Applies to Launch Control XL 3 connected to a Mac or Windows PC.
If you need to update or re-install the firmware for Launch Control XL 3, follow the steps below.
1. Connect Launch Control XL 3
Novation Components is not compatible with mobile and tablet devices. To connect to Novation Components, you can use a Mac or Windows PC.
Firstly, if you are using Launch Control XL 3 with a Windows PC, you'll need to install the Novation USB driver available from the downloads page:
Launch Control XL 3 | Novation Downloads
Use the included USB cable to connect the Launch Control XL 3 directly to your computer.
If you need to use a different USB cable, make sure it meets the following spec:
- USB-A to C or USB-C to C
- USB 2.0 (480Mbps) or above
- No longer than 2 metres or 6 ft
- USB-IF certified
We generally advise against using USB hubs or adapters, as these can cause connection issues. If you are having trouble connecting, make sure you are connecting Launch Control directly to one of your computer's USB ports — without any hubs or adapters — using a cable that meets the spec above.
2. Open Novation Components
You can use Components to update the firmware for Launch Control XL 3. There are two versions of Components: the standalone application that you can install on your computer, or the web-based version that you can use in supported web browsers.
For general information on managing Custom Modes and using Launch Control XL 3 with Components, see this guide: Launch Control XL 3 Components guide.
You can download the standalone version here:
Download Components Standalone
Alternatively, you can access the web-based version in browsers that support web MIDI such as Chrome, Opera, and Microsoft Edge from this link:
If you are using a browser, you may need to allow the page to access your MIDI devices, as prompted when first loading the page.
If, after completing the steps above, you find that Launch Control XL 3 does not appear in Components, click this link to skip to If the firmware update fails.
3. Update the firmware
If no update is needed when you open Components, you will see Up to date in the top right and a Manage Launch Control XL 3 button.
If a firmware update is available, you will be prompted to update on the hub page before proceeding, and Update required will appear in the top right.
To start the firmware update, press the flashing yellow Play button on Launch Control XL 3 when prompted. When you press Play, all the buttons on the left of Launch Control will begin flashing green to indicate when the firmware is being installed. Do not disconnect the Launch Control XL 3 while the firmware is installing.
If Components doesn't receive confirmation from Launch Control XL 3, you can try again. Should you find that Components keeps timing out while waiting for you to confirm installation, click this link to skip to If the firmware update fails.
Once this is complete, you will see an Update successful screen, with release notes for the update and a Manage Launch Control XL 3 button.
You can also check that the firmware is up-to-date by going to the user menu in the top right (or top left on smaller screens) of the Components window.
If the firmware update fails
For various reasons, the firmware update may fail. If it does, you can try the following steps:
1. Go to the Components hub page.
This is the first page you see when you open Components, either by going to components.novationmusic.com, or by opening Components standalone.
2. Start Launch Control XL 3 in Bootloader mode
Power the device on in Bootloader mode by pressing and holding the Page and Page
buttons whilst connecting the USB cable.
3. Reinstall the firmware
Now that you're in Bootloader mode, you should see the Reinstall firmware button. Click this and wait for the firmware to install.
Unlike the regular firmware update, you do not need to press the Play button in this instance. The update will begin automatically, indicated by the green lights flashing down the buttons on the left of the Launch Control, and the screen reading “Receiving App…”. Do not disconnect the Launch Control XL 3 while the firmware is installing.
4. Troubleshoot the connection
If the update still fails in Bootloader mode, try the following:
- Connect Launch Control XL 3 to a different USB port
- Test another USB cable*
- Do not use a USB hub or USB adapter*
- Try installing the firmware using a different computer
*See 1. Connect Launch Control XL 3 for the required spec of USB-A to C or USB-C to C cable.
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