Set Up to Code Online With Windows

1. Plug the USB cable into your Board and then to the USB Port on your computer.

If your kit has a USB cable that slides onto the board, make sure that the cable is turned so that "stripes match the stripes" on your cable and your board.

Your computer should automatically install the needed software for your board to “talk” to your computer.

This automatic process may take a few minutes to complete, depending on your computer and internet speed.

2. Check if the software was automatically installed on your computer.

X No Board Selected

A. Make sure you only have one tab of the Let’s Start Coding website open in your browser at a time. If you have more than one tab open, they may “compete” for the connection to your board.

If you see “No compatible devices found." when you click the board connection button, skip to step 4.

3. If you have connected your board, click the button below, select your kit, and complete project “00” to test your first upload! You don’t need steps 4 or 5.

 

4. If you saw “No compatible devices found" when you clicked the board connection button, try each step, then test step 3 again before going to the next step.

A. Make sure your board is plugged in and has a steady green power light glowing. If not, make sure the connection is snug and the USB cable is turned the right way like in the graphic above.

B. Wait a few more minutes. Windows will almost always install the needed software automatically.

C. Unplug your board from your computer and restart it. This may finalize the automatic software installation. Once the computer has restarted, plug your board back in. This may prompt the computer to automatically install the software it needs. Try step 3 again.

D. Continue to step 5 to manually install the driver software on your Windows computer. Please note that manual installation may be restricted on work or school computers, but the automatic installation often works.

 

5. Install the FTDI driver for your computer by clicking the button below to start the download.

After installation, go back to step 3 and try connecting your board again. If that still doesn’t work, restart your computer once more and try step 3 a final time.

Teachers: If you have trouble completing the setup when logged in to a student's account, try completing this one-time setup with your own login. Some school IT policies prevent students from installing drivers on their computers.

 

Still having trouble after trying all the parts of step 4 and 5? Fill out the form below and we will help!