is a "bootloader installer". It must be flashed directly to the Gotek's internal STM32 or AT32 chip using a serial connection.

After installation, the device will be ready to use with floppy disk images stored on the USB stick. If you have added an OLED or LCD screen, note that these screens will remain blank until the firmware is fully installed—this is normal behavior.

While the flashing process requires patience, a steady hand for wiring, and careful attention to software settings, mastering it gives you complete control over your HxC device. Keep your programmer handy, always download fresh .hex files from the official HxC forum, and never hesitate to re-flash when something feels wrong.

Standard factory firmware on generic Gotek drives often has limited compatibility and poor user interfaces. By using the Hxc-fw-installer.hex to switch to HxC firmware, users gain:

Even with careful planning, issues can arise. Here are solutions to some common problems.

Ensure the file matches your specific HxC device model (e.g., Rev C, SD, USB).

A mature, widely used solution with over a decade of development. Preparing for Installation: Prerequisites

This is an alternative method for users who prefer a different connection type, or if the USB cable method is not working.