u/Ambitious-Orange1299

I'm using C++ (PlatformIO/VS Code) with the Earle Philhower core. My header pins are soldered correctly with no bridges. The VSYS have 4.8V (USB).

Whenever the code reaches this line:

if (WiFi.softAP(ssid, password, _channel, _hidden, _maxConn))

the Pico W freezes completely.

The code is correct, so it must be either a hardware defect or a configuration issue I’m missing.

After the crash, the board becomes unresponsive. PlatformIO hangs on Forcing reset using 1200bps, and the only way to upload again is to manually put the board into BOOTSEL mode. I've already tried a "flash nuke," but it didn't resolve anything.

Is the board just defective? Has anyone else encountered this specific hang when initializing the wifi?