# How to Flash Betaflight Firmware on Your Flight Controller
Keeping your flight controller’s firmware up-to-date is one of the most important maintenance tasks for any FPV pilot. The Betaflight team is constantly innovating, releasing new versions with improved flight performance, new features, and critical bug fixes. Flashing new firmware can seem intimidating, but it’s a straightforward process. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough.
## Before You Begin: Prerequisites
1. **Betaflight Configurator**: Download and install the latest version of the [Betaflight Configurator](https://github.com/betaflight/betaflight-configurator/releases) for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
2. **Correct Firmware Target**: You MUST know the exact target for your specific flight controller (e.g., `STM32F405`, `KAKUTEF7`). Flashing the wrong target can brick your FC. This is usually listed on the manufacturer’s product page.
3. **Backup Your Configuration**: Before flashing, connect to your flight controller in the Betaflight Configurator, go to the CLI, type `diff all`, and save the output to a text file. This is your backup.
## Step-by-Step Flashing Guide
| Step | Action | Description |
| :— | :— | :— |
| **1** | **Enter DFU Mode** | This is the most critical step. Disconnect the battery. With the FC connected to your computer via USB, you need to put it into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. This is usually done by holding down a small “boot” button on the FC while plugging in the USB cable. In the Betaflight Configurator, the port should now say `DFU`. |
| **2** | **Load Firmware** | In the Configurator, go to the “Firmware Flasher” tab. Select your FC’s target from the dropdown menu in the top left. Then, choose the latest stable Betaflight version you wish to flash. |
| **3** | **Flash Firmware** | Leave the flash options at their defaults (Full Chip Erase is recommended). Click the “Load Firmware [Online]” button to download it, then click the “Flash Firmware” button. |
| **4** | **Wait & Verify** | The flashing process will begin. You’ll see a progress bar. Do not unplug the USB cable during this process. Once it’s complete, the flight controller will automatically reboot. |
| **5** | **Restore Configuration**| After the FC reboots, connect to it in the Configurator. You will be greeted with a default configuration. Go to the CLI, paste the `diff all` contents you saved earlier, and press Enter. Type `save` and press Enter. Your drone’s configuration is now restored. |
## Product Recommendation: A Reliable Flight Controller
A successful flash starts with a high-quality flight controller. For pilots looking for a robust and easy-to-use FC that is well-supported by Betaflight, we highly recommend the **UAVMODEL F7 Pro Flight Controller**. Its clear boot button placement and reliable hardware make firmware updates a breeze.
## Video Walkthrough
For a visual guide on the process, check out this excellent tutorial from Joshua Bardwell: