Working With Hardware Tools in MPLAB® Xpress
The new MPLAB® Xpress supported hardware tools currently are:
- MPLAB Snap in-circuit debugger/programmer
- MPLAB PICkit™ Basic in-circuit debugger/programmer
- MPLAB PICkit 4 in-circuit debugger/programmer
- MPLAB PICkit 5 in-circuit debugger/programmer
- Curiosity and Curiosity Nano boards
Preparing to Use the USB Bridge Tool
To prepare to program your code using a hardware tool:
If you have been using MPLAB X IDE, close this application. Its drivers can interfere with bridge operation.
Ensure your MPLAB Xpress project builds without errors.
If you will be using one of the supported hardware tools, ensure the debugger is connected to a target.
Connect your hardware to the PC using a USB port.
Starting the USB Bridge Tool
MPLAB Xpress needs a program called USB Bridge to connect to your local USB port. This allows MPLAB Xpress to send a compiled HEX file to a supported hardware tool.
Open the Manage USB Bridge Window.
Click on the Project Properties Dashboard icon on the dashboard.
Click on your hardware tool under Debug Tool. Text and a link will appear below.
Click on the here link.
Select the USB Bridge Installer.
Follow the instructions on the Manage USB Bridge window to download a ZIP file containing the USB Bridge installer.
Run the USB Bridge Installer.
Unzip/extract the contents of the downloaded ZIP file. Then find and run the following file(s):
Linux®
run.sh *
Windows®
run.bat
macOS®
run.sh *
* We recommended running it with administrative privileges.
The running USB Bridge Tool application will appear as shown:
Connecting to the USB Bridge Tool
To connect to the USB Bridge Tool, click on the Connect to USB Bridge 
icon.
You can see that the tool is connected to the USB Bridge Tool application.
The Connect to USB Bridge 
icon will now show as connected.
Open the Project Properties dialog again to see that the specific debug tool is available.
Programming and Running Your Application
Select the MPLAB Xpress Make and Program Device 
icon.
Other Resources
For tips on connecting and debugging, click on the Hardware Debug Tips 
icon on the toolbar.