Install the Arduino IDE on Windows

Requirements

• A Windows computer (Windows 10 or newer for the current IDE).
• An internet connection to download the installer.
• A USB cable and an Arduino board to use it.

Step 1: Download the Arduino IDE

Open the official Arduino website, go to the Software page and download the Windows installer.

Step 2: Install

1. Run the installer.

   

2. Accept the license agreement.

   

3. Choose the installation options. Keep the defaults.
4. Choose the install location.

   

5. Click Install. If Windows asks to install USB drivers, allow it.

   

6. Click Finish when it is done.

   

Step 3: Check the installation

Open the Arduino IDE from the Start menu. Go to Help, then About Arduino IDE to see the version.

Use the IDE

1. Code editor. Where you write your sketch.
2. Output window. Shows messages, errors and warnings.
3. Message area. Shows information about the current action.

Write your first sketch (blink an LED)

void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH);   // turn the LED on
  delay(1000);              // wait for a second
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);    // turn the LED off
  delay(1000);              // wait for a second
}

1. Connect the board with the USB cable.
2. Choose your board under Tools, then Board, and the port under Tools, then Port.
3. Click the Upload button (the arrow). The LED on pin 13 starts to blink.

Notes

• You must select the specific board before you upload.
• If the board is not found, install its USB driver, or try another USB cable or port.
• Add extra libraries from Sketch, then Include Library, then Manage Libraries.

Quick recap

• Download the installer from arduino.cc and run it.
• Select the board and port, then upload a sketch.
• Use the Library Manager for extra libraries.