Updating VEX EXP Brain Firmware in Web-based VEXcode EXP – VEX Library

Updating your firmware with App-based VEXcode EXP? See this article.

Many VEX EXP products contain their own internal processors and run on a special Operating System. This software is the VEX EXP Firmware and is called VEXos.

Note: VEXcode EXP can only update the firmware on the EXP Brain when connected to a device via a USB cable. Web-based VEXcode EXP does not support updating the firmware on the EXP Brain when using an iPad, Android, or Fire tablet.

What is Firmware?

This Operating System is written entirely by VEX Robotics, and harnesses the flexibility and power of VEX hardware for the diverse needs of education and the rigors of competition. The Brain will automatically push out the latest updates to any EXP device that is connected to it.

Why Should I Update?

There are several reasons why you should update your VEX EXP Brain’s firmware with the latest VEXos, some of these include:

Each update of VEXcode EXP will require the latest version of the VEXos firmware installed on the Brain before user programs can be downloaded.
VEXos updates will include fixes for known bugs and add the software which is needed to operate any new devices introduced into the VEX EXP line.
Updates allow for advanced programming features.
The best way to ensure that your VEX EXP system is functioning properly is to keep the software up to date.

How to Update Brain Firmware

VEXcode EXP application icon.

First ensure no other applications that work with VEX hardware are open in the background - such as App-based VEXcode EXP or Visual Studio Code.

EXP Brain that is connected to a laptop with a USB cable.

Make sure the Brain is properly wired to your computer and powered on.

Once the Brain is connected, launch Web-based VEXcode EXP.

VEXcode EXP Out of Date Firmware prompt with a message that reads Your VEX EXP Brain's firmware is out of date and needs to be updated. Do you want to update now? There are two buttons below, one reads No and the other reads Update.

After connecting the brain to Web-browser VEXcode EXP (visit the Connect to the Brain section for more information). If the Brain's firmware is out of date, you will receive a prompt and the Brain icon will turn orange in the Toolbar.
You can update the Brain's firmware in VEXcode EXP by selecting the ‘Update’ button. Or by opening the Brain Icon in the toolbar and selecting 'Update'.

VEXcode EXP Updating Firmware prompt with a progress bar and a message that reads Updating Firmware.

Wait while the firmware updates.

VEXcode EXP Firmware Updated prompt with a message that reads Update Complete, Please reconnect to your EXP Brain. There is an OK button below.

The update will complete, then you will need to reconnect your Brain (see this section for help connecting).

VEXcode EXP with a green Brain icon on the Toolbar to indicate that the Brain's firmware is up to date. The Brain dropdown menu is open and the VEXos version is shown without an Update button next to it.

Once your firmware has been updated, the Brain icon will turn green.