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How to fix Arduino problems on Windows 10/11
10 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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If you’re an advanced user, you might be familiar with hardware and software project calledArduino.
Arduinois similar toRaspberry Piin a way, but users reported problems withArduinoonWindows 10, so today we’re going to show you how to fix problems with yourArduinoonWindows 10.
Steps to fix Arduino issues on Windows 10
In most cases, you can quickly fixWindows 10Arduino bugs by installing the latest drivers manually. If this method fails to fix your issues, try using compatibility mode.
Now, if the issue persists, just follow the instructions listed below and we’re sure one of these solutions will help you fix the technical glitches you’re experiencing.
1. Run IDE as Administrator
Users reportedSerial port ‘COM4’ already in use try quitting any programs that may be using iterror messageon theirWindows 10PC.
Arduinocomes with its own IDE tool that allows you to program it, but it seems that users are unable to start the IDE due to thiserror.
To fix this problem on yourWindows 10PC, you need to start the IDE tool asadministrator. To do that, simply right click the IDE and chooseRun as administratorfrom the menu.
If running the IDE as administrator fixes the problem you’ll have to use this method every time you want to start the application.
If you want, you can set the application to always run with administrative privileges by following these steps:
After runningArduinoIDE as an administrator, the problem should be completely resolved.
2. Install thedrivermanually
Users reported that they can’t connect toArduinowith IDE, and that can be a major problem. In order to fix this issue, you need to installArduinodrivers manually, and you can do that by following these steps:
Few users reported that they are unable to install thedriverbecause it’s unsigned. This is a security measure by Windows designed to protect you from potentially maliciousdrivers.
By using this feature you can only installdriversthat are digitally signed and genuine to your PC. Unfortunately, few users reported that this feature caused the problem with Arduino drivers.
If you can’t installArduinodrivers on yourWindows 10PC we recommend that you turn off driver signature enforcement feature by following these steps:
NowWindows 10will start normally and you’ll be able to install unsigneddriverswithout any problems.
You might encounter a warning while trying to install an unsigneddriver, but you’ll still be able to install Arduinodriverwithout any problems.
3. Change your date
Few users reported issues while installing Arduinodriverson their system, and it seems that the problem was caused by an expired certificate.
This can prevent thedriverfrom being installed, but you should be able to fix the problem simply by changing your date.
To do that onWindows 10, follow these steps:
4. Connect the device to a different PC
According to users, ifWindows 10can’t recognize yourArduinoyou might want to connect it to a different PC that runs an older version of Windows. Users reported that their device was recognized after connecting it to a different PC.
After finding the Arduino model, they were able to download thedriverand install the device on theirWindows 10PC.
5. Install the necessary certificates
If you can’t installArduinodrivers on yourWindows 10PC, you might have a problem withdrivercertificates. You can easily fix that by installing the necessary certificates on your PC. To do that, you need to follow these steps:
After the certificate is installed you should be able to installArduinodrivers without any problems.
6. ReinstallArduinodrivers
Users reported that they keep gettingCan’t open devicemessage when they try to start theirArduino.
Apparently, this issue is caused by yourdrivers, and one of the simplest ways to fix this problem is to reinstall yourdrivers. To do that, follow these steps:
After deleting thedriver, simply download the latest version of thedriverand install it on your PC. By doing that alldriver-relatedissues withArduinowill be resolved.
7. Check if the proper board is selected
According to users, you can getCan’t open deviceerror messageif you don’t select the proper board fromArduinoIDE. To avoid this problem be sure to go to Tools section and select the appropriate board.
8. Turn on/off Compatibility mode
Users reportedNo serial port name definederror messageinArduinoIDE, and according to them, this issue is caused by Compatibility mode.
This feature is extremely useful if you want to run older software onWindows 10, but sometimes using the Compatibility mode can lead to certain issues.
To fix this problem withArduino, you need to disable Compatibility mode by doing the following:
Some users claim that you can fix this problem by runningArduinoIDE in Compatibility mode for Windows 98/Me.
To do that, repeat the steps above and make sure that you checkRun this program in compatibility mode foroption. Select an older version of Windows, and clickApplyandOKto save changes.
9. End LVPrcSrv.exe process
Users reported thatArduinosoftware freezes when they try to upload a program, and this can be a major problem for users.
Apparently, Logitech process called LVPrcSrv.exe is causing thiserrorto appear and in order to fix it you need to end this process from Task Manager. To do that, follow these simple steps:
If LVPrcSrv.exe is causing this problem on your PC, you’ll have to end this process every time you want to runArduinosoftware on your PC.
10. RunArduinobat file
According to users, they are gettingArduinohas encountered a problem and needs to closeerror messageon their PC when trying to startArduinoby running the arduino.exe file.
To avoid this problem you can simply startArduinoby double clicking the run.bat file. Keep in mind thatArduinoenvironment can be sometimes slow to start, so you’ll have to be patient.
11. Don’t run cygwin
Users reported that certain issues can occur if you try to compile a sketch inArduinowhile having cygwin running in the background. To avoid this problem on your PC, you can simply turn off cygwin while usingArduino.
If that doesn’t help, you might have to delete cygwin1.dll from theArduinodirectory and replace it with a cygwin1.dll from your cygwin directory.
12. Disable certain devices
Few users reported thatArduinosoftware takes a long time to start and it seems frozen when you try to open Tools menu. This issue is caused by other devices that can create COM ports on your PC.
A good example of these devices areBluetoothdevices, so if you one of these devices available, be sure to disable it from Device Manager. To do that, you need to follow these steps:
After disabling these devices the loading time ofArduinosoftware should improve.
13. Check if your device is working properly
According to users, issues withArduinoboard can occur if your device is broken, therefore it’s advised to try it on a different PC. If you can, be sure to try the device on different computers with different operating systems.
If the issue appears on all devices, it means that yourArduinoboard is faulty and you should replace it as soon as you can.
As you can see, there are all sorts of problems withArduinoandWindows 10, but in most cases, you should be able to fix these problems simply by installing the properdriveror by checking your security certificates.
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More about the topics:Arduino,windows 10 fix
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
