Installing Arduino IDE
This page will show you how to install and test the Arduino software with a Windows operating system (Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, and XP).
- Go to the Arduino download page and download the latest version of the Arduino software for Windows.
- When the download is finished, un-zip it and open up the Arduino folder to confirm that yes, there are indeed some files and sub-folders inside. The file structure is important so don't be moving any files around unless you really know what you're doing.
- Power up your Arduino by connecting your Arduino board to your computer with a USB cable (or FTDI connector if you're using an Arduino pro). You should see the an LED labed 'ON' light up. (this diagram shows the placement of the power LED on the UNO).
Drivers for Arduino Uno on Windows
Installing the Drivers for the Arduino Uno (from Arduino.cc)
- Plug in your board and wait for Windows to begin it's driver installation process
- After a few moments, the process will fail, despite its best efforts
- Click on the Start Menu, and open up the Control Panel
- While in the Control Panel, navigate to System and Security. Next, click on System
- Once the System window is up, open the Device Manager
- Look under Ports (COM & LPT). You should see an open port named "Arduino UNO (COMxx)". If there is no COM & LPT section, look under 'Other Devices' for 'Unknown Device'
- Right click on the "Arduino UNO (COMxx)" or "Unknown Device" port and choose the "Update Driver Software" option
- Next, choose the "Browse my computer for Driver software" option
- Finally, navigate to and select the Uno's driver file, named "ArduinoUNO.inf", located in the "Drivers" folder of the Arduino Software download (not the "FTDI USB Drivers" sub-directory). If you cannot see the .inf file, it is probably just hidden. You can select the 'drivers' folder with the 'search sub-folders' option selected instead.
- Windows will finish up the driver installation from there
For earlier versions of the Arduino boards (e.g. Arduino Duemilanove, Nano, or Diecimila) check out this page for specific directions.
Drivers for RedBoard on Windows
If you are using a RedBoard programmed for Arduino, please go to How to Install FTDI Drivers, for specific instructions on how to install the drivers.
Launch and Blink!
After following the appropriate steps for your software install, we are now ready to test your first program with your Arduino board!
- Launch the Arduino application
- If you disconnected your board, plug it back in
- Open the Blink example sketch by going to: File > Examples > 1.Basics > Blink
- Select the type of Arduino board you're using: Tools > Board > your board type
- Select the serial/COM port that your Arduino is attached to: Tools > Port > COMxx
- If you're not sure which serial device is your Arduino, take a look at the available ports, then unplug your Arduino and look again. The one that disappeared is your Arduino.
- With your Arduino board connected, and the Blink sketch open, press the 'Upload' button
- After a second, you should see some LEDs flashing on your Arduino, followed by the message 'Done Uploading' in the status bar of the Blink sketch.
- If everything worked, the onboard LED on your Arduino should now be blinking! You just programmed your first Arduino!
This guide from Arduino has some more details and troubleshooting tips if you get stuck.