Guide: Installing Fastboot Drivers in Windows

Fastboot mode is a necessity if you’re an advanced Android user. It allows you to flash custom ROMs, kernels, and recovery images, as well as perform other advanced tasks that are not possible in regular Android mode. However, it should be used with caution as any mistake can potentially brick your device.

However, you must have Fastboot drivers set up on your Windows computer in order to use the Fastboot mode.

You can find a step-by-step tutorial for installing Fastboot drivers in Windows in this article. It is important to note that the process may vary depending on the device you are using. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and double-check compatibility before proceeding with any driver installation.

What are Fastboot Drivers?

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s first understand what Fastboot drivers are. Fastboot drivers are essential for communicating with your Android device when it is in fastboot mode. They allow you to send commands from your computer to your device and perform tasks such as unlocking the bootloader or flashing custom firmware. To run different Fastboot commands on your Android device, you need these drivers.

Pre-Requisites for Installing Fastboot Drivers

Before you begin the installation process, there are a few things you need to have:

• A Windows PC (Windows 7 or later)
• An Android device with Fastboot mode
• A USB cable to connect your Android device to your PC
• Latest Android SDK Platform-Tools

Step 1: Download Android SDK Platform-Tools

First, you need to Download the Latest version of the Android SDK Platform Tools. This software package comes with tools like ADB and Fastboot that are needed to build and fix Android apps. It can be downloaded from the official site for Android Developers. Also, this guide has detailed instructions on how to install and use the software.

Step 2: Enable USB Debugging on Your Android Device

You need to turn on USB debugging on your Android device before you can connect it to your PC. By turning on USB debugging, your Android device can talk to your computer and give you access to more advanced settings and features. It is a step that developers and advanced users must take if they want to do things like rooting, installing custom ROMs, or debugging apps.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and select “About Phone”.
3. Tap on “Build Number” seven times to enable Developer Options.
4. Go back to Settings and select “Developer Options”.
5. Turn on “USB Debugging”.

Now, connect your Android device to your Windows PC using a USB cable. Make sure that your device is in Fastboot mode. To enter Fastboot mode, turn off your Android device and then press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously until you see the Fastboot screen.

Step 3: Install Fastboot Drivers

After connecting your Android device to your PC, do these things to install the Fastboot drivers:

Now, Download the Android Bootloader Interface Driver and put it on your PC by extracting it. This will give you a few files, one of which is android winusb.inf, which we will use now.

Next, press the shortcut keys Windows+X, and then choose Device Manager from the menu that comes up.

Then, expand the section called “Other Devices.” Your device will be listed with an exclamation point. So right-click on it and choose “Update Drivers” from the menu.

After that, choose to look for drivers on my computer.

Then choose Let me choose a driver from a list.

Then click Next and choose Show All Devices.

Now click the button that says Have Disk.

After that, click the button that says Browse.

After that, you can load these drivers by clicking OK.

The Android Bootloader Interface Drivers will now be brought up by Windows. Choose it, then click Next.

Whenever you’re asked, click Install.

Now, the Android Bootloader Interface drivers will be installed, and you will be told that this has happened.

Once the installation is done, your device will move from the Other Device section to the Android Device section automatically.

All done. You have now finished setting up the Fastboot drivers on your Windows computer.

Step 4: Verify Fastboot Drivers Installation

Since the drivers have been installed successfully, let’s put them to bed right away. We can start testing the drivers by running some simple commands or doing some routine tasks. This will make sure they work well and are ready to be used for more difficult tasks.

• First, use a USB cable to connect your device to the PC.
• Then, go to platform tools and open the Command Prompt.
• Now, use the below command to turn your device on and put it in Fastboot Mode.

adb reboot bootloader

• Now, run the command below to check the Fastboot Connection:

fastboot device

You should get your device ID which signifies that the connection stands successful.

Conclusion

Installing Fastboot drivers in Windows is easy. By following the steps in this article, it’s easy to install Fastboot drivers and use Fastboot on your Android device to do different things.

FAQs

What is Fastboot mode on an Android device?

• Fastboot mode is a way to boot your Android device that lets you run different Fastboot commands.

Do I need Fastboot drivers to use Fastboot mode on my Android device?

• Yes, you need to have Fastboot drivers installed on your Windows PC for your Android device to work in Fastboot mode.

Can I install Fastboot drivers on a Mac or Linux computer?

• Yes, you can also put Fastboot drivers on computers that run Mac or Linux. The steps may be a little different, but the process is similar to the one in this article.

What should I do if my Android device is not detected by Windows after installing Fastboot drivers?

If your Android device is not detected by Windows after installing Fastboot drivers, try the following:

• Make sure that your device is in Fastboot mode.
• Try using a different USB cable.
• Restart your PC and try again.

Are Fastboot drivers safe to install on my Windows PC?

• Yes, it is safe to put Fastboot drivers on your Windows PC. But make sure you get them from a source you can trust to avoid getting malware or viruses.