Updating the emulator

[blung2502]

Is there any way to simply update the emulator itself rather than constantly downloading the newest build and adding all the games back into it? It's kind of a pain in the ass (I know, first world problems).

[Garteal]

You can update to a newer Dolphin version without doing anything and without losing any of your current settings since they are stored in the Global User Directory which is in Documents/Dolphin Emulator if you haven't changed anything.
If you want to specify where the Global User Directory should be, then read the guide.