How to Install CH343 Drivers

Use Case:
The CH343 chip is commonly used in low-cost USB-to-serial devices (e.g., Arduino-compatible boards, sensor modules). If your device is not recognized when connected to a computer, manually install the driver.

Installation Steps

1. Download the Driver

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to WCH (Nanjing QinHeng) Electronics’ driver download page: https://www.wch.cn/downloads/CH343SER_EXE.html.
   
2. Select Your OS Version:
   • Windows: Choose CH343SER_WIN.zip (32-bit or 64-bit).
   • macOS: Download CH34xSER_MAC.zip (typically compatible with CH343).
     https://www.wch-ic.com/downloads/CH34XSER_MAC_ZIP.html
     
   • Linux: Kernel 4.x+ usually includes built-in drivers; no manual installation needed.

2. Windows Installation

Disable Driver Signature Enforcement (Windows 8/10/11 Only)

1. Hold Shift and click Restart to enter Advanced Startup.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. Press 7 or F7 to select Disable driver signature enforcement.
   • Image Suggestion:
     File Name: windows_startup_settings.png
     Alt Text: “Windows Advanced Startup menu with ‘Disable driver signature enforcement’ highlighted.”

Install the Driver

1. Extract the downloaded driver files (e.g., CH343SER_WIN).
2. Connect your device to a USB port.
3. Open Device Manager and locate the unrecognized device labeled USB2.0-Ser! with a yellow exclamation mark.
   • Image Suggestion:
     File Name: device_manager_warning.png
     Alt Text: “Device Manager showing an unrecognized USB device with a yellow exclamation mark.”
4. Right-click the device > Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers > Select the extracted driver folder.
5. Check Include subfolders, then click Next to complete installation.

3. macOS Installation

1. Extract CH34xSER_MAC.zip.
2. Open Terminal and check existing drivers:bash ls /Library/Extensions | grep usb If usbserial.kext or wchxxx.kext exists, uninstall the old driver first.
3. Double-click CH34xVCPDriver.pkg and follow the installation prompts.
   
4. Restart your computer. Check for the serial port (e.g., /dev/cu.wchusbserialxxx).

4. Verify Installation

• Windows: Device Manager shows USB-SERIAL CH343 (COMx).
• macOS/Linux: Run ls /dev/cu.* in Terminal to list serial ports.
  • Image Suggestion:
    File Name: terminal_ls_dev.png
    Alt Text: “Terminal output showing detected CH343 serial port (e.g., /dev/cu.wchusbserial541A).”
• Arduino IDE: Confirm the port appears under Tools > Port.

Troubleshooting

Driver Installation Fails

• Windows:
  • Ensure driver signature enforcement is disabled.
  • Run the installer as Administrator.
• macOS:
  • Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and allow software from WCH.CN.
    
  • More detail Instructions
    

Device Not Recognized

• Try a different USB cable or port.
• Check for insufficient power (some modules require external power).

Notes

• Driver Compatibility: CH343 drivers are not interchangeable with CH340/CH341.
• Firmware Updates: Some devices may require firmware upgrades for latest driver support (refer to vendor docs).
• Linux Workaround: Manually load the driver with sudo modprobe ch343.