Sunxi-tools Windows [top] May 2026
sunxi-tools on Windows
sunxi-tools is a collection of utilities for Allwinner (sunxi) SoC devices—useful for reading/writing flash, creating images, and working with boot headers (e.g., nand-part, sunxi-fel, nand-sata-install). Official development is Linux-focused; Windows support requires workarounds.
For a quick setup, you can find community-contributed Windows builds of specific tools like fexc.exe. sunxi-tools windows
- Download and install a compatible toolchain: Sunxi-tools are built on top of the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) and require a compatible toolchain. Download and install the latest version of MinGW or Cygwin, which provide a Unix-like environment on Windows.
- Download sunxi-tools: Head over to the official sunxi-tools repository and download the latest version. You can either build the tools from source or use a pre-compiled binary.
- Extract and configure sunxi-tools: Extract the downloaded archive to a directory on your system, such as
C:\sunxi-tools. Add the directory to your system's PATH environment variable to ensure you can run the tools from anywhere. - Install a USB driver: Sunxi-tools use the libusb library to interact with USB devices. Install the libusb driver for Windows, which can be downloaded from the libusb website.
Verdict – Which should you use?
| Use case | Recommendation |
|----------|----------------|
| You need full sunxi-tools (most features) | WSL2 |
| You’re just flashing via FEL occasionally | WSL2 (simpler driver handling) |
| You want a single .exe without Linux | MSYS2 but expect missing tools & USB driver hassle |
| You need sunxi-pio or low-level GPIO | Not possible on Windows – use a Linux VM or native Linux | sunxi-tools on Windows sunxi-tools is a collection of
Boot your device into FEL mode (usually by holding a specific button while powering on). Download and run Zadig. Download and install a compatible toolchain : Sunxi-tools
- Go to Options > List All Devices.
- Look for a device named something like "Allwinner Technology USB Device" or similar.
- Select libusb-win32 (v1.x.x.x) as the target driver.
- Click Replace Driver or Install Driver.
Bottom Line
If you're serious about low-level Allwinner work, use WSL2 + USB/IP. It's the only method that keeps you close to the native Linux experience without dual-booting. Avoid native Windows binaries unless you're just doing a quick, simple sunxi-fel ver.
While Linux users have a straightforward command-line workflow, Windows users often find themselves stuck between shady "PhoenixSuit" releases and driver signature enforcement headaches. This is where sunxi-tools comes into play.