A fatal esptool.py error occurred: Cannot configure port!

This tutorial is short summarizes on common issues with ESP8266 or ESP32 arduino base boards. It usually happens while tinkering with Arduino IDE and ESP chips. 

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

Common Problem:

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) "

1. We might have 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.

2. If you already have a ch340 driver in your computer but still have an issue, you can uninstall existing ch340 driver first and freshly install the driver then you are good to go!

3. In certain situations, to solve this issue we need to uninstall CH340 driver ( CH341SER.ZIP) and install the old version driver (Windows-CH340-Driver.ZIP 2016/11/30) and it will solve this issue.

This issue usually happen on Window 11 and by installed again the ch34xx driver it will worked

4. You may see this message on Arduino IDE monitor once it can upload to the board

5. Example of board that might have this issue

Wemos D1 Mini ESP8266 Dev Board

WiFi UNO Based ESP8266

NodeMCU Lua V3 ESP8266 WIFI with CH340C

WiFi UNO Based ESP32