Arduino has made it easy to build electronic projects and is very popular across the board. Even those without much experience find it convenient to use. Once you learn the fundamentals, you get access to a wide range of functionalities.
Our step-by-step tutorial will provide a guide on how to install the Arduino IDE on Windows. If you are new at using Arduino, take time to learn the different components to have an easy time installing it.
Let’s dive into it.
Here is what you will need
- Your computer
- An Arduino-compatible microcontroller
- USB cable
- Arduino software installation on your PC
Arduino Software Installation.
Install the Arduino software.
Go to your browser and input the relevant information to take you to the Arduino website.
Arduino website > download link > download page > Windows link
You will get a download file on your computer. Depending on the setup of your computer, it should automatically go to the downloads folder.
It is a zipped file, so you will need to extract the folder. Decide on where you want to save the folder. Once you unzip the file, confirm that you have the relevant Arduino folders inside.
Be careful about moving the files in the folder because you need to maintain the file structure. Only move them if you know exactly what it is you are doing.
Do note, the size of the file is quite large. You must, therefore, be patient and give it sufficient time to download completely.
Arduino Windows Driver Installation
The next part is to install the necessary window drivers for Arduino. This is what you need to do.
Connect Arduino to the computer via a USB cable. The square end goes into the Arduino while the flat end goes into your PC. A green LED light will show that there is a connection and power running from your PC to your Arduino.
You will notice that Windows will automatically try to install the drivers, but it will not complete the process. Do not waste time giving it time to look for the drivers. Simply close the wizard and move on to the installation process manually.
Now follow the steps below
- Click on the Windows menu button
- Right-click on Computer, which will appear on the menu
- Select Properties
- Start the Device Manager by clicking on it. The other way to get to the device manager easily is to type in devmgmt.msc in the search portal. It will automatically take you to the device manager window.
- When the device manager opens, you should easily locate Arduino under other devices.
- Right-click on Arduino Uno
- Select update driver software on the Pop-Up menu
- When the dialogue box opens, select browse my computer for driver software.
- Now click on the browse button
- Go to the driver’s folder that you had saved on your computer
- Select the next button
- Click install this driver software anyway
Give it some time to finish the installation. Once it is complete, you will get the notification that Windows has successfully updated your driver software.
At the top of your computer screen, you will see the communication Port. Take note of the configuration.
Enabling the Arduino software
You will not need to repeat the setup if you have already done it successfully. You may, however, need to do the setup again if you change the board or Port where you have collected the Arduino.
- Now go back to the folder you had downloaded and saved on your computer
- Double-click on the Arduino application. The file will download as Arduino.exe.
- Ensure that you select the correct Arduino board and, if necessary, change it
- Now refer to the Communication Port you had taken note of above and select the correct one.
Testing
It is important to test that you have done the installation correctly.
- Go back to your Arduino IDE
- Select the blink sketch
- To load the sketch onto Arduino, click on the upload button
- You will notice that the LED on your Arduino is blinking
- The blinking is proof that you have the installation correctly.
Create a Shortcut
To easily access what you have just installed, place the shortcut button on your desktop or start menu. It is a simple as:-
Go back to the folder > arduino.exe > right-click > create shortcut
Congratulations, you now have access to your Arduino on your Windows.
Troubleshooting Arduino
There are instances when you may try to upload programs, but it does not install successfully. Problems may arise due to incorrect drivers, not connecting the Serial Port and the board appropriately, and the kind of firmware in your Arduino, among others.
To check that you have the right drivers in your Arduino for the Windows installation is easy.
- Connect the Arduino to your computer
- Go to the device manager (use the steps we have shared above to access it).
- Update the drivers for the Arduino by right-clicking on the board.
Serial port access
If you find that your software is crashing or slow when you launch it, you may need to do the following.
- Go to the device manager.
- Disable serial ports for Bluetooth or networked COM ports. Every time you open your Arduino software, it automatically scans all the serial ports. Opening the tools menu may result in delays or crashes. Firewall software can also block access, so disable it.
Connections
You will know you have a proper connection when the LED light comes on.
- If it doesn’t, try to plug in the Arduino again.
- You do not need to connect the 0 and 1 Pins when you are installing the software.
- The other option is to ensure you have no other connection on the board other than the USB cable.
- Avoid having the board touch anything conductive or metallic.
- In some instances, the USB cable may be causing the issues, so use another one.
Final Thoughts
We have shared with you an easy-to-follow step-by-step tutorial on how to install Arduino IDE on Windows. If you experience or notice any problems when running the installation, try the troubleshooting tips.
