Install the Arduino Software (IDE) on Windows PCs
This document explains how to install the Arduino Software (IDE) on Windows machines
Mar 03, 2019 Make sure you are plugging the power adapter into the IDE-USB Adapter and the power plug is plugged directly into the wall socket and not thru a power strip or extension cord as this diminishes the power.When the drive is powered up, you can put your ear next to.
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Download the Arduino Software (IDE)
Get the latest version from the download page. You can choose between the Installer (.exe) and the Zip packages. We suggest you use the first one that installs directly everything you need to use the Arduino Software (IDE), including the drivers. With the Zip package you need to install the drivers manually. The Zip file is also useful if you want to create a portable installation.
When the download finishes, proceed with the installation and please allow the driver installation process when you get a warning from the operating system.
Choose the components to install
Choose the installation directory (we suggest to keep the default one)
The process will extract and install all the required files to execute properly the Arduino Software (IDE)
Proceed with board specific instructions
When the Arduino Software (IDE) is properly installed you can go back to the Getting Started Home and choose your board from the list on the right of the page.
Last revision 2016/08/09 by SM
The text of the Arduino getting started guide is licensed under aCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License. Code samples in the guide are released into the public domain.
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Development boards such as the SparkFun RedBoard for Arduino and the Arduino Uno require special drivers or code that tells the computer how to interact with them. This guide is here to help you get this driver software installed as quickly as possible so you can get back to building circuits and learning about electronics!
These instructions apply to both the Arduino Uno, the Arduino Uno SMD, and the SparkFun RedBoard for Arduino.
Note: You should only have to complete this process one time. Once the correct drivers are installed, your board will be recognized by your computer every time you plug it in afterwards.
Note for Educators: You will most likely need to obtain administrative privileges from your network or IT administrator in order to install these drivers.
Scroll down to the corresponding section for whichever operating system (OS) you are using.
Windows
Plug the board into your computer. Windows will likely complain about the device not having the correct driver. It may attempt to find it. If you have never plugged in a similar device to your computer, it probably won't find a driver to use. Luckily, when you downloaded the Arduino IDE, it also came with all the necessary drivers.
To install the correct driver, open the Device Manger. This can be found be searching for 'device manager' in the start menu. Once Device Manager is open, you should see a device with a tiny yellow triangle and exclamation mark next to it.
If you plugged in a SparkFun RedBoard, it will look like the image on the left. Plugging in an Arduino Uno will result in the image on the right.
Right-click on the unknown device, and select Properties.
In the properties window, select Driver Details.
Select the Browse my computer for driver software option.
Navigate to the destination where you installed the Arduino IDE. On Windows, this will most likely be in your Program Files folder. Navigate to the drivers folder found inside the main Arduino folder. You can select the entire folder or the specific driver. needed Your path should look something like this but may vary:
Once the driver installation is complete, you should see the device reappear in the Device Manager window as a usable COM port. The number will vary depending on how many devices you have plugged into your computer. The RedBoard will appear as a
USB Serial Port
, as shown in the left image. The Uno will appear as an Arduino Uno
, as shown in the right image.In the Arduino IDE, you should see that same serial port available under Tools -> Port.
If you are experiencing problems, please see our in-depth instructions.
MacOS
Plug the board into your computer. Once plugged in, the operating system should recognize it as the appropriate device. In the Arduino IDE, click Tool -> Ports to ensure the device has been recognized. The SparkFun RedBoard will appear a
cu.usbserial-XXXXXX
device.The Arduino Uno will appear as a
cu.usbmodemXXXXXX
device.If you do not see an available serial port in the Arduino IDE after plugging in your board and waiting a moment, then you may need to install the drivers by hand. To do so, please see our in-depth instructions.
Linux
Plug the board into your computer. Once plugged in, the operating system should recognize it as the appropriate device. In the Arduino IDE, click Tool -> Ports to ensure the device has been recognized. The SparkFun RedBoard will appear a
ttyUSBXX
device.The Arduino Uno will appear as a
ttyACMXX
device.If you do not see an available serial port in the Arduino IDE after plugging in your board and waiting a moment, then you may need to install the drivers by hand. To do so, please see our in-depth instructions.