> 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/more/software/update-bactobox-r-software.md).

# Update BactoBox® software

Install the latest software on your BactoBox® from Access, or download the update file.

{% hint style="success" %}

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

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 %}

Keep your BactoBox® software up to date. From software v2026.06, Access installs the latest software in one click. On older software, or without an internet connection, [install from a software update file](#install-from-a-software-update-file) instead.

<a href="https://nucleo.sbtinstruments.com/swupdate/bactobox-2026.09.swu" class="button primary" data-icon="file-arrow-down">Download v2026.09</a>

{% hint style="danger" %}

### Save your CIZE data before you update to v2026.09

v2026.09 calibrates CIZE, so new values cannot be compared with values from earlier software. After the update, your BactoBox® hides all CIZE values recorded before it. Export them first.

1. In *Access*, open each *Growth curve* measurement group.
2. Click *Export CSV*.

Already updated? [Contact us](https://sbtinstruments.com/contact) and we will help you get your CIZE data back.
{% endhint %}

## Install the latest software

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Connect to Access

Follow [Connect to Access](/more/software/connect-to-access.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
On a Mac? *Access* works on a Mac from software v2026.09. If your BactoBox® runs older software, use a Windows computer for the update.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Open the *Software update* page

Click *Software update* in the side bar. The page shows the software version on your BactoBox®.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FM4SxP2vS7Lx3onb9tyPG%2F17-software-update.png?alt=media&#x26;token=289fdbcc-f934-4357-9feb-73d27ce877fa" alt="The Software update page in Access."><figcaption><p>The <em>Software update</em> page in Access.</p></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Click *Install latest*

Access fetches the latest software from the cloud and installs it on your BactoBox®. This needs an internet connection. The update takes 2–5 min.

If the page says *Your device already has the latest software*, your BactoBox® is up to date.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Restart your BactoBox®

When the installation is done, your BactoBox® asks you to restart it. On the first start after an update, your BactoBox® may migrate its data. This takes another 5–10 min. Then your BactoBox® shows the *Ready* screen as usual.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Run a QC test

Run a QC test before you measure. It calibrates CIZE for the mounted flow cell. See [QC test](/maintenance/qc-test.md).
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="danger" %}

### Ran into trouble?

See [Cannot connect to Access](/troubleshooting/other-problems/cannot-connect-to-access.md) or [Software update failed](/troubleshooting/other-problems/software-update-failed.md).
{% endhint %}

## Install from a software update file

Use this route if your BactoBox® runs software older than v2026.06, or has no internet connection. Before v2026.06, Access has no *Install latest* button. Install a [software update (.swu) file](/software/file-formats/swu-file.md) instead. That also brings your BactoBox® to a version with the one-click update.

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

   <a href="https://nucleo.sbtinstruments.com/swupdate/bactobox-2026.09.swu" class="button primary" data-icon="file-arrow-down">Download v2026.09</a>
2. Connect to Access and click *Software update* in the side bar. If you see the tabs *Latest* and *Choose SWU file*, click *Choose SWU file*.
3. Drag and drop the file into the field. The update starts at once and takes 2–5 min.
4. Restart your BactoBox® when it asks you to.
5. Run a [QC test](/maintenance/qc-test.md) before you measure.

{% hint style="warning" %}

### Installing an alpha or beta version? Back up first

[Back up your BactoBox®](/more/software/back-up-and-restore.md) before you install [pre-release software](/software/miscellaneous/pre-release-software.md). This keeps your data safe from bugs in the pre-release software.
{% endhint %}


---

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