Raspberry Pi Pico, MicroPython disappears from windows when UF2 File is added

[megb123]

We have just started using MicroPython (using CircuitPython previously) and have been unsuccessful when downloading the UF2 file and moving it onto the RPI-RP2 D: drive that appears when plugging in the pico.



This is what we did:
1. Plugged in Pico (USB cable to PC) while holding BOOTSEL
2. Windows recognised as drive D:
3. 2 files visible INDEX.HTM & INFO_UF2.txt

UF2 Bootloader v2.0
Model: Raspberry Pi RP2
Board-ID: RPI-RP2

4. Downloaded rp2-pico-20210618-v1.16.uf2 from https://micropython.org/download/rp2-pico/
5. Dragged and dropped onto O:
6. Pico then disappears from windows
However the coding on Thonny still works - able to turn board LED on / off for example.

Is it normal that we cannot see it in the file explorer?
We have tried hundreds of times, tried nuking the pico, tried changing computer, going from Microsoft to apple.

Is the raspberry pi pico perhaps broken?

Can we still continue coding even though we cannot see it in the files?

How can we drag and drop any libraries into the MicroPython pico if we cannot see it?

Please reply if you have any tips.
Thank you.

[scruss]

Is it normal that we cannot see it in the file explorer?

Yes. Unlike CircuitPython, MicroPython doesn't create a USB drive.

[megb123]

Okay, how would we be able to add libraries or do we not need to? For example for HX711?
Thank you for your help,

[Roberthh]

You can use rshell, mpremote, Thonny, or other IDEs for that task.

[megb123]

Currently using Thonny, would we need import libraries onto the device, if so how?

[scruss]

Okay, how would we be able to add libraries or do we not need to? For example for HX711?

Use Thonny's Files pane (View -> Files):

thonny: files pane

Screenshot_2021-12-13_22-50-53.png (24.27 KiB) Viewed 13633 times

[megb123]

Thank you very much, all up and working now!