How to Upgrade the Operating System on a CompactRIO Controller

Updated Jul 29, 2026

Reported In

Hardware

  • CompactRIO Controller

Operating System

  • Windows Embedded Standard (WES)
  • NI Linux Real-Time

Issue Details

I want to make sure my CompactRIO Controller has the most recently released version of its operating system for security purposes. How do I upgrade the operating system?

Solution

The process for upgrading the operating system depends on whether your CompactRIO Controller has Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard (WES) or NI Linux Real-Time (LinuxRT) installed.

Windows Targets

Instructions on this process are included in the device's user manual. For example, if you are using the cRIO-9081, there is a section titled Installing an Operating System in the user manual, which outlines the steps.
 

NI Linux Real-Time Targets

Install the latest version of the CompactRIO Device Drivers compatible with the version of LabVIEW Real-Time installed on your CompactRIO Controller. This should then allow you to upgrade to the latest available firmware for your device.