esptool.py not recognized as internal or external command, operable program or batch file

Question

I recently tried to load MicroPython on ESP8266 board, but failed. To do that I had to install esptool. I successfully installed it but when I wanted to use it, it would not work.

For instance,

esptool.py --help
'not recognized as internal or external command, operable program or batch file'

I found many questions on this topic, but none of the answers helped me. I tried adding everything to the Windows path and it still did not work.

Answer 1

I was in the same position as the OP. On Windows 10 I must use this syntax at a CMD prompt launched as an admin:

py -m esptool --help

I'm running Python 3.10.2 and esptool was installed using

py -m pip install --user pip

Answer 2

pip3 install esptool (Administration Mode)

Problem :

C:\WINDOWS\system32>esptool --chip esp328266 -p COM3 erase_flash 'esptool' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

AFTER DOING THIS

C:\WINDOWS\system32>pip3 install esptool
Collecting esptool Downloading esptool-3.1.tar.gz (175 kB)

----------Successfull----------------------

C:\WINDOWS\system32>esptool.py --chip esp8266 -p COM3 erase_flash esptool.py v3.1 Serial port COM3 Connecting.... Chip is ESP8266EX Features: WiFi Crystal is 26MHz MAC: e8:db:84:9b:5a:57 Uploading stub Running stub Stub running Chip erase completed successfully in 2.7s Hard resetting via RTS pin...

Answer 3

Try installing esptool using pip command on Windows. Then use only "esptool" instead of "esptool.py"

Answer 4

use https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json in board manager

DO NOT USE https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_index.json Gives eror '/esptool.exe' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Answer 5

By using "esptool -h" I could check the help option.