Installing the Meshtastic Python CLI (command-line interface) on a Windows computer is straightforward, even if you’re new to Python, programming, or dealing with device connections. The CLI lets you configure your Meshtastic devices (like your Heltec V3 or RAK nodes), view info, send messages, and more—directly from the Windows Command Prompt or PowerShell.

Much information is available from this website and its linked sites: https://meshtastic.org/ (especially the Python CLI installation page at https://meshtastic.org/docs/software/python/cli/installation/).

Follow these steps carefully. I’ll explain everything simply, including screenshots-like descriptions where helpful.

Step 1: Install Python (the programming language the CLI needs)

1. Go to the official Python website: https://www.python.org/downloads/
2. Click the big yellow button that says something like “Download Python 3.13.x” (or the latest stable version; as of early 2026, 3.12 or 3.13 works great).
3. Run the downloaded installer (.exe file).
4. Very important — on the first screen of the installer:

• Check the box that says “Add python.exe to PATH” (this makes Python easy to use from any command window).
• Then click “Install Now” (or Customize if you want, but default is fine).

1. Let it finish (it takes 1–2 minutes). Click “Close” when done.
2. To test: Press Windows key + S, search for “cmd”, and open Command Prompt.

• Type this and press Enter:
  py -V
• You should see something like “Python 3.13.0”. If not, restart your computer and try again. If still no, double-check the PATH box was checked during install.

Step 2: Install the USB Serial Drivers (so Windows sees your Meshtastic device)

Most Meshtastic devices (like Heltec V3, many RAK boards) use a chip called CP210x (from Silicon Labs) to connect over USB. Windows often needs a driver for this.

1. Plug your Meshtastic device into your computer with a good USB data cable (not just a charging cable—make sure it can transfer data).
2. Press Windows key + X, then choose Device Manager.
3. Expand the section called “Ports (COM & LPT)”.

• Look for something like “Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COM5)” or similar.
• The number after “COM” (e.g., COM5, COM12) is your COM port. Write it down—this is how the CLI will talk to your device later!
• If you see a yellow triangle or “Unknown device” instead → the driver is missing.

If the driver is needed:

• Go to https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers
• Download the “CP210x Universal Windows Driver” (look for the ZIP or installer for Windows 10/11).
• Unzip the file if needed, then double-click the installer (e.g., CP210xVCPInstaller_x64.exe for 64-bit Windows).
• Follow the prompts to install.
• Unplug and replug your device → check Device Manager again. You should now see the COM port listed (no yellow warning).

Tip: Some RAK devices might use different chips (like CH9102). If nothing shows up after CP210x, search “RAK [your model] windows driver” or check the Meshtastic docs for your exact board.

Step 3: Install the Meshtastic CLI using pip (Python’s package installer)

1. Open Command Prompt again (Windows key + S → “cmd”).
2. Type these commands one by one (press Enter after each):

   pip3 install --upgrade pytap2

(This installs a helper package.)

   pip3 install --upgrade "meshtastic[cli]"

(This installs the actual Meshtastic CLI. It may take 1–5 minutes and show lots of text—that’s normal.)

3. When it finishes, close and reopen Command Prompt (important—Windows needs to refresh).
4. Test it works:

   meshtastic --version

You should see a version number like “2.x.x”. Success!

Common issue: If you type “meshtastic” and get “‘meshtastic’ is not recognized”:

• You may need to add Python’s Scripts folder to PATH manually.
• Search Windows for “Edit the system environment variables” → Environment Variables → Under “System variables” find “Path” → Edit → New → Add: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python313\Scripts (adjust the version number if different).
• Or just restart your computer.

Step 4: Basic First Use (Connecting to Your Device)

1. Plug in your Meshtastic device again.
2. In Command Prompt, type:

   meshtastic --port COM12 --info

• Replace COM12 with your actual COM port from Device Manager.
• This shows basic info about your device (firmware version, etc.).
• If it connects, great! If it says “No response” → double-check the COM port, cable, or try a different USB port.

Example full command to see all nodes in your mesh:

meshtastic --port COM12 --nodes

You can now use commands like --set device.role ROUTER (for your tower node), --sendtext "Hello", etc.

Tips for Beginners:

• Always close/reopen Command Prompt after installs.
• Use copy-paste (right-click to paste in cmd).
• If stuck, the Meshtastic Discord or Reddit (r/meshtastic) are very helpful—just describe what error you see.
• For more commands: https://meshtastic.org/docs/software/python/cli/usage/

You’re now set up! This gives you powerful control over your Meshtastic network from your Windows PC.