Due to Microsoft updates, some older Silhouette cutting machine models may be unable to connect successfully via USB.


This includes the following models:

  • Cameo 1
  • Portrait 1
  • All models older than those listed above


While Silhouette is no longer able to officially support the connectivity of these older models with newer Windows operating systems, workaround options may be available below.

Cameo 1 Connectivity


To update your Cameo 1 firmware and resolve the connection issue:


IMPORTANT: These steps require a blank SD card and a compatible SD card reader for your computer. A basic SD card with 2GB capacity or less, is required. If you do not have these, you will need to obtain them in order to proceed with this firmware update process below. 

  1. Click here to download and save the firmware file
  2. Unzip the 'cc300' folder by right-clicking and selecting 'extract all'
  3. Select a destination on your computer where you want to extract the files
  4. Save the extracted 'cc300.mhx' file onto a blank SD card
    NOTE: The 'cc300.mhx' file may be in an unzipped 'cc300' folder that was created when you extracted the previous folder
    IMPORTANT: The SD card must be blank prior to saving this file onto the card. There cannot be any other files or folders on the SD card.
  5. Power off and disconnect all cords and cables from the Cameo 1 machine
  6. Place the SD card into the Cameo 1 machine's SD reader slot
  7. Press and hold down the left and right arrow keys at the same time
  8. While holding down these buttons, plug the power cord into the Cameo 1 machine 
    NOTE: The machine will turn on
  9. Once 'Boot Ver1.00' is displayed on the LCD, release the buttons
  10. The update sequence will start automatically. Please wait a few minutes until the LCD displays, "Write Finish."
  11. Unplug the power cord
  12. Remove the SD card
  13. Connect the Cameo 1 to the computer via USB cable
  14. Plug in the power cord
  15. Power on the machine

NOTE: If this process is not successful in resolving the connection issues with your machine, or if you are unable to continue with any of the steps listed above, please retry the steps from the beginning. Unfortunately, there are no other workaround options for this issue.

Portrait 1 Connectivity


To update your Portrait 1 firmware and resolve the connection issue:


IMPORTANT: These steps must be completed on a PC computer that is either a) not running Windows 10 (or above) or b) an alternate computer that allows a successful connection. 

  1. Click here to download and save the firmware file 
  2. Unzip the folder by right-clicking and selecting 'extract all'
  3. Power off and disconnect all cords and cables from the Portrait 1 machine
  4. Open the unzipped folder and select the 'Silhouette_Firmware_Update' program to run it
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the firmware update

NOTE: If you receive a message that you need to connect your machine during the on-screen instructions, confirm that your machine connects successfully through Silhouette Studio. You can see this in the SEND panel of the software. If connecting successfully, you can bypass this step in the on-screen instructions by holding down the CTRL key and Shift key, then clicking OK.

Using a USB Hub


We have received reports from some customers who claim they can run the USB cable from the Silhouette machine into a USB 2.0 hub device, which is then connected to the computer. This intermediary connection may in some cases resolve the connectivity issue.


NOTE: We cannot confirm or support this solution. It is only provided by way of information so you are aware of other potential options that may be available.