Note, if you are going to use Visual Studio Code then you can let its Espressif plugin handle installing ESP-IDF – see here

Espressif guides

https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-idf/en/stable/get-started/

Setting up a Windows PC to program the ESP32

Create the required GNU-compatible environment with toolchain (the programs to compile and build your applications)

Download the Windows all-in-one toolchain from https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-idf/en/stable/esp32/get-started/windows-setup.html

Use the Universal installer.

Pre-installation system check

If the Apply Fixes button is enabled, let the installer apply the fixes it needs and then re-check your system setup.

Selecting software packages

Ensure ESP-IDF is selected

Once installation is complete

ESP-IDF x.x CMD

Windows start menu and desktop will have a new “ESP-IDF x.x CMD” shortcut added.
Opens the Command Prompt and sets up all the required environment variables.

ESP-IDF x.x PowerShell

Windows start menu and desktop will have a new “ESP-IDF x.x PowerShell” shortcut added.
Opens PowerShell and sets up all the required environment variables.

Examples

Will be located in: C:\Espressif\frameworks\esp-idf-vX.X.X\examples

Important notes

• The ESP-IDF build system does not support spaces in the paths to projects.

Where things are installed

C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\.espressif\

C:\Espressif\

Path to Python

C:\Espressif\python_env\idfX.X_pyX.X_env\Scripts\python.exe
C:\Espressif\frameworks\esp-idf-vX.X.X\tools\idf.py

Updating Packages

Updating ESP-IDF

See “Updating ESP-IDF” on this page: https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-idf/en/stable/esp32/get-started/