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description: (For ProMicros, BitCs and EliteCs)
---

# Controller Flashing Guide - Atmel

Congratulations! You’ve just gotten yourself a shiny new keyboard kit, we’re here to show you how to flash your controller, the process of uploading the software for you keyboard to the controller! It can be a bit overwhelming if you’ve never done it before, but it really is simple!\


1.  Download and install QMK Toolbox.

    Go to [QMK’s release page](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_toolbox/releases) to download and run the latest version of QMK available by clicking on the qmk\_toolbox\_install.exe.                                                                                                                                         &#x20;

    <figure><img src="https://456586235-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6bjiReLol1HqmhjbjtT5%2Fuploads%2F3Xqatwew7Oaubg0GeGS7%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5369eece-97bc-4699-ba62-5c8853e75d37" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once QMK Toolbox has launched you will be prompted to download\
drivers, select yes, and in a few moments, you should see a window that looks something like this:

1.  Find and download the firmware for your keyboard.

    The best place to get the firmware for your keyboard is from [VIA](https://www.caniusevia.com/docs/download_firmware); providing your keyboard is supported, it will enable you to test all the keys on your board and even remap them to get your dream layout! If this isn’t the case the next best place to look would be on the build guide for your specific kit/keyboard.
2.  ![Graphical user interface, text

    Description automatically generated](https://456586235-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6bjiReLol1HqmhjbjtT5%2Fuploads%2FLRm4KV6knMh33QosZghc%2F3?alt=media)Selecting your controller and loading the firmware in QMK.

    Once you’ve got your firmware, go back to QMK and select ATmega32U4 from the MCU list in the top right.

    Next, select the ‘Open’\
    button next to the MCU\
    drop down and select your\
    downloaded keyboard\
    firmware. Once you’ve done\
    this, select the Auto-Flash\
    button and your QMK\
    Toolbox window should\
    now look roughly like this:
3.  ![A picture containing building, ground, red

    Description automatically generated](https://456586235-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6bjiReLol1HqmhjbjtT5%2Fuploads%2F8cxQjOtcSMBvsiHOdFtG%2F4?alt=media)Flashing the controller.

    Now you can finally plug in your controller! If you’re using an EliteC or BitC it should begin flashing automatically, if it doesn’t (or you’re using a ProMicro), read the next paragraph.

    Once plugged in there should be a red light\
    on the front of the controller, nothing will\
    change within QMK at this point. You will then\
    have to bridge a connection between the two\
    points on the controller that have been marked\
    on the image to the right, this can be done with\
    anything conductive that has two points such as\
    metal tweezers or a paperclip/staple.

![Text

Description automatically generated](https://456586235-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6bjiReLol1HqmhjbjtT5%2Fuploads%2FBEBTfbvkOA6c1j22UopL%2F5?alt=media)As soon as you tap these two points you should hear a disconnect and reconnect sound from windows. QMK will then proceed to install the firmware onto your controller, once complete, QMK will look something like this:

\
And that should be it! To double check that it’s worked, go to the devices and printers section of windows control panel and see if your device is listed:

![Graphical user interface, application

Description automatically generated](https://456586235-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6bjiReLol1HqmhjbjtT5%2Fuploads%2FwLzrlB4bVAMncXpvKPro%2F6?alt=media)
