diff --git a/build/scripts/create_release.ps1 b/build/scripts/create_release.ps1
index 1f9abaa..2cec0ab 100644
--- a/build/scripts/create_release.ps1
+++ b/build/scripts/create_release.ps1
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 # Create Forgejo Release with Binary Assets
-# Usage: .\create_release.ps1 -Version 1.0.0
+# Usage: .\create_release.ps1 [-Version 1.0.0]
+# If -Version is not provided, it will be read from src/webdrop_bridge/__init__.py
 # Uses your Forgejo credentials (same as git)
 # First run will prompt for credentials and save them to this session
 
@@ -24,6 +25,37 @@ param(
 
 $ErrorActionPreference = "Stop"
 
+# Function to read version from .env or .env.example
+function Get-VersionFromEnv {
+    # PSScriptRoot is build/scripts, go up to project root with ../../
+    $projectRoot = Resolve-Path (Join-Path $PSScriptRoot "..\..")
+    
+    # Try .env first (runtime config), then .env.example (template)
+    $envFile = Join-Path $projectRoot ".env"
+    $envExampleFile = Join-Path $projectRoot ".env.example"
+    
+    # Check .env first
+    if (Test-Path $envFile) {
+        $content = Get-Content $envFile -Raw
+        if ($content -match 'APP_VERSION=([^\r\n]+)') {
+            Write-Host "Version read from .env" -ForegroundColor Gray
+            return $matches[1].Trim()
+        }
+    }
+    
+    # Fall back to .env.example
+    if (Test-Path $envExampleFile) {
+        $content = Get-Content $envExampleFile -Raw
+        if ($content -match 'APP_VERSION=([^\r\n]+)') {
+            Write-Host "Version read from .env.example" -ForegroundColor Gray
+            return $matches[1].Trim()
+        }
+    }
+    
+    Write-Host "ERROR: Could not find APP_VERSION in .env or .env.example" -ForegroundColor Red
+    exit 1
+}
+
 # Handle --ClearCredentials flag
 if ($ClearCredentials) {
     Remove-Item env:FORGEJO_USER -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
@@ -61,11 +93,11 @@ if (-not $ForgejoUser -or -not $ForgejoPW) {
     Write-Host "Tip: Credentials will persist until you close PowerShell or run: .\create_release.ps1 -ClearCredentials" -ForegroundColor Gray
 }
 
-# Verify Version parameter
+# Verify Version parameter - if not provided, read from .env.example
 if (-not $Version) {
-    Write-Host "ERROR: Version parameter required" -ForegroundColor Red
-    Write-Host "Usage: .\create_release.ps1 -Version 1.0.0" -ForegroundColor Yellow
-    exit 1
+    Write-Host "Version not provided, reading from .env.example..." -ForegroundColor Cyan
+    $Version = Get-VersionFromEnv
+    Write-Host "Using version: $Version" -ForegroundColor Green
 }
 
 # Verify files exist