How do I connect the micro:bit to my computer?

The micro:bit can be connected to your computer or device with a micro USB cable that is capable of data transfer (not just charging). Data can be sent and received between the BBC micro:bit and the computer so programs can be downloaded from Windows, Mac, ChromeOS (Chromebooks) and Linux (including Raspberry Pi) onto the micro:bit via this USB data connection.

Connect the small end of the cable to your micro:bit and the other end to your computer's USB port. The micro:bit will show up as a disk drive called MICROBIT

If you don't see the MICROBIT drive..

1. Check that the USB cable is capable of data transfer and try another cable

2. Try another computer

3. See if the micro:bit will mount as in MAINTENANCE mode, by holding down the power/reset button as you plug it in.

4. Check the operating system to see if the drive has mounted, but isn't showing up:

Windows -  open Device Manager and look under Disk Drives

Mac OS  - open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities

Chrome OS - Open the Files app.

Ubuntu  - open Disks

Raspbian - open File Manager

In each utility above the micro:bit should be listed as an external drive.

Disconnecting

To disconnect the micro:bit, remove the USB cable from the device or the computer. 

The micro:bit will store the last program that was running on it, so you can safely remove the USB and the next time you plug it in, the program will start running again.

The micro:bit will also eject itself when it reset and then reconnect. This happens each time it is flashed with a new program.

*You will see the messages below which are normal on each operating system..

On Windows, you may receive a "Select to choose what happens with removable drives" notification.

On macOS, you may receive a "Disk Not Ejected Properly" notification.