> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/best-practices/update-bactobox-r-software.md).

# Update BactoBox® software

This page teaches you how to download and install the latest BactoBox® software update.

{% hint style="success" %}

## Latest BactoBox® software is <code class="expression">space.vars.SW\_LATEST\_RELEASED\_VER</code>

Keep your BactoBox® software up to date. Follow [update BactoBox® software](/best-practices/update-bactobox-r-software.md).

See what [changed in <code class="expression">space.vars.SW\_LATEST\_RELEASED\_VER</code>](/software/bactobox-r-software-changelog.md) and the [software update FAQ](/software/miscellaneous/software-update-faq.md).
{% endhint %}

## Quick clip :zap:

From software **v2026.06**, Access fetches and installs the **latest software from the cloud** in one click. On earlier software this option is not available yet, so you install a specific **`.swu` file** instead (the steps below). That also brings you up to a version that has the cloud option.

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/J7G6NJSu9sdIYiuF5e81" alt=""><figcaption><p>From v2026.06: <em>Software update</em> → <em>Latest</em> → <em>Install latest</em>.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/Gg9o4QkfUs7vEawLu68i" alt=""><figcaption><p>Before v2026.06: install a specific <code>.swu</code> file, as shown in the steps below.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

## Step by step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Download the software update file

Click the button below to download the latest [software update (.swu) file](/software/file-formats/swu-file.md) to your computer:

<a href="https://www2026.sbtinstruments.com/wp-content/uploads/swu/bactobox-2026.06.swu" class="button primary" data-icon="file-arrow-down">Download v2026.06</a>

This software update file works for [hardware v7.5 and later](/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r-hardware-changelog.md).

{% hint style="success" %}

## Installing an alpha or beta version? Create a backup first!

[Create a backup](/software/access/pages/backup-and-restore.md) before you install [pre-release software](/software/miscellaneous/pre-release-software.md). This ensures that your data is safe from any [bugs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_bug) in the pre-release software.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Connect to Access

Follow the instructions in [Connect to Access](/best-practices/connect-to-access.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Navigate to the *Software update* page

Click *Software update* in Access' [page navigation](/software/access/components/page-navigation.md).

<figure><img src="/files/UqQJVmCvzHSkKQWvERFt" alt=""><figcaption><p>Access with the <em>Software update</em> page open.</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Update the software on BactoBox®

Drag-and-drop the software update file into the field.

**The software update starts immediately and takes 2–5 min.**

<img src="/files/BF1GVMXLQpxllfDDG2vF" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### That is it!

When the installation is done, your BactoBox® prompts you to restart the device.

On the first start after a software update, you may see a data migration phase. This can take another 5–10 min. Once migration is done, your BactoBox® shows the *Ready* screen as usual.

{% hint style="danger" %}

### Ran into trouble?

See [Can not connect to Access](/troubleshooting/power-on-works-but.../can-not-connect-to-access.md) for guidance.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


---

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