Teaching students how to first download their code as a file and then transfer it to a micro:bit using drag and drop can be a great way to help them learn to use their computer’s file system and ensure they keep a local copy of their code. You will also use this technique when you want to transfer a pre-made program on to your micro:bit or you are using any browser other than Chrome or Edge.

• Download the program to your local computer as a hex file.
  • Select the link provided with pre-made programs on the microbit.org website to download them, or in MakeCode or the Python Editor, use the Save icon/button:

• Follow the steps in the video below:

As shown in the video:

• Connect your micro:bit to your computer with a USB cable
• Open Finder (Mac) / File explorer (Windows) and notice that your micro:bit is listed like a USB drive called MICROBIT.
• Find the downloaded program hex file (e.g. in your local downloads folder) and drag and drop this on to the MICROBIT drive.

After you transfer your .hex file, the MICROBIT drive will disconnect and reconnect as the micro:bit resets. If you look at the contents of the MICROBIT drive, you will not see the .hex file listed, this is normal.