If you are suddenly unable to upload a sketch, try the following:
To upload a sketch to a Feather with the Arduino IDE:
Adafruit SAMD21 (M0) and SAMD51 (M4) boards feature an improved bootloader that makes it easy to switch between Microsoft MakeCode, CircuitPython and Arduino.. The bootloader is also BOSSA compatible, so it can be used with the Arduino IDE which expects a BOSSA bootloader on ATSAMD-based boards.
When the Adafruit SAMD21 (M0) and SAMD51 (M4) boards are in bootloader mode (double tap reset to enter that mode), the small red LED will breathe, and a USB drive named 'FEATHERBOOT' will appear for a Feather product. The bootloader will also change the color of the built-in Neopixel. If the bootloader cannot start, you will get a red NeoPixel LED (check your USB cable).
In general, you shouldn't have to update the bootloader.
The ATSAMD based Feather should appear in Windows in as a device. Check 'Device Manager' and then 'Ports (COM & LPT)'. Make sure Arduino IDE v1.8 or later has both 'Arduino SAMD Boards' and 'Adafruit SAMD Boards by Adafruit' installed. In Arduino IDE, go to the Boards Manager and search for 'Arduino SAMD Boards' and 'Adafruit SAMD Boards by Adafruit'.
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