How To Install CH340 Drivers - Sparkfun Learn

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to install CH340 drivers on multiple operating systems if you need. The driver should automatically install on most operating systems. However, there is a wide range of operating systems out there. You may need to install drivers the first time you connect the chip to your computer's USB port or when there are operating system updates.

Watch a video walkthrough of this process

Required Materials

Depending on your application, the CH340 may be populated on a breakout or development board. Here are a few boards that use this particular USB-to-serial converter.

SparkFun Serial Basic Breakout - CH340C and USB-C

DEV-15096

This SparkFun Serial Basic Breakout is an easy-to-use USB-to-Serial adapter based on the CH340G and takes advantage of the ha…

$10.50

SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

DEV-15123

The SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic is an Arduino-compatible development board with a built in Qwiic connector, eliminating the need …

$21.95

SparkFun RedBoard Artemis

DEV-15444

The RedBoard Artemis takes the incredibly powerful Artemis module from SparkFun and wraps it up in an easy to use and familia…

$24.95

SparkFun RedBoard Artemis Nano

DEV-15443

The RedBoard Artemis Nano is a miniature extremely versatile implementation of the Artemis module.

$19.95

SparkFun Servo pHAT for Raspberry Pi

DEV-15316

The SparkFun Servo pHAT for Raspberry Pi allows your Raspberry Pi to control up to 16 servo motors in a straightforward manne…

$13.95

SparkFun Serial Basic Breakout - CH340G

DEV-14050

The SparkFun Serial Basic Breakout is an easy-to-use USB-to-Serial adapter based on the CH340G IC from WCH.

$9.25

SparkFun RedBoard Artemis ATP

DEV-15442

The RedBoard Artemis ATP has 48 GPIO and this board breaks out all of them in an Arduino Mega format.

$30.95

Accessories

You'll also need the correct USB cable to connect the board to your computer. You may need a jumper wires and a breadboard for prototyping.

USB Micro-B Cable - 6 Foot

CAB-10215

USB 2.0 type A to Micro-B 5-pin. This is a new, smaller connector for USB devices. Micro-B connectors are about half the heig…

$6.50

USB 3.1 Cable A to C - 3 Foot

CAB-14743

USB C is fantastic. But until we have converted all our hubs, chargers, and ports over to USB C this is the cable you're goin…

$7.95

Jumper Wires Premium 6" M/M Pack of 10

PRT-08431

This is a SparkFun exclusive! These are 155mm long, 26 AWG jumpers with male connectors on both ends. Use these to jumper fro…

$5.25

Suggested Reading

Before you begin this tutorial, you should have the Arduino IDE installed on your computer. Check out our Installing Arduino tutorial for a step by step guide.

Serial Communication

Asynchronous serial communication concepts: packets, signal levels, baud rates, UARTs and more!

Connector Basics

Connectors are a major source of confusion for people just beginning electronics. The number of different options, terms, and names of connectors can make selecting one, or finding the one you need, daunting. This article will help you get a jump on the world of connectors.

What is an Arduino?

What is this 'Arduino' thing anyway? This tutorials dives into what an Arduino is and along with Arduino projects and widgets.

Logic Levels

Learn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and logic levels.

Serial Terminal Basics

This tutorial will show you how to communicate with your serial devices using a variety of terminal emulator applications.

Alright, let's get to work! You can visit the next section to learn more about the CH340 and why you need the drivers, or you can skip straight to the operating system of your choice!