Firmware Install

Jul 2026

Introduction

The firmware installation is pretty simple, but it's a manual process, unlike the RPi Pico where Thonny can do it for you. First we need to get the lasted firmware file, you can get this from the link below.

https://micropython.org/download/WAVESHARE_RP2040_ZERO/

Note: this firmware is for the Waveshare (or compatible) RP 2040 device. I am using a Tenstar RP2040-Zero from AliExpress, and this firmware works with that.
*NOTE* You can use the Raspberry Pi Pico Firmware, but if you do things like the NeoPixel will not work.
Download the latest .UF2 file (at time of writing WAVESHARE_RP2040_ZERO-20260406-v1.28.0.uf2)
While holding down the BOOT button, plug the board in to your computer USB, a window will open.
Copy the downloaded firmware file to the window that just opened.
Once the file is copied, the RP2040 will automatically reboot.
Once the unit reboots, it will come back and the onboard LED will be illuminated White (or a very light blue, not sure).