A fatal esptool.py error occurred: Cannot configure port. PermissionError(13, 'A device attached to the system is not functioning.', None, 31)

Question

I am using a windows OS and I tried running a .ino code in arduino IDE for ESP8266 and came across the following error while trying to upload the code to ESP8266.

A fatal esptool.py error occurred: Cannot configure port, something went wrong. Original message: PermissionError(13, 'A device attached to the system is not functioning.', None, 31)

I got to know that this error is being encountered by many people right now. I've used arduino IDE with esp8266 for some time now and this is the first time such an error has popped up. And I think it has something to do with the libraries or drivers installed while setting up the arduino IDE for ESP8266.

• Tried disconnecting the ESP8266 from my laptop and reconnecting it to a different USB port.
• Tried resetting the esp8266 using the RESET button to check if it was because of the hardware.
• Tried running the Arduino IDE as an administrator.

Answer 1

I encountered a similar issue and was able to resolve it by installing the CH340_driver. The CH340 driver provides essential support for devices utilizing the CH340 chipset, ensuring proper communication with your computer.