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.

Fat

Have you tried (for example) python esptool.py --help? – Neurogenic

I’ve resolved the problem by using ‘py -m esptool help’ command. Thank you anyway. – Fat

@Fat helped me also so thanks! – Lucillalucille

Answer 1

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

Galling

Answer 2

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

Crisper

WIndows 11: python -m esptool version – Hobard

Answer 3

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...

Ardine

I needed to use esptool.py for a script - this surprisingly works. Thanks – Lemma

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.

Raymond

While this link may answer the question, it is better to include the essential parts of the answer here and provide the link for reference. Link-only answers can become invalid if the linked page changes. - From Review – Calandracalandria

Answer 5

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

Amortizement

this wouldn't help in the op's case – Lucillalucille