# 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](/protocols/best-practices/update-bactobox-r-software.md).

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

## Quick clip :zap:

<figure><img src="/files/Gg9o4QkfUs7vEawLu68i" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step by step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Download the software update file

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

<a href="https://www2026.sbtinstruments.com/wp-content/uploads/swu/bactobox-2026.02a.swu" class="button primary" data-icon="file-arrow-down">Download v2026.02a</a>

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

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

[Create a backup](/encyclopedia/software/access/pages/backup-and-restore.md) before you install [pre-release software](/encyclopedia/software/bactobox-r-software-changelog/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.
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{% step %}

#### Connect to Access

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

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

Click *Software update* in Access' [page navigation](/encyclopedia/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">
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{% 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.

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### Ran into trouble?

See [Can not connect to Access](/troubleshooting/power-on-works-but.../can-not-connect-to-access.md) for guidance.
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