> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dwe.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# stellarHD Firmware Update Guide
> A guide on how to update your stellarHD cameras to the latest firmware and choose between **leader** or **follower** mode.
## Install the Firmware Loader
Download and run the installer, then launch the **DWE Firmware Loader**.
DWEFirmwareLoader.exe
> Linux-compatible tool coming soon!
## Firmware Update Procedure
The Firmware Loader automatically detects your connected camera. If your camera is not recognized, follow the **Recovery Mode** tab instead.
After plugging in your camera, click the **refresh icon** in the top-right corner so the loader scans for it. Once detected, it shows a green **Device Detected** card with the model, current firmware version, and role (`Leader` or `Follower`). If a newer version exists, an **Update available** badge appears.
Open the **Version** dropdown and pick the correct role for this camera:
* **Follower** — for the follower camera in the pair.
* **Leader** — for the leader camera in the pair.
Always choose the **(latest)** version unless you have a specific reason not to.
Once the correct version is selected, click **Flash Firmware**.
Do not close the application, unplug the camera, or open any application that may use the camera until the update is complete.
The progress bar shows **Uploading firmware…**, which should take around 20-30 seconds.
When you see **Firmware burning success!**, the update is complete.
Use Recovery Mode if the loader shows a yellow **Unknown Device Detected** warning instead of the green card. This can happen if a previous update was interrupted.
In Recovery Mode the loader cannot verify your camera model, so you must select the correct hardware profile yourself. **Flashing firmware for the wrong board can permanently brick your device.**
After plugging in your camera, click the **refresh icon** in the top-right corner so the loader scans for it. The loader displays **Unknown Device Detected**. The **Device Type** shows *Select hardware profile target* and no version is available yet.
Open the **Device Type** dropdown and select the profile that matches your camera — **stellarHD**, **stellarHD Elite**, or **explore3D**.
In the **Version** dropdown, choose the correct role (**Leader** or **Follower**) for this camera. Remember each pair needs exactly one of each.
Click **Force Recovery Flash**.
Do not close the application, unplug the camera, or open any application that may use the camera until the update is complete.
The progress bar shows **Uploading firmware…**, which should take around 20-30 seconds.
When you see **Firmware burning success!**, the recovery is complete.
## Test your camera
You can test the camera using our online tool below.
Convenient tool to test your USB camera feeds.
## Troubleshooting
1. Ensure the stellarHD is the **only** camera plugged in.
2. If on a laptop, temporarily disable the built-in webcam in **Device Manager**.
3. Close any application that may be using the camera, then click the refresh icon in the top-right of the loader.
4. If it still isn't recognized, follow the **Recovery Mode** steps above.
If the flash was interrupted (application closed, camera unplugged, etc.), reconnect the camera and follow the **Recovery Mode** steps above to reflash.