ESP32 C3 built-in USB ports don't work on Win7/8

[audiomodder]

I have recently designed a project using the ESP32-C3F (specifically this:https://sparkleiot.com/static/upload/fi ... 723741.pdf, the "XH-C3F"), especially because of its D+/D- onboard programmable pins.

However, it did not work, and only after hours of troublehsooting my PCB layout and code, did I find that this new USB feature is not supported by Windows 7/8!

There seems to be a driver provided by your company, but it does not work either:
https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp ... _jtag.html

On Windows 7 the ESP32-C3 simply does not show up on any COM port, and only shows up as a JTAG device. The above driver was a real headache to install using command-prompt, and did not fix the issue either. I also tried Zadig (https://zadig.akeo.ie/) which did not fix it.

I confirmed my board works fine and programs on Windows 10 and Linux machines.

To confirm:

• all my system drivers and installed and working

• all my other MCUs (arduino, regular ESP32 with UART bridge) work fine and show up as COM port

• this board with XH-C3F will show up as COM port and work fine on Win10 or Linux. Broken on Windows 7 machine (and likely Windows 8)

• device manager shows no errors, when plugged in it does not show COM port, only JTAG

Can Espressif please provide a working driver to make this chip program on Windows 7 and 8 machines? Something with a install file would be appreciated.

[ESP_Sprite]

Not sure if we still support Windows 7 to begin with... but it seems someone else already fixed up some inf drivers.

[audiomodder]

Not sure if we still support Windows 7 to begin with... but it seems someone else already fixed up some inf drivers.

Thank you for that link!!! awesome, it described exactly the issue I've been having. Will give it a shot.
Note, be careful with Zadig driver installs. I tried this and bricked the USB ports on my PC by corrupter the base HID Driver. not fun.

Appreciate your help!

[audiomodder]

I just want to ask if someone out there can add these very useful drivers to the official documentation page ?

https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp ... _jtag.html

The drivers currently supplied there do not work for Win7. This community provided solution works like a charm though:
https://github.com/kutukvpavel/Esp32-Win7-VCP-drivers

Thanks!