# Device Manager Does Not Recognize ESP32-C3-Mini **URL:** \ **Category:** 3rd Party Boards\ **Created:** [June 11, 2026, 11:22pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069 "2026-06-11T23:22:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![esp32-c3user](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/esp32-c3user/32/1274517_2.png) [@esp32-c3user](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/esp32-c3user)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2026, 11:22pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/1 "2026-06-11T23:22:08Z")
Me creating an account is kind of a last resort for me, but I genuinely cannot find a solution to this. When I plug in my [ESP32-C3-Mini([https://documentation.espressif.com/esp32-c3-mini-1\_datasheet\_en.pdf](https://documentation.espressif.com/esp32-c3-mini-1_datasheet_en.pdf)), it shows up as an unknown device: ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/9/5/4/9546a7ca9b6e3961a5baecf606c27ad2d2df3b3e.png) When clicking on it, one of 3 codes show up: 1, 18, and 28, but they all result in the same error. Whenever I try to reinstall/update the driver, I always get the same error: ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/b/1/0/b107cddbff7e84f5f9275acf7362455e8806e027.png) I've tried both the automatic and manual methods for installing this driver (the CH340), but they all give frustratingly vague errors. I've tried installing directly via the manufacturer and again, gives a pointless and vague error: ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/d/8/6/d86fbef51190859821ebf4966b343c210fcf39ac.png) For some reason, the driver manufacturer's webpage won't load in any language: ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/d/5/c/d5c220e963b305661c24c2350ea02346d16bb318.png) It doesn't matter if I try uninstalling then reinstalling with/without the board plugged in. Same thing if I try to do it through the Device Manager. I've also tried several different USB-A to micro-USB type A cables plugged into different spots in my computer and still nothing. I've also tried multiple different ESP32-C3s and they all have the same problem. I've scoured online for answers, but I haven't seen anything about the device not being recognized like this or this specific error. I saw a thread about using a cable that's for data transfer, which [my cables do have data transfer listed](https://www.amazon.com/Android-JSAUX-Charger-Braided-Compatible/dp/B07H91JTCD?th=1). I can't switch to micro-USB C since my ESP32-C3 uses a micro-USB type A port. I'm currently using Windows 11. I'm genuinely at a loss and I have to figure this out because this is time-sensitive for me. If anyone knows anything about this, please, I seriously need some advice, thank you! ---
**Author:** ![sonofcy](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/sonofcy/32/1283617_2.png) [@sonofcy](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/sonofcy)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 12:51am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/2 "2026-06-12T00:51:00Z")
First look at the Related topics at the bottom of the page. My memory is not so good but I think this has come up a few times and IIRC you will need to install an older version, but first check ![Screenshot 2026-06-11 at 20.49.41](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/a/0/2/a0294951b85d10f02b201cd7f85a793057659f1e.png) If that still does not help, use the search box to search on CH340 ---
**Author:** ![esp32-c3user](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/esp32-c3user/32/1274517_2.png) [@esp32-c3user](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/esp32-c3user)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 1:49am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/3 "2026-06-12T01:49:06Z")
Thank you for the quick response, but unfortunately, I did mention I've already scoured the internet, and that includes this forum. None of the related topics have the same kind of error as me, their solutions just didn't work, or there was never a solution found in that thread. Same goes for manually searching CH340 on this forum. For example: installing the 2019 version of the CH340 driver instead. Neither that or the 2024 version work for me: ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/5/b/2/5b29fb5683e55cac67c455f870e1e9ee9b16acf4.png) ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/7/0/8/7088e2e8447bebdb5c7a70f24ef4c7bbe0fe253a.png) I've also tried system restores and completely deleting the driver files from my System32 folder. That's why I made this thread: I genuinely couldn't find a solution online after hours of searching. ---
**Author:** ![sonofcy](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/sonofcy/32/1283617_2.png) [@sonofcy](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/sonofcy)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 2:23am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/4 "2026-06-12T02:23:42Z")
The main reason I left windows for Mac is device manager. I assume you have looked at the chip on the esp32. Googling the exact ch340 model as in CH340G often yields better results. I am out of ideas, if as you say you have followed the very detailed instructions the gurus posted in the related topics, there is nothing more I can add. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![sonofcy](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/sonofcy/32/1283617_2.png) [@sonofcy](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/sonofcy)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 2:28am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/5 "2026-06-12T02:28:26Z")
OP posted wrong board, ignore the following. I followed your link in post 1 and found the following ![Screenshot 2026-06-11 at 22.25.58](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/e/0/6/e06c27f8022c488e3d0d69041c4a1caa3a3ffcab.png) I am fairly certain that chip is a CP2102N. Maybe try that driver. ---
**Author:** ![sonofcy](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/sonofcy/32/1283617_2.png) [@sonofcy](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/sonofcy)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 2:33am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/6 "2026-06-12T02:33:38Z")
OP posted wrong board, ignore the following. I asked google what chip your esp32 uses, and this is it's answer ![Screenshot 2026-06-11 at 22.30.26](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/1/e/1/1e1f96f2f7b8e81c81e1c07e172afe7f44049246.png) Answer with ![Screenshot 2026-06-11 at 22.32.53](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/b/a/e/bae00e7e406339016701a8d3cb4254a40da8d9ed.png) the result of that is lengthy so I leave it to you to follow those instructions. ---
**Author:** ![sonofcy](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/sonofcy/32/1283617_2.png) [@sonofcy](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/sonofcy)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 2:38am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/7 "2026-06-12T02:38:08Z")
OP posted wrong board, ignore the following. I downloaxded the Code zip and expanded it. You can see the entry for esp32-usb-jtag ![Screenshot 2026-06-11 at 22.36.03](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/c/6/3/c636ea466f9c7c3744097cc160c45fcf1f0c89f6.png) I am NOT positive, but in the last few minutes of following the bread crumbs this appears to be what is needed. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![ptillisch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ad7895/32.png) [@ptillisch](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/ptillisch)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 2:54am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/8 "2026-06-12T02:54:13Z")
> [@esp32-c3user](#): > > For some reason, the driver manufacturer's webpage won't load It is working for me now. I have occasionally found the WCH website to be down when trying to access it over the years. It is generally back up by the time I check it again later. Alternatively, you can fall back to using their primary site: > **[Nanjing Qinheng Microelectronics Co., Ltd.](https://www.wch.cn/)** > > 沁恒是一家基于自研专业接口IP、微处理器内核IP构建一体化芯片的集成电路设计企业。主要产品包括USB/蓝牙/以太网接口芯片和连接型/互联型/无线型MCU，产品侧重于连接、联网和控制。 This site uses the Chinese language, but if that is a problem you can just use Google Translate (or your machine translation service of choice) to translate the website to your preferred language. ---
**Author:** ![esp32-c3user](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/esp32-c3user/32/1274517_2.png) [@esp32-c3user](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/esp32-c3user)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 3:08am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/9 "2026-06-12T03:08:21Z")
My camera refuses to take a clear picture, but no, the chip directly on the board in my hand clearly has WCH CH340C on it. Not only that, but I do have an ESP32 DOIT DevKit V1 and ESP8266 and both of those work fine with their CP210x drivers. Also, I apologize, but I do not trust Google's AI summaries. Those are very prone to misinformation/hallucinations. I'm also not quite sure what "Code zip" you're referring to or where you downloaded it from. ---
**Author:** ![sterretje](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/sterretje/32/391294_2.png) [@sterretje](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/sterretje)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 3:23am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/10 "2026-06-12T03:23:19Z")
> [@esp32-c3user](#): > > the chip directly on the board in my hand clearly has WCH CH340C on it. But why do you post a link to a board that clearly uses a CP2102? [ESP32-C3-DevKitM-1 - ESP32-C3 - — esp-dev-kits latest documentation](https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-dev-kits/en/latest/esp32c3/esp32-c3-devkitm-1/user_guide.html) does not seem to be the board that you have. * * * Did your board ever work as expected? Note that you can install the driver for the CH340 without connecting the board; you should get a message in the line of "driver pre-installed successfully". ---
**Author:** ![esp32-c3user](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/esp32-c3user/32/1274517_2.png) [@esp32-c3user](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/esp32-c3user)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 3:45am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/11 "2026-06-12T03:45:59Z")
> [@sterretje](#): > > Note that you can install the driver for the CH340 without connecting the board; you should get a message in the line of "driver pre-installed successfully". Yes, that was another thing I tried, as I mentioned here: > [@esp32-c3user](#): > > It doesn't matter if I try uninstalling then reinstalling with/without the board plugged in. Same thing if I try to do it through the Device Manager. It says it pre-installed the driver correctly, but when I plug the ESP32-C3 back in, it still shows up as an unknown device. > [@sterretje](#): > > But why do you post a link to a board that clearly uses a CP2102? [ESP32-C3-DevKitM-1 - ESP32-C3 - — esp-dev-kits latest documentation](https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-dev-kits/en/latest/esp32c3/esp32-c3-devkitm-1/user_guide.html) does not seem to be the board that you have. I just realized that I mistook the C3 Mini for the DevkitM-1, that is completely my bad. They looked similar. Thank you for pointing that out! > [@sterretje](#): > > Did your board ever work as expected? No, this was me trying to test it. ---
**Author:** ![esp32-c3user](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/esp32-c3user/32/1274517_2.png) [@esp32-c3user](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/esp32-c3user)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 3:57am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/12 "2026-06-12T03:57:48Z")
When I uninstalled the CH340 driver completely, the Device Manager says it cannot find any drivers, but also says there are no compatible drivers for the device: ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/c/3/7/c37280c6b7b7512bd71b22677411d1bfae2004fb.png) I cannot understate how frustrating these error messages are because they give next to no detail. ---
**Author:** ![sterretje](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/sterretje/32/391294_2.png) [@sterretje](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/sterretje)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 5:01am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/13 "2026-06-12T05:01:17Z")
Can you find the VID and PID of the device. In your screenshot in post #12 there is a _details_ tab. In that tab, select _Hardware Ids_. Below for a (connected) CH340; it shows VID 1A86 and PID 7523. ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/4/e/a/4eaf0ef548f6a12be4c73bee33b3a35a4cd97df9.png) Please post the VID and PID here. You you also can search the web; I often use [https://devicehunt.com](https://devicehunt.com) (there are others). Select _USB_ for the type and fill in the numbers that you found. ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/0/6/b/06b2058a7e7380f1d9c88b2eb4ecc817b87eda90.png) And another question (might already have been asked). Do you have a link to the actual product that you have? ---
**Author:** ![esp32-c3user](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/esp32-c3user/32/1274517_2.png) [@esp32-c3user](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/esp32-c3user)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 5:28am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/14 "2026-06-12T05:28:53Z")
The IDs I got were: USB/VID\_1A86&PID\_7523&REV\_0264 USB/VID\_1A86&PID\_7523 I tried that site you linked, but both orders of those numbers yield no results: ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/e/0/c/e0c92b52194fbf644209b220aa0f11cdb8f3d883.png) ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/2/c/3/2c35ea1be64e9fc70ca60f41affcbd32e84db557.png) Here's the direct product link for the board: [Amazon.com: ESP32 ESP32-C3 ESP-WROOM-32 Development Board Kits, 15 GPIO CH340 Micro USB WiFi + Bluetooth Dual Cores Microcontroller Processor Compatible with Arduino IDE NodeMCU : Electronics](https://www.amazon.com/ESP32-C3-GPIO-Micro-USB-Microcontroller/dp/B0D9LFCDKD?crid=XEK1CMVJKLH8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hwmbzMxff1oKj8r9F_HHGLjvIh85lTCfUqbSlBUHV_-uGv6D16MB4dl_h2N9KtC4wTxTPm1-hOndM1hkU_3M1wwVGNMTD0rKk1xbEXwL6lkLV5GTiK3idf3Mzoo_jBYvdxQp6M6b7s3T_8zsBkRsKbFnVghsWrlk99CQ8YoVf2M.kZb14x6B9aaWGOTOCNu8UWf0Avq7WIWDsjduUxKhyYY&dib_tag=se&keywords=esp32C3&qid=1780074731&sprefix=esp32c%2Caps%2C157&xpid=Lx2mVJp7_a1sI&th=1) Specifically the M-1. One interesting thing I found while fiddling is when I tried to install a driver through Zadig, it gave me a slightly more specific error: ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/e/0/3/e03b469a7ca6bef1cc05c09ae6706bb6d6205b71.png) > Driver Installation: FAILED (Another installation is detected pending) What installation is pending? I have no idea, but this better than, "Installation failed!" ---
**Author:** ![ptillisch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ad7895/32.png) [@ptillisch](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/ptillisch)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 5:34am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/15 "2026-06-12T05:34:03Z")
> [@esp32-c3user](#): > > I tried that site you linked, but both orders of those numbers yield no results: The "vendor ID" (VID) is `1a86`. The "device ID" ( PID, for "product ID") is `7523`. The `0264` is a hardware revision number. That number is not generally something we find a use for, and it is not utilized by the website `@sterretje` directed you to. The VID/PID pair alone is sufficient to identify the model of the USB chip. ---
**Author:** ![esp32-c3user](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/esp32-c3user/32/1274517_2.png) [@esp32-c3user](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/esp32-c3user)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 5:37am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/16 "2026-06-12T05:37:19Z")
After adjusting based on that, it is beyond a shadow of a doubt a CH340 serial device: ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/optimized/4X/f/b/f/fbf7f946b45b791f9af04048b50e3b491f39421f_2_690x37.png) But unfortunately, I'm not sure how this information can be used to get my PC to recognize the device since I've already tried installing the CH340 in multiple ways. ---
**Author:** ![ptillisch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ad7895/32.png) [@ptillisch](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/ptillisch)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 5:39am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/17 "2026-06-12T05:39:43Z")
> [@esp32-c3user](#): > > it is beyond a shadow of a doubt a CH340 serial device I concur. ---
**Author:** ![sterretje](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/sterretje/32/391294_2.png) [@sterretje](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/sterretje)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 6:35am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/18 "2026-06-12T06:35:40Z")
> [@esp32-c3user](#): > > I tried that site you linked, but both orders of those numbers yield no results: You did not enter the correct numbers 😉 The 0264 is the revision. ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/d/b/c/dbc53cef54fcb97dd59f3aef447fce39b3d827cb.png) And [CH340 serial converter — USB 1A86:7523 — DeviceHunt](https://devicehunt.com/view/type/usb/vendor/1A86/device/7523) is the result. Based on the numbers that you gave I do not know why Windows would have a problem, specifically because your other boards seem to work with the same driver; only thing might be the revision of the chip (your 0264). So I unfortunately can't help further. ---
**Author:** ![Wawa](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/wawa/32/1211303_2.png) [@Wawa](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Wawa)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 10:20am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/19 "2026-06-12T10:20:01Z")
An ESP32- **C3** does not need a CH340 chip. It doesn't have a dual-core processor either (a C3 is single-core). Something fishy going on with that Amazon board. ---
**Author:** ![Brazilino](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/brazilino/32/1198404_2.png) [@Brazilino](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Brazilino)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2026, 10:48am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069/20 "2026-06-12T10:48:08Z")
> [@Wawa](#): > > Something fishy going on with that Amazon board. Agreed... ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/9/5/b/95b0502d0ffa38c461a173ac1ffedfd04c5a940d.png) [Next page](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/device-manager-does-not-recognize-esp32-c3-mini/1448069.md?page=2)