://gist.github.com/cryptobot/211111cf092037490275f39d408f461a).
+
+<!-- Auto-Generated Release Notes: -->
+
diff --git a/.github/workflows/RELEASE.md b/.github/workflows/RELEASE.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..eabf157bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/RELEASE.md
@@ -0,0 +1,189 @@
+# Cryptomator Release Workflow
+
+This document describes the automated release pipeline defined in [`draft-release.yml`](draft-release.yml) and [`post-publish.yml`](post-publish.yml).
+
+## Overview
+
+The release process has two phases:
+
+1. **Draft phase** (`draft-release.yml`) -- triggered by pushing a signed git tag. Compiles, tests, builds platform installers, and creates a **draft** GitHub Release.
+2. **Post-publish phase** (`post-publish.yml`) -- triggered when the draft release is manually **published**. Submits Windows installers for AV whitelisting, notifies the team for DEB build and latest-version update, and triggers downstream updates (website, docs, winget).
+
+```mermaid
+---
+config:
+  htmlLabels: false
+---
+flowchart TD
+    %% ── Trigger ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+    push_tag([🏷 Signed tag pushed])
+
+    %% ── Draft phase ──────────────────────────────────────────
+    push_tag --> get-version
+
+    subgraph draft["draft-release.yml"]
+        get-version["get-version
+        *parse semver from tag*"]
+
+        get-version --> create-release-draft
+        create-release-draft["create-release-draft
+        *compile & test (Linux)
+        create draft release
+        sign source tarball*"]
+
+        create-release-draft --> build-exe-and-msi
+        create-release-draft --> build-dmg-arm64
+        create-release-draft --> build-dmg-x64
+        create-release-draft --> build-appimages
+
+        build-exe-and-msi["build-exe-and-msi
+        *calls win-exe.yml
+        MSI + EXE (x64)
+        code-signed & GPG-signed*"]
+        build-dmg-arm64["build-dmg-arm64
+        *calls mac-dmg.yml
+        DMG (arm64)
+        notarized & GPG-signed*"]
+        build-dmg-x64["build-dmg-x64
+        *calls mac-dmg-x64.yml
+        DMG (x64)
+        notarized & GPG-signed*"]
+        build-appimages["build-appimages
+        *calls appimage.yml
+        AppImage (x86_64 + aarch64)
+        GPG-signed*"]
+
+        build-exe-and-msi --> update-sha256sums
+        build-dmg-arm64 --> update-sha256sums
+        build-dmg-x64 --> update-sha256sums
+        build-appimages --> update-sha256sums
+
+        update-sha256sums["update-sha256sums
+        *compute checksums
+        update release body*"]
+    end
+
+    update-sha256sums --> manual_review
+
+    %% ── Manual gate ──────────────────────────────────────────
+    manual_review{{Manual review
+    & publish}}
+
+    %% ── Post-publish phase ───────────────────────────────────
+    manual_review --> published([📢 Release published])
+    published --> post-publish
+
+    subgraph post-publish["post-publish.yml"]
+        direction TB
+
+        check-release["check-release
+        *classify release tag
+        stable, alpha, beta, rc, unknown*"]
+        notify["notify
+        *Slack notifications
+        deb build & version check*"]
+        get-asset-urls["get-asset-urls
+        *extract MSI & EXE
+        download URLs*"]
+
+        check-release --> notify-winget
+        check-release --> trigger-website
+        check-release --> trigger-docs
+
+        get-asset-urls --> allowlist-msi
+        allowlist-msi --> allowlist-exe
+
+        allowlist-msi["allowlist-msi-x64
+        *av-whitelist.yml
+        Kaspersky & Avast*"]
+        allowlist-exe["allowlist-exe-x64
+        *av-whitelist.yml
+        Kaspersky & Avast*"]
+
+        notify-winget["notify-winget
+        *Slack: ready for winget
+        stable only*"]
+        trigger-website["trigger-website-update
+        *dispatch to
+        cryptomator.github.io
+        stable only*"]
+        trigger-docs["trigger-docs-update
+        *dispatch to
+        cryptomator/docs
+        stable only, Windows*"]
+    end
+```
+
+## Phase 1: Draft Release (`draft-release.yml`)
+
+**Trigger:** push of any tag (`*`)
+
+### Jobs
+
+| Job | Runs on | Description |
+|-----|---------|-------------|
+| **get-version** | ubuntu | Parses the tag into semver components (`semVerNum`, `semVerSuffix`, `revNum`, `versionType`). The release is aborted if not an alpha, beta, rc or 'stable' release. |
+| **create-release-draft** | ubuntu | Checks out the repo, verifies the tag is **signed** and lives on a `main` or `release/*` branch. Runs `mvn verify` (with `xvfb-run`). Creates a GitHub Release **draft** using the [release body template](../release-body.md.template). Downloads and GPG-signs the source tarball. |
+| **build-exe-and-msi** | windows | Calls [`win-exe.yml`](win-exe.yml). Builds the MSI and EXE bundle installer for x64 Windows. Code-signed via Azure Trusted Signing, GPG-signed, and uploaded to the draft release. Outputs SHA-256 checksums. |
+| **build-dmg-arm64** | macos-15 | Calls [`mac-dmg.yml`](mac-dmg.yml). Builds the DMG for Apple Silicon. Code-signed, notarized with Apple, GPG-signed, and uploaded. Outputs SHA-256 checksum. |
+| **build-dmg-x64** | macos-15-large | Calls [`mac-dmg-x64.yml`](mac-dmg-x64.yml). Same as above but for Intel Macs. Uses macFUSE instead of FUSE-T. |
+| **build-appimages** | ubuntu | Calls [`appimage.yml`](appimage.yml). Builds AppImages for x86_64 and aarch64 (matrix). GPG-signed and uploaded with `.zsync` delta-update files. Outputs SHA-256 checksums. |
+| **update-sha256sums** | ubuntu | Runs after all builds complete. Computes the source tarball checksum, collects all artifact checksums, and updates the draft release body via `envsubst`. Replaces the "builds still running" banner with a success notice. |
+
+### Release Artifacts
+
+After the draft phase, the GitHub Release contains:
+
+| Artifact | Platform |
+|----------|----------|
+| `cryptomator-<ver>.tar.gz.asc` | Source (GPG signature) |
+| `Cryptomator-<ver>-x64.msi` + `.asc` | Windows |
+| `Cryptomator-<ver>-x64.exe` + `.asc` | Windows |
+| `Cryptomator-<ver>-arm64.dmg` + `.asc` | macOS (Apple Silicon) |
+| `Cryptomator-<ver>-x64.dmg` + `.asc` | macOS (Intel) |
+| `cryptomator-<ver>-x86_64.AppImage` + `.zsync` + `.asc` | Linux (x86_64) |
+| `cryptomator-<ver>-aarch64.AppImage` + `.zsync` + `.asc` | Linux (aarch64) |
+
+All artifacts are signed with GPG key [`615D449FE6E6A235`](https://gist.github.com/cryptobot/211111cf092037490275f39d408f461a).
+
+## Manual Review Gate
+
+After the draft phase completes, a maintainer reviews the draft release on GitHub. This is the point to:
+
+- Verify all artifacts are present and checksums look correct.
+- Edit the auto-generated release notes (What's New, Bugfixes, Other Changes).
+- **Publish** the release when ready, which triggers phase 2.
+
+## Phase 2: Post-Publish (`post-publish.yml`)
+
+**Trigger:** `release: [published]`
+
+### Jobs
+
+| Job | Condition | Description |
+|-----|-----------|-------------|
+| **notify** | always | Sends Slack notifications to `#cryptomator-desktop`: ready to build `.deb` package, and reminder to update `latest-version.json` on S3. |
+| **get-asset-urls** | always | Extracts MSI and EXE download URLs from the release assets. |
+| **check-release** | always | Classifies the published release tag as `stable`, `alpha`, `beta`, `rc`, or `unknown`. Stable-only follow-up jobs depend on this output. Unlike `get-version.yml` workflow, this job does not perform semver validation. |
+| **allowlist-msi-x64** | Windows release | Calls [`av-whitelist.yml`](av-whitelist.yml). Uploads the MSI to Kaspersky and Avast for whitelisting. |
+| **allowlist-exe-x64** | Windows release | Same as above for the EXE. Runs sequentially after MSI. |
+| **notify-winget** | stable + Windows | Sends a Slack notification that the release is ready for [winget submission](winget.yml). |
+| **trigger-website-update** | stable | Dispatches `desktop-release` event to `cryptomator/cryptomator.github.io`. |
+| **trigger-docs-update** | stable + Windows | Dispatches `desktop-release` event to `cryptomator/docs`. |
+
+### Manual Follow-ups
+
+These steps are triggered by team members after Slack notifications:
+
+- **Debian package** -- Run the [`debian.yml`](debian.yml) workflow to build `.deb` and optionally upload to the PPA.
+- **winget** -- Run the [`winget.yml`](winget.yml) workflow to submit to the Windows Package Manager.
+- **latest-version.json** -- Update the version-check file on S3 (`static.cryptomator.org/desktop/latest-version.json`).
+
+## Signing & Security
+
+- **Git tag** must be SSH-signed and reside on `main` or `release/*`.
+- **Windows** installers are code-signed using Azure Trusted Signing.
+- **macOS** DMGs are code-signed with an Apple Developer certificate and notarized via `notarytool`.
+- **All artifacts** receive a detached GPG signature (`.asc`) using key `615D449FE6E6A235`.
+- **AV whitelisting** is submitted to Kaspersky and Avast after publish (Windows installers only).
+- The draft release is created using `CRYPTOBOT_RELEASE_TOKEN`, not `GITHUB_TOKEN`, to ensure proper permissions and trigger downstream workflows.
diff --git a/.github/workflows/appimage.yml b/.github/workflows/appimage.yml
index 3c02313f3..1c209c301 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/appimage.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/appimage.yml
@@ -1,19 +1,41 @@
 name: Build AppImage
 
 on:
-  release:
-    types: [published]
   schedule:
     - cron: '0 23 20 * *'
+  workflow_call:
+    inputs:
+      semVerNum:
+        type: string
+        description: 'The Major.Minor.Patch part of the version'
+        required: true
+      revisionNum:
+        type: string
+        description: 'The revision number'
+        required: true
+      semVerSuffix:
+        type: string
+        description: 'The suffix of the version, including dash'
+        required: true
+    outputs:
+      sha256-appimage-x64:
+        description: "SHA256 sum of the x64 appimage"
+        value: ${{ jobs.collect-sha256sums.outputs.x64-sha256sum}}
+      sha256-appimage-aarch64:
+        description: "SHA256 sum of the aarch64 appimage"
+        value: ${{ jobs.collect-sha256sums.outputs.aarch64-sha256sum}}
   workflow_dispatch:
     inputs:
-      version:
-        description: 'Version'
+      semVerNum:
+        description: 'The Major.Minor.Patch part of the version'
         required: false
-      create-pr:
-        description: 'Create a PR for aur-bin repo'
-        type: boolean
-        default: false
+      revisionNum:
+        description: 'The revision number'
+        required: false
+      semVerSuffix:
+        description: 'The suffix of the version, including dash'
+        required: false
+        default: '-SNAPSHOT'
   push:
     branches-ignore:
       - 'dependabot/**'
@@ -26,21 +48,15 @@ on:
 env:
   JAVA_DIST: 'temurin'
   JAVA_VERSION: '25.0.2+10.0.LTS'
+  VERSION_NUM: ${{ inputs.semVerNum || '99.99.99'}}
+  REVISION_NUM: ${{ inputs.revisionNum || '0' }}
+  VERSION_SUFFIX: ${{ inputs.semVerSuffix || ''}}
+
 
 jobs:
-  get-version:
-    uses: ./.github/workflows/get-version.yml
-    with:
-      version: ${{ inputs.version }} #okay if not defined
-
   build:
     name: Build AppImage
     runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
-    needs: [get-version]
-    env:
-      SEMVER_STR: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}
-      SEMVER_NUM: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum }}
-      REV_NUM: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.revNum }}
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false
       matrix:
@@ -85,7 +101,7 @@ jobs:
             exit 1
           fi
       - name: Set version
-        run : mvn versions:set -DnewVersion="$SEMVER_STR"
+        run : mvn versions:set -DnewVersion="${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}"
       - name: Run maven
         run: mvn -B clean package -Plinux -DskipTests
       - name: Patch target dir
@@ -128,12 +144,12 @@ jobs:
           --name Cryptomator
           --vendor "Skymatic GmbH"
           --copyright "(C) 2016 - 2026 Skymatic GmbH"
-          --app-version "${SEMVER_NUM}.${REV_NUM}"
+          --app-version "${VERSION_NUM}.${REVISION_NUM}"
           --java-options "--enable-preview"
           --java-options "--enable-native-access=javafx.graphics,org.cryptomator.jfuse.linux.amd64,org.cryptomator.jfuse.linux.aarch64,org.purejava.appindicator"
           --java-options "-Xss5m"
           --java-options "-Xmx256m"
-          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.appVersion=\"${SEMVER_STR}\""
+          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.appVersion=\"${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}\""
           --java-options "-Dfile.encoding=\"utf-8\""
           --java-options "-Djava.net.useSystemProxies=true"
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.adminConfigPath=\"/etc/cryptomator/config.properties\""
@@ -144,7 +160,7 @@ jobs:
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.mountPointsDir=\"@{userhome}/.local/share/Cryptomator/mnt\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.showTrayIcon=true"
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.integrationsLinux.trayIconsDir=\"@{appdir}/usr/share/icons/hicolor/symbolic/apps\""
-          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.buildNumber=\"appimage-${REV_NUM}\""
+          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.buildNumber=\"appimage-${REVISION_NUM}\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.networking.truststore.p12Path=\"/etc/cryptomator/certs.p12\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.hub.enableTrustOnFirstUse=true"
           --java-options "-XX:ErrorFile=/cryptomator/cryptomator_crash.log"
@@ -183,7 +199,7 @@ jobs:
           GPG_PASSPHRASE: ${{ secrets.RELEASES_GPG_PASSPHRASE }}
       - name: Build AppImage
         run: >
-          ./squashfs-root/AppRun Cryptomator.AppDir cryptomator-${SEMVER_STR}-${{ matrix.arch }}.AppImage
+          ./squashfs-root/AppRun Cryptomator.AppDir cryptomator-${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}-${{ matrix.arch }}.AppImage
           -u "gh-releases-zsync|cryptomator|cryptomator|latest|cryptomator-*-${{ matrix.arch }}.AppImage.zsync"
           --sign --sign-key=615D449FE6E6A235
       - name: Create detached GPG signatures
@@ -200,9 +216,10 @@ jobs:
             cryptomator-*.asc
           if-no-files-found: error
       - name: Publish AppImage on GitHub Releases
-        if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/') && github.event.action == 'published'
+        if: github.event_name == 'workflow_call'
         uses: softprops/action-gh-release@153bb8e04406b158c6c84fc1615b65b24149a1fe # v2.6.1
         with:
+          draft: true
           fail_on_unmatched_files: true
           token: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_RELEASE_TOKEN }}
           files: |
@@ -210,79 +227,24 @@ jobs:
             cryptomator-*.zsync
             cryptomator-*.asc
 
-  create-aur-bin-pr:
-    name: Create PR for aur-bin repo
-    if:  github.event_name == 'workflow_dispatch' && inputs.create-pr || github.event_name == 'release' && needs.get-version.outputs.versionType == 'stable'
+  collect-sha256sums:
+    name: Collect AppImage checksums
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    needs: [build, get-version]
-    container:
-      image: archlinux:base-devel
-    env:
-      SEMVER_STR: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}
-      PKGDEST: ${{ github.workspace }}/pkgdest
-      SRCDEST: ${{ github.workspace }}/srcdest
+    needs: [build]
+    if: github.event_name == 'workflow_call'
+    outputs:
+      x64-sha256sum: ${{ steps.sha256sum.outputs.x64-sha256sum }}
+      aarch64-sha256sum: ${{ steps.sha256sum.outputs.aarch64-sha256sum }}
     steps:
-      - name: Prepare pacman
-        run: |
-          pacman-key --init
-          pacman-key --populate archlinux
-          pacman -Syu --noconfirm --needed git base-devel sudo gnupg maven unzip github-cli curl pacman-contrib
-      - name: Checkout cryptomator/aur-bin
-        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
+      - name: Download AppImage artifacts
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@70fc10c6e5e1ce46ad2ea6f2b72d43f7d47b13c3 # v8.0.0
         with:
-          repository: 'cryptomator/aur-bin'
-          token: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_PR_TOKEN }}
-      - name: Create build user
+          pattern: appimage-*
+          path: appimage-artifacts
+      - name: Compute SHA256 sums
+        id: sha256sum
         run: |
-          useradd -m builder
-          echo 'builder ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL' >> /etc/sudoers.d/builder
-          chown -R builder:builder "$GITHUB_WORKSPACE"
-          install -d -m 0755 -o builder -g builder "$PKGDEST" "$SRCDEST"
-      - name: Import Cryptomator release signing key
-        # try first ubuntu. on failure try openpgp keyservers
-        run: >
-          sudo -u builder gpg --batch --keyserver hkps://keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 58117AFA1F85B3EEC154677D615D449FE6E6A235
-          || sudo -u builder gpg --batch --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys 58117AFA1F85B3EEC154677D615D449FE6E6A235
-      - name: Checkout release branch
-        run: |
-          git config --global safe.directory '*'
-          git checkout -b "release/${SEMVER_STR}"
-      - name: Update build file
-        run: |
-          sed -i -e "s|^pkgver=.*$|pkgver=${SEMVER_STR}|" PKGBUILD
-          sed -i -e 's|^pkgrel=.*$|pkgrel=1|' PKGBUILD
-          sudo -u builder updpkgsums
-          sudo -u builder makepkg --printsrcinfo > .SRCINFO
-      - name: Build package with makepkg
-        run: >
-          sudo -u builder
-          env PKGDEST="$PKGDEST" SRCDEST="$SRCDEST"
-          makepkg --syncdeps --cleanbuild --noconfirm --log
-      - name: Commit and push
-        run: |
-          git config user.name "cryptobot"
-          git config user.email "cryptobot@users.noreply.github.com"
-          git config push.autoSetupRemote true
-          git stage PKGBUILD .SRCINFO
-          git commit -m "Prepare release ${SEMVER_STR}"
-          git push
-      - name: Create pull request
-        id: create-pr
-        run: |
-          printf "Created by $GITHUB_SERVER_URL/$GITHUB_REPOSITORY/actions/runs/$GITHUB_RUN_ID" > pr_body.md
-          PR_URL=$(gh pr create --title "Release ${SEMVER_STR}" --body-file pr_body.md)
-          echo "url=$PR_URL" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
-        env:
-          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_PR_TOKEN }}
-      - name: Slack Notification
-        uses: rtCamp/action-slack-notify@e31e87e03dd19038e411e38ae27cbad084a90661 # v2.3.3
-        env:
-          SLACK_WEBHOOK: ${{ secrets.SLACK_WEBHOOK_CRYPTOMATOR_DESKTOP }}
-          SLACK_USERNAME: 'Cryptobot'
-          SLACK_ICON: false
-          SLACK_ICON_EMOJI: ':bot:'
-          SLACK_CHANNEL: 'cryptomator-desktop'
-          SLACK_TITLE: "AUR-bin release PR for ${{ github.event.repository.name }} ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }} created."
-          SLACK_MESSAGE: "See <${{ steps.create-pr.outputs.url }}|PR> on how to proceed."
-          SLACK_FOOTER: false
-          MSG_MINIMAL: true
+          read -ra X64_SUM < <(sha256sum appimage-artifacts/appimage-x86_64/cryptomator-*-x86_64.AppImage)
+          read -ra AARCH64_SUM < <(sha256sum appimage-artifacts/appimage-aarch64/cryptomator-*-aarch64.AppImage)
+          echo "x64-sha256sum=${X64_SUM[0]}" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+          echo "aarch64-sha256sum=${AARCH64_SUM[0]}" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/aur-bin.yml b/.github/workflows/aur-bin.yml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..36865aa26
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/aur-bin.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,115 @@
+name: PR for aur-bin repo
+
+on:
+  release:
+    types: [published]
+  workflow_dispatch:
+    inputs:
+      src-tag:
+        description: 'Source or Release tag'
+        required: false
+
+jobs:
+  get-version:
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/get-version.yml
+    with:
+      version: ${{ inputs.src-tag }}
+
+  create-aur-bin-pr:
+    name: Create PR for aur-bin repo
+    if: (github.event_name == 'workflow_dispatch') || (github.event_name == 'release' && needs.get-version.outputs.versionType == 'stable')
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    needs: [get-version]
+    container:
+      image: archlinux:base-devel
+    env:
+      SEMVER_STR: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}
+      PKGDEST: ${{ github.workspace }}/pkgdest
+      SRCDEST: ${{ github.workspace }}/srcdest
+    steps:
+      - name: Prepare pacman
+        run: |
+          pacman-key --init
+          pacman-key --populate archlinux
+          pacman -Syu --noconfirm --needed git base-devel sudo gnupg maven unzip github-cli curl pacman-contrib
+      - name: Checkout cryptomator/aur-bin
+        uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
+        with:
+          repository: 'cryptomator/aur-bin'
+          token: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_PR_TOKEN }}
+      - name: Create build user
+        run: |
+          useradd -m builder
+          echo 'builder ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL' >> /etc/sudoers.d/builder
+          chown -R builder:builder "$GITHUB_WORKSPACE"
+          install -d -m 0755 -o builder -g builder "$PKGDEST" "$SRCDEST"
+      - name: Import Cryptomator release signing key
+        # try first ubuntu. on failure try openpgp keyservers
+        run: >
+          sudo -u builder gpg --batch --keyserver hkps://keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 58117AFA1F85B3EEC154677D615D449FE6E6A235
+          || sudo -u builder gpg --batch --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys 58117AFA1F85B3EEC154677D615D449FE6E6A235
+      - name: Checkout release branch
+        run: |
+          git config --global safe.directory '*'
+          git checkout -b "release/${SEMVER_STR}"
+      - name: Determine pkgrel
+        id: pkgrel
+        run: |
+          CURRENT_VERSION="$(sed -nE 's/^pkgver=(.*)$/\1/p' PKGBUILD | head -n1)"
+          CURRENT_REL="$(sed -nE 's/^pkgrel=([0-9]+).*$/\1/p' PKGBUILD | head -n1)"
+
+          if [[ "$CURRENT_VERSION" == "$TARGET_VERSION" && "$CURRENT_REL" =~ ^[0-9]+$ ]]; then
+            NEXT_REL=$((CURRENT_REL + 1))
+          else
+            NEXT_REL=1
+          fi
+
+          echo "value=${NEXT_REL}" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+          echo "dist-version=${TARGET_VERSION}-${NEXT_REL}" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+        env:
+          TARGET_VERSION: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}
+      - name: Update build file
+        run: |
+          sed -i -e "s|^pkgver=.*$|pkgver=${PKG_VERSION}|" PKGBUILD
+          sed -i -e "s|^pkgrel=.*$|pkgrel=${PKG_RELEASE}|" PKGBUILD
+          sudo -u builder updpkgsums
+          sudo -u builder makepkg --printsrcinfo > .SRCINFO
+        env:
+          PKG_VERSION: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum }}
+          PKG_RELEASE: ${{ steps.pkgrel.outputs.value }}
+      - name: Build package with makepkg
+        run: >
+          sudo -u builder
+          env PKGDEST="$PKGDEST" SRCDEST="$SRCDEST"
+          makepkg --syncdeps --cleanbuild --noconfirm --log
+      - name: Commit and push
+        run: |
+          git config user.name "cryptobot"
+          git config user.email "cryptobot@users.noreply.github.com"
+          git config push.autoSetupRemote true
+          git stage PKGBUILD .SRCINFO
+          git commit -m "Prepare release ${DIST_VERSION}"
+          git push
+        env:
+          DIST_VERSION: ${{ steps.pkgrel.outputs.dist-version }}
+      - name: Create pull request
+        id: create-pr
+        run: |
+          printf "Created by $GITHUB_SERVER_URL/$GITHUB_REPOSITORY/actions/runs/$GITHUB_RUN_ID" > pr_body.md
+          PR_URL=$(gh pr create --title "Release ${DIST_VERSION}" --body-file pr_body.md)
+          echo "url=$PR_URL" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+        env:
+          DIST_VERSION: ${{ steps.pkgrel.outputs.dist-version }}
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_PR_TOKEN }}
+      - name: Slack Notification
+        uses: rtCamp/action-slack-notify@e31e87e03dd19038e411e38ae27cbad084a90661 # v2.3.3
+        env:
+          SLACK_WEBHOOK: ${{ secrets.SLACK_WEBHOOK_CRYPTOMATOR_DESKTOP }}
+          SLACK_USERNAME: 'Cryptobot'
+          SLACK_ICON: ''
+          SLACK_ICON_EMOJI: ':bot:'
+          SLACK_CHANNEL: 'cryptomator-desktop'
+          SLACK_TITLE: "AUR-bin release PR for ${{ github.event.repository.name }} ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }} created."
+          SLACK_MESSAGE: "See <${{ steps.create-pr.outputs.url }}|PR> on how to proceed."
+          SLACK_FOOTER: ''
+          MSG_MINIMAL: true
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/.github/workflows/av-whitelist.yml b/.github/workflows/av-whitelist.yml
index d5827a9b2..7577662da 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/av-whitelist.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/av-whitelist.yml
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ on:
 jobs:
   download-file:
     name: Downloads the file into the VM
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    runs-on: ubuntu-slim
     outputs:
       fileName: ${{ steps.extractName.outputs.fileName}}
     env:
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ jobs:
           if-no-files-found: error
   allowlist-kaspersky:
     name: Anti Virus Allowlisting Kaspersky
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    runs-on: ubuntu-slim
     needs: download-file
     if: inputs.kaspersky
     steps:
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ jobs:
           local-dir: ./upload/
   allowlist-avast:
     name: Anti Virus Allowlisting Avast
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    runs-on: ubuntu-slim
     needs: download-file
     if: inputs.avast
     steps:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/build.yml b/.github/workflows/build.yml
index 1bd2a9bb8..4061626ad 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/build.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/build.yml
@@ -47,40 +47,3 @@ jobs:
         env:
           GITHUB_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }} # Needed to get PR information, if any
           SONAR_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.SONAR_TOKEN }}
-      - name: Draft a release
-        if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/')
-        uses: softprops/action-gh-release@153bb8e04406b158c6c84fc1615b65b24149a1fe # v2.6.1
-        with:
-          draft: true
-          discussion_category_name: releases
-          token: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_RELEASE_TOKEN }}
-          generate_release_notes: true
-          body: |-
-            > [!NOTE]
-            > 🚧 Work in Progress 🚧
-            >
-            > Please be patient, the [builds are still running](https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator/actions). Binary packages can be found here in a few moments.   
-            
-            <!--REPLACE with auto-generated release notes (see below)
-            ### What's New 🎉
-            ### Bugfixes 🐛
-            ### Other Changes 📎
-            END REPLACE-->
-            
-            For a comprehensive view of changes, read the [CHANGELOG](https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator/blob/develop/CHANGELOG.md).
-            
-            ---
-            
-            
-            <!-- Don't forget to include the
-            💾 SHA-256 checksums of release artifacts:
-            ```
-            ```
-            -->
-            
-            > [!TIP]
-            > You can verify the GPG signature of all assets using our public key: [`5811 7AFA 1F85 B3EE C154  677D 615D 449F E6E6 A235`](https://gist.github.com/cryptobot/211111cf092037490275f39d408f461a).
-            
-            
-            
-            <!-- Auto-Generated Release Notes: -->
diff --git a/.github/workflows/check-jdk-updates.yml b/.github/workflows/check-jdk-updates.yml
index 9eae6da00..0b0c30db7 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/check-jdk-updates.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/check-jdk-updates.yml
@@ -74,10 +74,10 @@ jobs:
         env:
           SLACK_WEBHOOK: ${{ secrets.SLACK_WEBHOOK_URL }}
           SLACK_USERNAME: 'Cryptobot'
-          SLACK_ICON: false
+          SLACK_ICON: ''
           SLACK_ICON_EMOJI: ':bot:'
           SLACK_CHANNEL: 'cryptomator-desktop'
           SLACK_TITLE: "JDK update available"
           SLACK_MESSAGE: "Cryptomator-CI JDK can be upgraded to ${{ steps.determine.outputs.LATEST_JDK_VERSION }}. Check the Nextcloud collective for instructions."
-          SLACK_FOOTER: false
+          SLACK_FOOTER: ''
           MSG_MINIMAL: true
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/.github/workflows/draft-release.yml b/.github/workflows/draft-release.yml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0442af4ff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/draft-release.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,157 @@
+name: Draft a Cryptomator Release
+
+on:
+  push:
+    tags:
+        - '*'
+
+env:
+  JAVA_DIST: 'temurin'
+  JAVA_VERSION: '25.0.2+10.0.LTS'
+
+defaults:
+  run:
+    shell: bash
+
+jobs:
+  get-version:
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/get-version.yml
+    with:
+      version:  ''
+
+  create-release-draft:
+    name: Compile and Test
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    needs: get-version
+    if: needs.get-version.outputs.versionType != 'unknown'
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
+        with:
+          fetch-depth: 0
+      - name: Check the git tag is signed
+        run: git cat-file -p "${GITHUB_REF_NAME}" | grep "BEGIN SSH SIGNATURE"
+      - name: Check the git tag is on release or main branch
+        run: git branch -r --contains "${GITHUB_REF_NAME}" | grep -E '^\s*origin/(main|release/.*)\s*$'
+      - uses: actions/setup-java@be666c2fcd27ec809703dec50e508c2fdc7f6654 # v5.2.0
+        with:
+          distribution: ${{ env.JAVA_DIST }}
+          java-version: ${{ env.JAVA_VERSION }}
+          cache: 'maven'
+      - name: Build and Test
+        run: xvfb-run mvn -B verify -Plinux
+        env:
+          GITHUB_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }} # Needed to get PR information, if any
+      - name: Draft a release
+        uses: softprops/action-gh-release@a06a81a03ee405af7f2048a818ed3f03bbf83c7b # v2.5.0
+        with:
+          draft: true
+          discussion_category_name: releases
+          token: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_RELEASE_TOKEN }}
+          generate_release_notes: true
+          body_path: .github/release-body.md.template
+      - name: Download source tarball
+        run: |
+          curl --silent --fail-with-body --proto "=https" -L -H "Accept: application/vnd.github+json" https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator/archive/${{ github.ref }}.tar.gz --output cryptomator-${{ github.ref_name }}.tar.gz
+      - name: Sign source tarball with key 615D449FE6E6A235
+        run: |
+          echo "${GPG_PRIVATE_KEY}" | gpg --batch --quiet --import
+          echo "${GPG_PASSPHRASE}" | gpg --batch --quiet --passphrase-fd 0 --pinentry-mode loopback -u 615D449FE6E6A235 --detach-sign -a cryptomator-*.tar.gz
+        env:
+          GPG_PRIVATE_KEY: ${{ secrets.RELEASES_GPG_PRIVATE_KEY }}
+          GPG_PASSPHRASE: ${{ secrets.RELEASES_GPG_PASSPHRASE }}
+      - name: Publish asc on GitHub Releases
+        uses: softprops/action-gh-release@a06a81a03ee405af7f2048a818ed3f03bbf83c7b # v2.5.0
+        with:
+          draft: true
+          fail_on_unmatched_files: true
+          token: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_RELEASE_TOKEN }}
+          files: |
+            cryptomator-*.tar.gz.asc
+
+  build-exe-and-msi:
+    needs: [get-version, create-release-draft]
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/win-exe.yml
+    with:
+      semVerNum: ${{needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum}}
+      revisionNum: ${{needs.get-version.outputs.revNum}}
+      semVerSuffix: ${{needs.get-version.outputs.semVerSuffix}}
+    secrets: inherit
+
+  build-dmg-arm64:
+    needs: [get-version, create-release-draft]
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/mac-dmg.yml
+    with:
+      semVerNum: ${{needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum}}
+      revisionNum: ${{needs.get-version.outputs.revNum}}
+      semVerSuffix: ${{needs.get-version.outputs.semVerSuffix}}
+    secrets: inherit
+
+  build-dmg-x64:
+    needs: [get-version, create-release-draft]
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/mac-dmg-x64.yml
+    with:
+      semVerNum: ${{needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum}}
+      revisionNum: ${{needs.get-version.outputs.revNum}}
+      semVerSuffix: ${{needs.get-version.outputs.semVerSuffix}}
+    secrets: inherit
+
+  build-appimages:
+    needs: [get-version, create-release-draft]
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/appimage.yml
+    with:
+      semVerNum: ${{needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum}}
+      revisionNum: ${{needs.get-version.outputs.revNum}}
+      semVerSuffix: ${{needs.get-version.outputs.semVerSuffix}}
+    secrets: inherit
+
+  update-sha256sums:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    needs: [get-version, build-exe-and-msi, build-dmg-arm64, build-dmg-x64, build-appimages]
+    env:
+      TAG: ${{ github.ref_name }}
+      SEMVER: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}
+      GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_RELEASE_TOKEN }}
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@de0fac2e4500dabe0009e67214ff5f5447ce83dd # v6.0.2
+      - name: Compute source tarball SHA256
+        id: src-sha256
+        run: |
+          curl --silent --fail-with-body --proto "=https" -L \
+            -H "Accept: application/vnd.github+json" \
+            "https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator/archive/refs/tags/${TAG}.tar.gz" \
+            --output "cryptomator-${SEMVER}.tar.gz"
+          read -ra CMD_OUTPUT < <(sha256sum "cryptomator-${SEMVER}.tar.gz")
+          echo "value=${CMD_OUTPUT[0]}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+      - name: Update release body with checksums
+        run: |
+          CURRENT_BODY=$(gh release view "${TAG}" --json body --jq .body)
+          RELEASE_BODY=$(printf '%s\n' "${CURRENT_BODY}" | sed '/<!-- HEADER -->/,/<!-- \/HEADER -->/c\
+          <!-- HEADER -->\
+          > [!SUCCESS]\
+          > Release artifacts finished building successfully.\
+          >\
+          > SHA-256 checksums have been updated below.\
+          <!-- /HEADER -->')
+
+          export TARBALL="${SRC_SHA}  cryptomator-${SEMVER}.tar.gz"
+          export MSI="${MSI_SHA}  Cryptomator-${SEMVER}-x64.msi"
+          export EXE="${EXE_SHA}  Cryptomator-${SEMVER}-x64.exe"
+          export DMG_arm64="${DMG_ARM64_SHA}  Cryptomator-${SEMVER}-arm64.dmg"
+          export DMG_x64="${DMG_X64_SHA}  Cryptomator-${SEMVER}-x64.dmg"
+          export APPIMAGE_x86_64="${APPIMAGE_X64_SHA}  cryptomator-${SEMVER}-x86_64.AppImage"
+          export APPIMAGE_aarch64="${APPIMAGE_AARCH64_SHA}  cryptomator-${SEMVER}-aarch64.AppImage"
+
+          envsubst '$VERSION $TARBALL $EXE $MSI $DMG_x64 $DMG_arm64 $APPIMAGE_x86_64 $APPIMAGE_aarch64' \
+            <<< "${RELEASE_BODY}" \
+            > release-body.md
+
+          gh release edit "${TAG}" --draft --notes-file release-body.md
+        env:
+          VERSION: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}
+          SRC_SHA: ${{ steps.src-sha256.outputs.value }}
+          MSI_SHA: ${{ needs.build-exe-and-msi.outputs.sha256-msi }}
+          EXE_SHA: ${{ needs.build-exe-and-msi.outputs.sha256-exe }}
+          DMG_ARM64_SHA: ${{ needs.build-dmg-arm64.outputs.sha256-dmg }}
+          DMG_X64_SHA: ${{ needs.build-dmg-x64.outputs.sha256-dmg }}
+          APPIMAGE_X64_SHA: ${{ needs.build-appimages.outputs.sha256-appimage-x64 }}
+          APPIMAGE_AARCH64_SHA: ${{ needs.build-appimages.outputs.sha256-appimage-aarch64 }}
diff --git a/.github/workflows/get-version.yml b/.github/workflows/get-version.yml
index 45056f700..def7ed98e 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/get-version.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/get-version.yml
@@ -14,6 +14,9 @@ on:
       semVerNum:
         description: "The numerical part of the version string"
         value: ${{ jobs.determine-version.outputs.semVerNum}}
+      semVerSuffix:
+        description: "The suffix of the version string"
+        value: ${{ jobs.determine-version.outputs.semVerSuffix}}
       revNum:
         description: "The revision number"
         value: ${{ jobs.determine-version.outputs.revNum}}
@@ -32,6 +35,7 @@ jobs:
     outputs:
       semVerNum: ${{ steps.versions.outputs.semVerNum }}
       semVerStr: ${{ steps.versions.outputs.semVerStr }}
+      semVerSuffix: ${{ steps.versions.outputs.semVerSuffix }}
       revNum: ${{ steps.versions.outputs.revNum }}
       type: ${{ steps.versions.outputs.type}}
     steps:
@@ -54,20 +58,25 @@ jobs:
           else
             SEM_VER_STR=`mvn help:evaluate -Dexpression=project.version -q -DforceStdout`
           fi
-          SEM_VER_NUM=`echo ${SEM_VER_STR} | sed -E 's/([0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+).*/\1/'`
+
+          SEM_VER_NUM=$(echo ${SEM_VER_STR} | sed -E 's/([0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+).*/\1/')
+          SEM_VER_SUFFIX="${SEM_VER_STR#"$SEM_VER_NUM"}"
           REVCOUNT=`git rev-list --count HEAD`
+
           TYPE="unknown"
-          if [[ $SEM_VER_STR =~ [0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+$ ]]; then
+          if [[ -z $SEM_VER_SUFFIX  ]]; then
             TYPE="stable"
-          elif [[ $SEM_VER_STR =~ [0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+-alpha[1-9]+$ ]]; then
+          elif [[ $SEM_VER_SUFFIX =~ -alpha[1-9]+$ ]]; then
             TYPE="alpha"
-          elif [[ $SEM_VER_STR =~ [0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+-beta[1-9]+$ ]]; then
+          elif [[ $SEM_VER_SUFFIX =~ -beta[1-9]+$ ]]; then
             TYPE="beta"
-          elif [[ $SEM_VER_STR =~ [0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+-rc[1-9]$ ]]; then
+          elif [[ $SEM_VER_SUFFIX =~ -rc[1-9]+$ ]]; then
             TYPE="rc"
           fi
+
           echo "semVerStr=${SEM_VER_STR}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
           echo "semVerNum=${SEM_VER_NUM}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          echo "semVerSuffix=${SEM_VER_SUFFIX}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
           echo "revNum=${REVCOUNT}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
           echo "type=${TYPE}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
         env:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/linux-flatpak.yml b/.github/workflows/linux-flatpak.yml
index 1d476dc1d..83afbed39 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/linux-flatpak.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/linux-flatpak.yml
@@ -255,10 +255,10 @@ jobs:
         env:
           SLACK_WEBHOOK: ${{ secrets.SLACK_WEBHOOK_CRYPTOMATOR_DESKTOP }}
           SLACK_USERNAME: 'Cryptobot'
-          SLACK_ICON: false
+          SLACK_ICON: ''
           SLACK_ICON_EMOJI: ':bot:'
           SLACK_CHANNEL: 'cryptomator-desktop'
           SLACK_TITLE: "Flathub release PR created for ${{ github.event.repository.name }} ${{ github.event.release.tag_name }} created."
           SLACK_MESSAGE: "See <${{ steps.create-pr.outputs.FLATHUB_PR_URL }}|PR> on how to proceed."
-          SLACK_FOOTER: false
+          SLACK_FOOTER: ''
           MSG_MINIMAL: true
diff --git a/.github/workflows/linux-makepkg.yml b/.github/workflows/linux-makepkg.yml
index a28f34443..7f195c7db 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/linux-makepkg.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/linux-makepkg.yml
@@ -132,7 +132,6 @@ jobs:
       - name: Determine pkgrel
         id: pkgrel
         run: |
-          TARGET_VERSION='${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}'
           CURRENT_VERSION="$(sed -nE 's/^pkgver=(.*)$/\1/p' PKGBUILD | head -n1)"
           CURRENT_REL="$(sed -nE 's/^pkgrel=([0-9]+).*$/\1/p' PKGBUILD | head -n1)"
 
@@ -143,9 +142,9 @@ jobs:
           fi
 
           echo "value=${NEXT_REL}" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
-          echo "dist-version=${VERSION}-${NEXT_REL}" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+          echo "dist-version=${TARGET_VERSION}-${NEXT_REL}" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
         env:
-          VERSION: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}
+          TARGET_VERSION: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}
       - name: Download PKGBUILD template
         uses: actions/download-artifact@3e5f45b2cfb9172054b4087a40e8e0b5a5461e7c # v8.0.1
         with:
@@ -193,10 +192,10 @@ jobs:
         env:
           SLACK_WEBHOOK: ${{ secrets.SLACK_WEBHOOK_CRYPTOMATOR_DESKTOP }}
           SLACK_USERNAME: 'Cryptobot'
-          SLACK_ICON: false
+          SLACK_ICON: ''
           SLACK_ICON_EMOJI: ':bot:'
           SLACK_CHANNEL: 'cryptomator-desktop'
           SLACK_TITLE: "AUR release PR created for ${{ github.event.repository.name }} ${{ steps.pkgrel.outputs.dist-version }} ."
           SLACK_MESSAGE: "See <${{ steps.create-pr.outputs.url }}|PR> on how to proceed."
-          SLACK_FOOTER: false
+          SLACK_FOOTER: ''
           MSG_MINIMAL: true
diff --git a/.github/workflows/mac-dmg-x64.yml b/.github/workflows/mac-dmg-x64.yml
index 09b4568f1..a3ed97967 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/mac-dmg-x64.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/mac-dmg-x64.yml
@@ -9,15 +9,42 @@ name: Build macOS .dmg for x64
 #######################################
 
 on:
-  release:
-    types: [published]
   schedule:
     - cron: '0 20 20 * *'
+  workflow_call:
+    inputs:
+      semVerNum:
+        type: string
+        description: 'The Major.Minor.Patch part of the version'
+        required: true
+      revisionNum:
+        type: string
+        description: 'The revision number'
+        required: true
+      semVerSuffix:
+        type: string
+        description: 'The suffix of the version, including dash'
+        required: true
+      notarize:
+        description: 'Notarize'
+        default: true
+        type: boolean
+    outputs:
+      sha256-dmg:
+        description: "SHA256 sum of the x64 dmg"
+        value: ${{ jobs.build.outputs.sha256sum}}
   workflow_dispatch:
     inputs:
-      version:
-        description: 'Version'
+      semVerNum:
+        description: 'The Major.Minor.Patch part of the version'
         required: false
+      revisionNum:
+        description: 'The revision number'
+        required: false
+      semVerSuffix:
+        description: 'The suffix of the version, including dash'
+        required: false
+        default: '-SNAPSHOT'
       notarize:
         description: 'Notarize'
         required: true
@@ -27,17 +54,17 @@ on:
 env:
   JAVA_DIST: 'temurin'
   JAVA_VERSION: '25.0.2+10.0.LTS'
+  VERSION_NUM: ${{ inputs.semVerNum || '99.99.99'}}
+  REVISION_NUM: ${{ inputs.revisionNum || '0' }}
+  VERSION_SUFFIX: ${{ inputs.semVerSuffix || ''}}
+
 
 jobs:
-  get-version:
-    uses: ./.github/workflows/get-version.yml
-    with:
-      version: ${{ inputs.version }}
-
-  build-arm:
+  build:
     name: Build Cryptomator.app for ${{ matrix.output-suffix }}
     runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
-    needs: [get-version]
+    outputs:
+      sha256sum: ${{ steps.sha256sum.outputs.value }}
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false
       matrix:
@@ -79,7 +106,7 @@ jobs:
             exit 1
           fi
       - name: Set version
-        run : mvn versions:set -DnewVersion=${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}
+        run : mvn versions:set -DnewVersion="${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}"
       - name: Run maven
         run: mvn -B clean package -Pmac -DskipTests
       - name: Patch target dir
@@ -120,7 +147,7 @@ jobs:
           --name Cryptomator
           --vendor "Skymatic GmbH"
           --copyright "(C) 2016 - 2026 Skymatic GmbH"
-          --app-version "${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum }}"
+          --app-version "${VERSION_NUM}"
           --java-options "--enable-preview"
           --java-options "--enable-native-access=javafx.graphics,org.cryptomator.jfuse.mac"
           --java-options "-Xss5m"
@@ -129,7 +156,7 @@ jobs:
           --java-options "-Djava.net.useSystemProxies=true"
           --java-options "-Dapple.awt.enableTemplateImages=true"
           --java-options "-Dsun.java2d.metal=true"
-          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.appVersion=\"${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}\""
+          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.appVersion=\"${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.adminConfigPath=\"/Library/Application Support/Cryptomator/config.properties\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.logDir=\"@{userhome}/Library/Logs/Cryptomator\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.settingsPath=\"@{userhome}/Library/Application Support/Cryptomator/settings.json\""
@@ -139,7 +166,7 @@ jobs:
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.mountPointsDir=\"@{userhome}/Library/Application Support/Cryptomator/mnt\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.showTrayIcon=true"
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.updateMechanism=org.cryptomator.macos.update.DmgUpdateMechanism"
-          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.buildNumber=\"dmg-${{ needs.get-version.outputs.revNum }}\""
+          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.buildNumber=\"dmg-${REVISION_NUM}\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.hub.enableTrustOnFirstUse=true"
           --mac-package-identifier org.cryptomator
           --resource-dir dist/mac/resources
@@ -148,12 +175,10 @@ jobs:
           mv appdir/Cryptomator.app Cryptomator.app
           mv dist/mac/resources/Cryptomator-Vault.icns Cryptomator.app/Contents/Resources/
           cp dist/mac/resources/Assets.car Cryptomator.app/Contents/Resources/
-          sed -i '' "s|###BUNDLE_SHORT_VERSION_STRING###|${VERSION_NO}|g" Cryptomator.app/Contents/Info.plist
-          sed -i '' "s|###BUNDLE_VERSION###|${REVISION_NO}|g" Cryptomator.app/Contents/Info.plist
+          sed -i '' "s|###BUNDLE_SHORT_VERSION_STRING###|${VERSION_NUM}|g" Cryptomator.app/Contents/Info.plist
+          sed -i '' "s|###BUNDLE_VERSION###|${REVISION_NUM}|g" Cryptomator.app/Contents/Info.plist
           echo -n "$PROVISIONING_PROFILE_BASE64" | base64 --decode --output Cryptomator.app/Contents/embedded.provisionprofile
         env:
-          VERSION_NO: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum }}
-          REVISION_NO: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.revNum }}
           PROVISIONING_PROFILE_BASE64: ${{ secrets.MACOS_PROVISIONING_PROFILE_BASE64 }}
       - name: Generate license for dmg
         run: >
@@ -242,16 +267,14 @@ jobs:
           --eula "dist/mac/dmg/resources/license.rtf"
           --icon ".background" 128 758
           --icon ".VolumeIcon.icns" 512 758
-          Cryptomator-${VERSION_NO}-${{ matrix.output-suffix }}.dmg dmg
-        env:
-          VERSION_NO: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum }}
+          Cryptomator-${VERSION_NUM}-${{ matrix.output-suffix }}.dmg dmg
       - name: Codesign .dmg
         run: |
           codesign -s ${CODESIGN_IDENTITY} --timestamp Cryptomator-*.dmg
         env:
           CODESIGN_IDENTITY: ${{ secrets.MACOS_CODESIGN_IDENTITY }}
       - name: Notarize .dmg
-        if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/') || inputs.notarize || github.event_name == 'schedule'
+        if:  inputs.notarize || github.event_name == 'schedule'
         uses: cocoalibs/xcode-notarization-action@5cf433d494b6fa26504b574c591f4dd120388846 # v1.0.3
         with:
           app-path: 'Cryptomator-*.dmg'
@@ -259,8 +282,12 @@ jobs:
           password: ${{ secrets.MACOS_NOTARIZATION_PW }}
           team-id: ${{ secrets.MACOS_NOTARIZATION_TEAM_ID }}
           xcode-path: '/Applications/Xcode_16.app'
+      - id: sha256sum
+        run: |
+          read -ra CMD_OUTPUT < <(shasum -a256 Cryptomator-*.dmg)
+          echo "value=${CMD_OUTPUT[0]}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
       - name: Add possible alpha/beta tags to installer name
-        run: mv Cryptomator-*.dmg Cryptomator-${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}-${{ matrix.output-suffix }}.dmg
+        run: mv Cryptomator-*.dmg "Cryptomator-${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}-${{ matrix.output-suffix }}.dmg"
       - name: Create detached GPG signature with key 615D449FE6E6A235
         run: |
           echo "${GPG_PRIVATE_KEY}" | gpg --batch --quiet --import
@@ -281,9 +308,10 @@ jobs:
             Cryptomator-*.asc
           if-no-files-found: error
       - name: Publish dmg on GitHub Releases
-        if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/') && github.event.action == 'published'
+        if: github.event_name == 'workflow_call'
         uses: softprops/action-gh-release@153bb8e04406b158c6c84fc1615b65b24149a1fe # v2.6.1
         with:
+          draft: true
           fail_on_unmatched_files: true
           token: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_RELEASE_TOKEN }}
           files: |
diff --git a/.github/workflows/mac-dmg.yml b/.github/workflows/mac-dmg.yml
index b1e4d70d4..0d9fb9f29 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/mac-dmg.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/mac-dmg.yml
@@ -1,15 +1,42 @@
 name: Build macOS .dmg for arm64
 
 on:
-  release:
-    types: [published]
   schedule:
     - cron: '0 20 20 * *'
+  workflow_call:
+    inputs:
+      semVerNum:
+        type: string
+        description: 'The Major.Minor.Patch part of the version'
+        required: true
+      revisionNum:
+        type: string
+        description: 'The revision number'
+        required: true
+      semVerSuffix:
+        type: string
+        description: 'The suffix of the version, including dash'
+        required: true
+      notarize:
+        description: 'Notarize'
+        default: true
+        type: boolean
+    outputs:
+      sha256-dmg:
+        description: "SHA256 sum of the arm64 dmg"
+        value: ${{ jobs.build.outputs.sha256sum}}
   workflow_dispatch:
     inputs:
-      version:
-        description: 'Version'
+      semVerNum:
+        description: 'The Major.Minor.Patch part of the version'
         required: false
+      revisionNum:
+        description: 'The revision number'
+        required: false
+      semVerSuffix:
+        description: 'The suffix of the version, including dash'
+        required: false
+        default: '-SNAPSHOT'
       notarize:
         description: 'Notarize'
         required: true
@@ -25,17 +52,17 @@ on:
 env:
   JAVA_DIST: 'temurin'
   JAVA_VERSION: '25.0.2+10.0.LTS'
+  VERSION_NUM: ${{ inputs.semVerNum || '99.99.99'}}
+  REVISION_NUM: ${{ inputs.revisionNum || '0' }}
+  VERSION_SUFFIX: ${{ inputs.semVerSuffix || ''}}
+
 
 jobs:
-  get-version:
-    uses: ./.github/workflows/get-version.yml
-    with:
-      version: ${{ inputs.version }}
-
   build:
     name: Build Cryptomator.app for ${{ matrix.output-suffix }}
     runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
-    needs: [get-version]
+    outputs:
+      sha256sum: ${{ steps.sha256sum.outputs.value }}
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false
       matrix:
@@ -77,7 +104,7 @@ jobs:
             exit 1
           fi
       - name: Set version
-        run : mvn versions:set -DnewVersion=${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}
+        run : mvn versions:set -DnewVersion="${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}"
       - name: Run maven
         run: mvn -B clean package -Pmac -DskipTests
       - name: Patch target dir
@@ -118,7 +145,7 @@ jobs:
           --name Cryptomator
           --vendor "Skymatic GmbH"
           --copyright "(C) 2016 - 2026 Skymatic GmbH"
-          --app-version "${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum }}"
+          --app-version "${VERSION_NUM}"
           --java-options "--enable-preview"
           --java-options "--enable-native-access=javafx.graphics,org.cryptomator.jfuse.mac"
           --java-options "-Xss5m"
@@ -127,7 +154,7 @@ jobs:
           --java-options "-Djava.net.useSystemProxies=true"
           --java-options "-Dapple.awt.enableTemplateImages=true"
           --java-options "-Dsun.java2d.metal=true"
-          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.appVersion=\"${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}\""
+          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.appVersion=\"${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.adminConfigPath=\"/Library/Application Support/Cryptomator/config.properties\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.logDir=\"@{userhome}/Library/Logs/Cryptomator\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.settingsPath=\"@{userhome}/Library/Application Support/Cryptomator/settings.json\""
@@ -137,7 +164,7 @@ jobs:
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.mountPointsDir=\"@{userhome}/Library/Application Support/Cryptomator/mnt\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.showTrayIcon=true"
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.updateMechanism=org.cryptomator.macos.update.DmgUpdateMechanism"
-          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.buildNumber=\"dmg-${{ needs.get-version.outputs.revNum }}\""
+          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.buildNumber=\"dmg-${REVISION_NUM}\""
           --java-options "-XX:ErrorFile=/cryptomator/cryptomator_crash.log"
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.hub.enableTrustOnFirstUse=true"
           --mac-package-identifier org.cryptomator
@@ -147,12 +174,10 @@ jobs:
           mv appdir/Cryptomator.app Cryptomator.app
           mv dist/mac/resources/Cryptomator-Vault.icns Cryptomator.app/Contents/Resources/
           cp dist/mac/resources/Assets.car Cryptomator.app/Contents/Resources/
-          sed -i '' "s|###BUNDLE_SHORT_VERSION_STRING###|${VERSION_NO}|g" Cryptomator.app/Contents/Info.plist
-          sed -i '' "s|###BUNDLE_VERSION###|${REVISION_NO}|g" Cryptomator.app/Contents/Info.plist
+          sed -i '' "s|###BUNDLE_SHORT_VERSION_STRING###|${VERSION_NUM}|g" Cryptomator.app/Contents/Info.plist
+          sed -i '' "s|###BUNDLE_VERSION###|${REVISION_NUM}|g" Cryptomator.app/Contents/Info.plist
           echo -n "$PROVISIONING_PROFILE_BASE64" | base64 --decode --output Cryptomator.app/Contents/embedded.provisionprofile
         env:
-          VERSION_NO: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum }}
-          REVISION_NO: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.revNum }}
           PROVISIONING_PROFILE_BASE64: ${{ secrets.MACOS_PROVISIONING_PROFILE_BASE64 }}
       - name: Generate license for dmg
         run: >
@@ -241,16 +266,14 @@ jobs:
           --eula "dist/mac/dmg/resources/license.rtf"
           --icon ".background" 128 758
           --icon ".VolumeIcon.icns" 512 758
-          Cryptomator-${VERSION_NO}-${{ matrix.output-suffix }}.dmg dmg
-        env:
-          VERSION_NO: ${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum }}
+          Cryptomator-${VERSION_NUM}-${{ matrix.output-suffix }}.dmg dmg
       - name: Codesign .dmg
         run: |
           codesign -s ${CODESIGN_IDENTITY} --timestamp Cryptomator-*.dmg
         env:
           CODESIGN_IDENTITY: ${{ secrets.MACOS_CODESIGN_IDENTITY }}
       - name: Notarize .dmg
-        if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/') || inputs.notarize || github.event_name == 'schedule'
+        if:  inputs.notarize || github.event_name == 'schedule'
         uses: cocoalibs/xcode-notarization-action@5cf433d494b6fa26504b574c591f4dd120388846 # v1.0.3
         with:
           app-path: 'Cryptomator-*.dmg'
@@ -258,8 +281,12 @@ jobs:
           password: ${{ secrets.MACOS_NOTARIZATION_PW }}
           team-id: ${{ secrets.MACOS_NOTARIZATION_TEAM_ID }}
           xcode-path: '/Applications/Xcode_16.app'
+      - id: sha256sum
+        run: |
+          read -ra CMD_OUTPUT < <(shasum -a256 Cryptomator-*.dmg)
+          echo "value=${CMD_OUTPUT[0]}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
       - name: Add possible alpha/beta tags to installer name
-        run: mv Cryptomator-*.dmg Cryptomator-${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}-${{ matrix.output-suffix }}.dmg
+        run: mv Cryptomator-*.dmg "Cryptomator-${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}-${{ matrix.output-suffix }}.dmg"
       - name: Create detached GPG signature with key 615D449FE6E6A235
         run: |
           echo "${GPG_PRIVATE_KEY}" | gpg --batch --quiet --import
@@ -280,9 +307,10 @@ jobs:
             Cryptomator-*.asc
           if-no-files-found: error
       - name: Publish dmg on GitHub Releases
-        if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/') && github.event.action == 'published'
+        if: github.event_name == 'workflow_call'
         uses: softprops/action-gh-release@153bb8e04406b158c6c84fc1615b65b24149a1fe # v2.6.1
         with:
+          draft: true
           fail_on_unmatched_files: true
           token: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_RELEASE_TOKEN }}
           files: |
diff --git a/.github/workflows/no-response.yml b/.github/workflows/no-response.yml
index 6585256bb..6cf906950 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/no-response.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/no-response.yml
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ on:
 
 jobs:
   no-response:
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    runs-on: ubuntu-slim
     permissions:
       issues: write
       pull-requests: write
diff --git a/.github/workflows/post-publish.yml b/.github/workflows/post-publish.yml
index c989360af..e27820520 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/post-publish.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/post-publish.yml
@@ -5,35 +5,141 @@ on:
     types: [published]
 
 jobs:
-  get-version:
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+  notify:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-slim
     steps:
-      - name: Download source tarball
-        run: |
-          curl --silent --fail-with-body --proto "=https" -L -H "Accept: application/vnd.github+json" https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator/archive/refs/tags/${{ github.event.release.tag_name }}.tar.gz --output cryptomator-${{ github.event.release.tag_name }}.tar.gz
-      - name: Sign source tarball with key 615D449FE6E6A235
-        run: |
-          echo "${GPG_PRIVATE_KEY}" | gpg --batch --quiet --import
-          echo "${GPG_PASSPHRASE}" | gpg --batch --quiet --passphrase-fd 0 --pinentry-mode loopback -u 615D449FE6E6A235 --detach-sign -a cryptomator-*.tar.gz
+      - name: Notify about DEB build
+        uses: rtCamp/action-slack-notify@e31e87e03dd19038e411e38ae27cbad084a90661 # v2.3.3
         env:
-          GPG_PRIVATE_KEY: ${{ secrets.RELEASES_GPG_PRIVATE_KEY }}
-          GPG_PASSPHRASE: ${{ secrets.RELEASES_GPG_PASSPHRASE }}
-      - name: Publish asc on GitHub Releases
-        uses: softprops/action-gh-release@153bb8e04406b158c6c84fc1615b65b24149a1fe # v2.6.1
-        with:
-          fail_on_unmatched_files: true
-          token: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_RELEASE_TOKEN }}
-          files: |
-            cryptomator-*.tar.gz.asc
+          SLACK_WEBHOOK: ${{ secrets.SLACK_WEBHOOK_CRYPTOMATOR_DESKTOP }}
+          SLACK_USERNAME: 'Cryptobot'
+          SLACK_ICON: ''
+          SLACK_ICON_EMOJI: ':bot:'
+          SLACK_CHANNEL: 'cryptomator-desktop'
+          SLACK_TITLE: "Release ${{ github.event.repository.name }} ${{ github.event.release.tag_name }} published."
+          SLACK_MESSAGE: "Ready to <https://github.com/${{ github.repository }}/actions/workflows/debian.yml|build deb Package>."
+          SLACK_FOOTER: ''
+          MSG_MINIMAL: true
+      - name: Notify about latest-version update
+        uses: rtCamp/action-slack-notify@e31e87e03dd19038e411e38ae27cbad084a90661 # v2.3.3
+        env:
+          SLACK_WEBHOOK: ${{ secrets.SLACK_WEBHOOK_CRYPTOMATOR_DESKTOP }}
+          SLACK_USERNAME: 'Cryptobot'
+          SLACK_ICON: ''
+          SLACK_ICON_EMOJI: ':bot:'
+          SLACK_CHANNEL: 'cryptomator-desktop'
+          SLACK_TITLE: "Requiring version check source update for ${{ github.event.repository.name }} ${{ github.event.release.tag_name }}."
+          SLACK_MESSAGE: 'Check S3 bucket for <https://static.cryptomator.org/desktop/latest-version.json|latest-version.json>.'
+          SLACK_FOOTER: ''
+          MSG_MINIMAL: true
+
+  get-asset-urls:
+    name: Get release asset URLs
+    runs-on: ubuntu-slim
+    outputs:
+      is-windows-release: ${{ steps.urls.outputs.urls-present }}
+      msi-url: ${{ steps.urls.outputs.msi }}
+      exe-url: ${{ steps.urls.outputs.exe }}
+    steps:
+      - name: Extract MSI and EXE download URLs
+        id: urls
+        run: |
+          MSI_URL=$(jq -r '[.[] | select(.name | endswith("-x64.msi"))][0].browser_download_url // "null"' <<< "$RELEASE_ASSETS")
+          EXE_URL=$(jq -r '[.[] | select(.name | endswith("-x64.exe"))][0].browser_download_url // "null"' <<< "$RELEASE_ASSETS")
+          if [[ "$MSI_URL" == "null" || -z "$MSI_URL" || "$EXE_URL" == "null" || -z "$EXE_URL" ]]; then
+            echo "urls-present=false" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          else
+            echo "urls-present=true" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+            echo "msi=${MSI_URL}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+            echo "exe=${EXE_URL}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          fi
+        env:
+          RELEASE_ASSETS: ${{ toJson(github.event.release.assets) }}
+
+  allowlist-msi-x64:
+    needs: [get-asset-urls]
+    if: needs.get-asset-urls.outputs.is-windows-release == 'true'
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/av-whitelist.yml
+    with:
+      url: ${{ needs.get-asset-urls.outputs.msi-url }}
+    secrets: inherit
+
+  allowlist-exe-x64:
+    needs: [get-asset-urls, allowlist-msi-x64]
+    if: needs.get-asset-urls.outputs.is-windows-release == 'true'
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/av-whitelist.yml
+    with:
+      url: ${{ needs.get-asset-urls.outputs.exe-url }}
+    secrets: inherit
+
+  check-release:
+    name: Analyzes the release for certain properties
+    runs-on: ubuntu-slim
+    outputs:
+      release-kind: ${{steps.determine-kind.outputs.value}} # Possible values are [alpha, beta, rc, stable, unknown]
+    steps:
+      - id: determine-kind
+        run: |
+          SEM_VER_NUM=$(echo ${SEM_VER_STR} | sed -E 's/([0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+).*/\1/')
+          SEM_VER_SUFFIX="${SEM_VER_STR#"$SEM_VER_NUM"}"
+
+          TYPE="unknown"
+          if [[ -z $SEM_VER_SUFFIX  ]]; then
+            TYPE="stable"
+          elif [[ $SEM_VER_SUFFIX =~ -alpha[1-9]+$ ]]; then
+            TYPE="alpha"
+          elif [[ $SEM_VER_SUFFIX =~ -beta[1-9]+$ ]]; then
+            TYPE="beta"
+          elif [[ $SEM_VER_SUFFIX =~ -rc[1-9]+$ ]]; then
+            TYPE="rc"
+          fi
+          echo "value=${TYPE}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+        env:
+          SEM_VER_STR: ${{ github.event.release.tag_name }}
+
+
+  notify-winget:
+    name: Notify for winget-release
+    if: needs.get-asset-urls.outputs.is-windows-release == 'true' && needs.check-release.outputs.release-kind == 'stable'
+    needs: [check-release, get-asset-urls]
+    runs-on: ubuntu-slim
+    steps:
       - name: Slack Notification
         uses: rtCamp/action-slack-notify@e31e87e03dd19038e411e38ae27cbad084a90661 # v2.3.3
         env:
           SLACK_WEBHOOK: ${{ secrets.SLACK_WEBHOOK_CRYPTOMATOR_DESKTOP }}
           SLACK_USERNAME: 'Cryptobot'
-          SLACK_ICON: false
+          SLACK_ICON: ''
           SLACK_ICON_EMOJI: ':bot:'
           SLACK_CHANNEL: 'cryptomator-desktop'
           SLACK_TITLE: "Release ${{ github.event.repository.name }} ${{ github.event.release.tag_name }} published."
-          SLACK_MESSAGE: "Ready to <https://github.com/${{ github.repository }}/actions/workflows/debian.yml|build deb Package>."
-          SLACK_FOOTER: false
-          MSG_MINIMAL: true
\ No newline at end of file
+          SLACK_MESSAGE: "Ready to <https://github.com/${{ github.repository }}/actions/workflows/winget.yml|release to winget>."
+          SLACK_FOOTER: ''
+          MSG_MINIMAL: true
+
+  trigger-website-update:
+    needs: [check-release]
+    runs-on: ubuntu-slim
+    if: needs.check-release.outputs.release-kind == 'stable'
+    steps:
+      - name: Start website update workflow
+        uses: peter-evans/repository-dispatch@28959ce8df70de7be546dd1250a005dd32156697 # v4.0.1
+        with:
+          event-type: desktop-release
+          token: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_WORKFLOW_DISPATCH_TOKEN }}
+          repository: cryptomator/cryptomator.github.io
+          client-payload: '{ "version": "${{ github.event.release.tag_name }}", "release": ${{ toJson(github.event.release.assets) }} }'
+
+  trigger-docs-update:
+    needs: [check-release, get-asset-urls]
+    runs-on: ubuntu-slim
+    if: needs.get-asset-urls.outputs.is-windows-release == 'true' && needs.check-release.outputs.release-kind == 'stable'
+    steps:
+      - name: Start docs update workflow
+        uses: peter-evans/repository-dispatch@28959ce8df70de7be546dd1250a005dd32156697 # v4.0.1
+        with:
+          event-type: desktop-release
+          token: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_WORKFLOW_DISPATCH_TOKEN }}
+          repository: cryptomator/docs
+          client-payload: '{ "version": "${{ github.event.release.tag_name }}", "release": ${{ toJson(github.event.release.assets) }} }'
+
diff --git a/.github/workflows/stale.yml b/.github/workflows/stale.yml
index 9f30d89a5..ed6406551 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/stale.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/stale.yml
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ on:
 
 jobs:
   stale:
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    runs-on: ubuntu-slim
     permissions:
       issues: write
       pull-requests: write
diff --git a/.github/workflows/win-exe.yml b/.github/workflows/win-exe.yml
index 8488a0a31..0f1b16b3f 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/win-exe.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/win-exe.yml
@@ -1,15 +1,45 @@
 name: Build Windows Installer
 
 on:
-  release:
-    types: [published]
   schedule:
     - cron: '0 19 20 * *'
+  workflow_call:
+    inputs:
+      semVerNum:
+        type: string
+        description: 'The Major.Minor.Patch part of the version'
+        required: true
+      revisionNum:
+        type: string
+        description: 'The revision number'
+        required: true
+      semVerSuffix:
+        type: string
+        description: 'The suffix of the version, including dash'
+        required: true
+      sign:
+        description: 'Sign binaries'
+        default: true
+        type: boolean
+    outputs:
+      sha256-msi:
+        description: "SHA256 sum of the x64 msi"
+        value: ${{ jobs.build-msi.outputs.sha256sum}}
+      sha256-exe:
+        description: "SHA256 sum of the x64 exe"
+        value: ${{ jobs.build-exe.outputs.sha256sum}}
   workflow_dispatch:
     inputs:
-      version:
-        description: 'Version'
+      semVerNum:
+        description: 'The Major.Minor.Patch part of the version'
         required: false
+      revisionNum:
+        description: 'The revision number'
+        required: false
+      semVerSuffix:
+        description: 'The suffix of the version, including dash'
+        required: false
+        default: '-SNAPSHOT'
       sign:
         description: 'Sign binaries'
         required: false
@@ -24,6 +54,9 @@ on:
 
 
 env:
+  VERSION_NUM: ${{ inputs.semVerNum || '99.99.99'}}
+  REVISION_NUM: ${{ inputs.revisionNum || '0' }}
+  VERSION_SUFFIX: ${{ inputs.semVerSuffix || ''}}
   OPENJFX_JMODS_AMD64: 'https://download2.gluonhq.com/openjfx/25.0.2/openjfx-25.0.2_windows-x64_bin-jmods.zip'
   OPENJFX_JMODS_AMD64_HASH: '33d878dfac85590c4d77c518ed413e512d34a8479d90132b230a7ddd173576b3'
   WINFSP_MSI: 'https://github.com/winfsp/winfsp/releases/download/v2.1/winfsp-2.1.25156.msi'
@@ -36,15 +69,11 @@ defaults:
     shell: bash
 
 jobs:
-  get-version:
-    uses: ./.github/workflows/get-version.yml
-    with:
-      version: ${{ inputs.version }}
-
   build-msi:
     name: Build .msi Installer
     runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
-    needs: [ get-version ]
+    outputs:
+      sha256sum: ${{ steps.sha256sum.outputs.value }}
     strategy:
       matrix:
         include:
@@ -96,7 +125,7 @@ jobs:
             exit 1
           fi
       - name: Set version
-        run: mvn versions:set -DnewVersion=${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}
+        run: mvn versions:set -DnewVersion="${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}"
       - name: Run maven
         run: mvn -B clean package -Pwin -DskipTests
       - name: Patch target dir
@@ -137,12 +166,12 @@ jobs:
           --name Cryptomator
           --vendor "Skymatic GmbH"
           --copyright "(C) 2016 - 2026 Skymatic GmbH"
-          --app-version "${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum }}.${{ needs.get-version.outputs.revNum }}"
+          --app-version "${VERSION_NUM}.${REVISION_NUM}"
           --java-options "--enable-preview"
           --java-options "--enable-native-access=javafx.graphics,org.cryptomator.jfuse.win,org.cryptomator.integrations.win"
           --java-options "-Xss5m"
           --java-options "-Xmx256m"
-          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.appVersion=\"${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}\""
+          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.appVersion=\"${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}\""
           --java-options "-Dfile.encoding=\"utf-8\""
           --java-options "-Djava.net.useSystemProxies=true"
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.adminConfigPath=\"C:/ProgramData/Cryptomator/config.properties\""
@@ -153,7 +182,7 @@ jobs:
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.mountPointsDir=\"@{userhome}/Cryptomator\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.loopbackAlias=\"cryptomator-vault\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.showTrayIcon=true"
-          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.buildNumber=\"msi-${{ needs.get-version.outputs.revNum }}\""
+          --java-options "-Dcryptomator.buildNumber=\"msi-${REVISION_NUM}\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.integrationsWin.autoStartShellLinkName=\"Cryptomator\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.integrationsWin.keychainPaths=\"@{appdata}/Cryptomator/keychain.json;@{userhome}/AppData/Roaming/Cryptomator/keychain.json\""
           --java-options "-Dcryptomator.integrationsWin.windowsHelloKeychainPaths=\"@{appdata}/Cryptomator/windowsHelloKeychain.json\""
@@ -195,7 +224,7 @@ jobs:
           & $env:JAVA_HOME\bin\jmod.exe extract --dir jpackage-jmod "${env:JAVA_HOME}\jmods\jdk.jpackage.jmod"
           Get-ChildItem -Recurse -Path "jpackage-jmod" -File wixhelper.dll | Select-Object -Last 1 | Copy-Item -Destination "appdir"
       - name: Sign DLLs with Azure Trusted Signing
-        if: inputs.sign || github.event_name == 'release' || github.event_name == 'schedule'
+        if: inputs.sign || github.event_name == 'schedule'
         uses: ./.github/actions/win-sign-action
         with:
           base-dir: ${{ github.workspace }}\appdir
@@ -240,7 +269,7 @@ jobs:
           --name Cryptomator
           --vendor "Skymatic GmbH"
           --copyright "(C) 2016 - 2026 Skymatic GmbH"
-          --app-version "${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum }}.${{ needs.get-version.outputs.revNum}}"
+          --app-version "${VERSION_NUM}.${REVISION_NUM}"
           --win-menu
           --win-dir-chooser
           --win-shortcut-prompt
@@ -253,7 +282,7 @@ jobs:
           JP_WIXWIZARD_RESOURCES: ${{ github.workspace }}/dist/win/resources # requires abs path, used in resources/main.wxs
           JP_WIXHELPER_DIR: ${{ github.workspace }}\appdir
       - name: Sign MSI with Azure Trusted Signing
-        if: inputs.sign || github.event_name == 'release' || github.event_name == 'schedule'
+        if: inputs.sign || github.event_name == 'schedule'
         uses: ./.github/actions/win-sign-action
         with:
           base-dir: ${{ github.workspace }}\installer
@@ -262,8 +291,12 @@ jobs:
           tenant-id: ${{ secrets.AZURE_TENANT_ID }}
           client-id: ${{ secrets.AZURE_CLIENT_ID }}
           client-secret: ${{ secrets.AZURE_CLIENT_SECRET }}
+      - id: sha256sum
+        run: |
+          read -ra CMD_OUTPUT < <(sha256sum installer/Cryptomator-*.msi)
+          echo "value=${CMD_OUTPUT[0]}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
       - name: Add possible alpha/beta tags and architecture to installer name
-        run: mv installer/Cryptomator-*.msi Cryptomator-${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}-${{ matrix.arch }}.msi
+        run: mv installer/Cryptomator-*.msi "Cryptomator-${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}-${{ matrix.arch }}.msi"
       - name: Create detached GPG signature with key 615D449FE6E6A235
         run: |
           echo "${GPG_PRIVATE_KEY}" | gpg --batch --quiet --import
@@ -283,7 +316,9 @@ jobs:
   build-exe:
     name: Build .exe installer
     runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
-    needs: [ get-version, build-msi ]
+    needs: [ build-msi ]
+    outputs:
+      sha256sum: ${{ steps.sha256sum.outputs.value }}
     strategy:
       matrix:
         include:
@@ -330,10 +365,10 @@ jobs:
         shell: pwsh
       - name: Download WinFsp
         run: |
-          curl --silent --fail-with-body --proto "=https" -L ${{ env.WINFSP_MSI }} --output $env:WINFSP_PATH
-          $computedHash = (Get-FileHash -Path $env:WINFSP_PATH -Algorithm SHA256).Hash.ToLower()
-          if ($computedHash -ne "${{ env.WINFSP_MSI_HASH }}") {
-            throw "Checksum mismatch for $env:WINFSP_PATH (expected ${{ env.WINFSP_MSI_HASH }}, got $computedHash)."
+          curl --silent --fail-with-body --proto "=https" -L "$env:WINFSP_MSI" --output $env:WINFSP_PATH
+          $computedHash = (Get-FileHash -Path "$env:WINFSP_PATH" -Algorithm SHA256).Hash.ToLower()
+          if ($computedHash -ne "$env:WINFSP_MSI_HASH") {
+            throw "Checksum mismatch for ${env:WINFSP_PATH} (expected ${env:WINFSP_MSI_HASH}, got $computedHash)."
           }
         env:
           WINFSP_PATH: 'dist/win/bundle/resources/winfsp.msi'
@@ -347,7 +382,7 @@ jobs:
         run: >
           wix build
           -define BundleName="Cryptomator"
-          -define BundleVersion="${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerNum }}.${{ needs.get-version.outputs.revNum}}"
+          -define BundleVersion="${VERSION_NUM}.${REVISION_NUM}"
           -define BundleVendor="Skymatic GmbH"
           -define BundleCopyright="(C) 2016 - 2026 Skymatic GmbH"
           -define AboutUrl="https://cryptomator.org"
@@ -356,12 +391,13 @@ jobs:
           -ext "WixToolset.Util.wixext"
           -ext "WixToolset.BootstrapperApplications.wixext"
           ./bundle/bundleWithWinfsp.wxs
-          -out "../../installer/unsigned/Cryptomator-Installer.exe"
+          -out "../../installer/Cryptomator-Installer.exe"
       - name: Detach burn engine in preparation to sign
+        if: inputs.sign || github.event_name == 'schedule'
         run: >
-          wix burn detach installer/unsigned/Cryptomator-Installer.exe -engine tmp/engine.exe
+          wix burn detach installer/Cryptomator-Installer.exe -engine tmp/engine.exe
       - name: Sign WiX burn engine with Azure Trusted Signing
-        if: inputs.sign || github.event_name == 'release' || github.event_name == 'schedule'
+        if: inputs.sign || github.event_name == 'schedule'
         uses: ./.github/actions/win-sign-action
         with:
           base-dir: ${{ github.workspace }}\tmp
@@ -372,10 +408,13 @@ jobs:
           client-id: ${{ secrets.AZURE_CLIENT_ID }}
           client-secret: ${{ secrets.AZURE_CLIENT_SECRET }}
       - name: Reattach signed burn engine to installer
-        run: >
-          wix burn reattach installer/unsigned/Cryptomator-Installer.exe -engine tmp/engine.exe -o installer/Cryptomator-Installer.exe
+        if: inputs.sign || github.event_name == 'schedule'
+        shell: pwsh
+        run: |
+          Move-Item -Path installer/Cryptomator-Installer.exe -Destination tmp/Cryptomator-Installer.exe
+          wix burn reattach tmp/Cryptomator-Installer.exe -engine tmp/engine.exe -o installer/Cryptomator-Installer.exe
       - name: Sign EXE installer with Azure Trusted Signing
-        if: inputs.sign || github.event_name == 'release' || github.event_name == 'schedule'
+        if: inputs.sign || github.event_name == 'schedule'
         uses: ./.github/actions/win-sign-action
         with:
           base-dir: ${{ github.workspace }}\installer
@@ -385,8 +424,12 @@ jobs:
           tenant-id: ${{ secrets.AZURE_TENANT_ID }}
           client-id: ${{ secrets.AZURE_CLIENT_ID }}
           client-secret: ${{ secrets.AZURE_CLIENT_SECRET }}
+      - id: sha256sum
+        run: |
+          read -ra CMD_OUTPUT < <(sha256sum installer/Cryptomator-*.exe)
+          echo "value=${CMD_OUTPUT[0]}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
       - name: Add possible alpha/beta tags to installer name
-        run: mv installer/Cryptomator-Installer.exe Cryptomator-${{ needs.get-version.outputs.semVerStr }}-${{ matrix.executable-suffix }}.exe
+        run: mv installer/Cryptomator-Installer.exe "Cryptomator-${VERSION_NUM}${VERSION_SUFFIX}-${{ matrix.executable-suffix }}.exe"
       - name: Create detached GPG signature with key 615D449FE6E6A235
         run: |
           echo "${GPG_PRIVATE_KEY}" | gpg --batch --quiet --import
@@ -405,12 +448,9 @@ jobs:
 
   publish:
     name: Publish installers to the github release
-    if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/') && github.event.action == 'published'
+    if: github.event_name == 'workflow_call'
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     needs: [ build-msi, build-exe ]
-    outputs:
-      download-url-msi-x64: ${{ fromJSON(steps.publish.outputs.assets)[0].browser_download_url }}
-      download-url-exe-x64: ${{ fromJSON(steps.publish.outputs.assets)[2].browser_download_url }}
     steps:
       - name: Download installers
         uses: actions/download-artifact@3e5f45b2cfb9172054b4087a40e8e0b5a5461e7c # v8.0.1
@@ -420,43 +460,10 @@ jobs:
         id: publish
         uses: softprops/action-gh-release@153bb8e04406b158c6c84fc1615b65b24149a1fe # v2.6.1
         with:
+          draft: true
           fail_on_unmatched_files: true
           token: ${{ secrets.CRYPTOBOT_RELEASE_TOKEN }}
-          # do not change ordering of filelist, required for correct job output
           files: |
             *x64.msi
             *x64.exe
             *.asc
-
-  allowlist-msi-x64:
-    uses: ./.github/workflows/av-whitelist.yml
-    needs: [ publish ]
-    with:
-      url: ${{ needs.publish.outputs.download-url-msi-x64 }}
-    secrets: inherit
-
-  allowlist-exe-x64:
-    uses: ./.github/workflows/av-whitelist.yml
-    needs: [ publish, allowlist-msi-x64 ]
-    with:
-      url: ${{ needs.publish.outputs.download-url-exe-x64 }}
-    secrets: inherit
-
-  notify-winget:
-    name: Notify for winget-release
-    if: needs.get-version.outputs.versionType == 'stable'
-    needs: [publish, get-version]
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    steps:
-      - name: Slack Notification
-        uses: rtCamp/action-slack-notify@e31e87e03dd19038e411e38ae27cbad084a90661 # v2.3.3
-        env:
-          SLACK_WEBHOOK: ${{ secrets.SLACK_WEBHOOK_CRYPTOMATOR_DESKTOP }}
-          SLACK_USERNAME: 'Cryptobot'
-          SLACK_ICON: false
-          SLACK_ICON_EMOJI: ':bot:'
-          SLACK_CHANNEL: 'cryptomator-desktop'
-          SLACK_TITLE: "MSI packages of ${{ github.event.repository.name }} ${{ github.event.release.tag_name }} published."
-          SLACK_MESSAGE: "Ready to <https://github.com/${{ github.repository }}/actions/workflows/winget.yml| release them to winget>."
-          SLACK_FOOTER: false
-          MSG_MINIMAL: true
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 25b940a11..e6fe7f1f1 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -8,9 +8,10 @@ The changelog starts with version 1.19.0.
 Changes to prior versions can be found on the [Github release page](https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator/releases).
 
 
-## [Unreleased](https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator/compare/1.19.1...HEAD)
+## [Unreleased](https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator/compare/1.19.2...HEAD)
 
-No changes yet.
+### Changed
+* Refactored release pipeline to allow immutable releases ([#4205](https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator/pull/4205))
 
 
 ## [1.19.2](https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator/releases/1.19.2) - 2026-03-20