Machine Won't Connect (Windows)

This article explains how to connect a CNC machine to Easel on Windows, and what to do if it won't connect.

Quick answer

• Easel connects to your machine straight from your browser using Web Serial, shown in Easel as Quick Connect. It's also called a driverless connection. There's nothing to install, so it's the fastest way to get connected.
• Web Serial works in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Opera. It doesn't work while the Easel Driver is installed.
• To connect, click Carve, click Connect machine, choose your machine from the list and click Connect.
• Only install the Easel Driver if your machine won't connect with Web Serial, or if you want it to reconnect automatically every time.

Before you connect

• Turn on your machine and release the emergency stop.
• Plug your machine straight into your computer, not through a hub. Use a USB data cable. Some cables only charge devices and can't carry data.
• Open Easel in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Opera.

Step 1: Allow Easel to find devices on your network

Easel needs your browser's permission to connect to your machine, with or without the Easel Driver. When your browser shows easel.com wants to look for and connect to any device on your local network, click Allow (1).

If you blocked or closed the prompt:

1. Click the icon to the left of the Easel address in your address bar (1).
2. Turn on Local network access (2).
3. Refresh Easel and try connecting again.

If the setting won't turn on, click Reset permission (3), refresh Easel and click Allow when the prompt appears again.

Step 2: Connect your machine with Web Serial

1. Open your project and click Carve. Easel shows You're ready to connect.
2. Under Quick Connect, click Connect machine (1).

3. Your browser shows easel.com wants to connect to a serial port. Choose your machine from the list (1).
4. Click Connect (2).

Easel walks you through homing and setup, and then you're ready to carve.

I chose the wrong device

Click Carve again to reopen the device list and choose your machine. If Easel keeps connecting to the wrong device, click the icon to the left of the Easel address in your address bar, remove the device from the list, then refresh Easel and try again.

My machine asks me to reconnect every time

Some machines reconnect on their own the next time you open Easel. Others ask you to choose them from the list each time you plug them in. If you'd rather connect automatically every time, use the Easel Driver. See Connecting with the Easel Driver.

Troubleshooting

My machine isn't in the device list

Check that Windows can see your machine:

1. With your machine on, open Device Manager. Search for it, or right-click the Start button and choose it.
2. Open Ports (COM & LPT) and look for an entry like USB Serial Port (COM6)

• Nothing shows: make sure your machine is on, then try a different USB port. If it still doesn't show, try a different cable. Charge-only cables won't work.
• Your machine is under Other devices with a yellow warning icon: Windows needs the FTDI driver. See Installing the FTDI Driver (Windows only).
• Windows 11: some machines need the newest FTDI driver, which you install by hand. Download it from the FTDI VCP drivers page.
• ARM processors: some computers, like certain Surface models, need an ARM version of the FTDI driver. See ARM Processor FTDI Driver.

There's no Connect machine button

Make sure you're using Chrome, Edge or Opera, and that the Easel Driver isn't installed.

My machine won't connect, or Easel says it can't find my machine

Only one tab or program can use your machine at a time. Close any other Easel tabs and software like UGS or Candle, then try again. Also make sure your machine is on and the emergency stop is released.

I have the Easel Driver, but Easel shows You're ready to connect

Click Install driver under Prefer the Easel Driver? This switches Easel to the Easel Driver connection. See If Web Serial doesn't work: connect with the Easel Driver.

My machine connects but doesn't respond

Another program may be using the port. Close software like UGS or Candle and try again.

The connection drops during a carve

Windows may be turning off the USB port to save power. Turn off USB selective suspend: Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings > USB settings > USB selective suspend setting > Disabled.

If Web Serial doesn't work: connect with the Easel Driver

The Easel Driver is a small program that runs on your computer. Use it only if your machine won't connect with Web Serial, or if you want your machine to reconnect automatically every time.

Already have the Easel Driver installed?

If the Easel Driver is installed but Easel still shows You're ready to connect when you click Carve, click Install driver (2). This switches Easel to the Easel Driver connection, so you don't need to install the driver again.

1. Install the Easel Driver

1. Click Carve, then click Install driver (2) under Prefer the Easel Driver? You can also download it from easel.com/downloads.
2. Run the installer. If Windows asks for permission, click Yes.
3. Restart your computer and open Easel again.

For more detail, see Download and Install New Easel Drivers.

2. Connect your machine

1. Click Carve. Easel should find your machine automatically.
2. If it doesn't, click Enter COM port manually, enter the COM number from Device Manager and click Confirm.

If Easel keeps asking you to install the driver, see Network settings prevent Easel from communicating with the Easel Driver.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the Easel Driver?

No. Most machines connect with Web Serial, which needs no download. Only install the Easel Driver if Web Serial doesn't work for your machine.

Which browsers work with Web Serial?

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Opera.

Can I use Web Serial and the Easel Driver at the same time?

No. Web Serial doesn't work while the Easel Driver is installed. To switch back to Web Serial, uninstall the driver and restart your computer.

Using a Mac?

See Machine Won't Connect (macOS).

Still need help?

Submit a request and include:

• Your machine's make and model
• Your browser and Windows version
• Whether you're connecting with Web Serial or the Easel Driver
• A screenshot of Device Manager with Ports (COM & LPT) open