Arduino Software / IDE Setup
Download & Install the Arduino IDE
- Go to the official Arduino Software page.
- Download Arduino IDE 2.x for your operating system.
- Run the installer and accept the default options (on Windows, allow the driver installation prompts — these install the standard Arduino drivers).
- Open the IDE and confirm it launches correctly — check Help → About Arduino IDE to see the installed version.
💡 Tip: The IDE is also available as a portable ZIP and an app store package, but the installer is recommended for first-time setup.
Confirm Arduino Boards Are Available
Official Arduino boards (Uno, Nano, Mega, and the rest of the Uno R4 / Nano family) ship built into the IDE — unlike third-party boards (ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi Pico), there's no Boards Manager URL to add.
- Open Tools → Board → Arduino AVR Boards (or Arduino Renesas UNO R4 Boards for the newer Uno R4).
- Confirm you see your board listed — e.g. Arduino Uno, Arduino Nano, Arduino Mega or Mega 2560.
If your board isn't listed (e.g. a newer official board not in this IDE version), open Tools → Board → Boards Manager, search Arduino, and update the "Arduino AVR Boards" or "Arduino Renesas UNO R4 Boards" package to the latest version.
Setting up a non-Arduino board (ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi Pico) in the same IDE install? Each of those guides shows the specific Boards Manager URL to add — see ESP32 & ESP8266 Setup or Raspberry Pi Pico Setup.
Next: Run Your First Program
With the IDE installed, connect your board and upload your first sketch.
➡️ Continue to First Program Guide
