Hi. I have the same problem on two different PCs, one running Windows 10 Enterprise (PrimaLuceLab Eagle4 Pro), and the other running Windows 10 Pro ( ASRock H270M-ITX/ac motherboard). In both cases if I install the Prolific USB-to_Serial Comm Port driver they work just fine. But if I allow Microsoft to install the latest driver it replaces it with a driver that fails every time on both computers. If I then go back and once again install the Prolific USB-to Serial Comm Port driver both computers begin to work just fine once more. I have tried all of the Microsoft troubleshooting suggestions and the Microsoft latest driver never works, but the Prolific driver always works. The funny (and annoying) thing about this is that a few months later I forget about the problem and run Norton 360 Driver Update Utility and the driver issue once again occurs. I then have to retrace my steps, and once again discover that the issue is with the Microsoft driver, find the Prolific driver, and install it once more. Sigh...

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Titan
titan.tw › home › support › usb to serial drivers download
USB to Serial Drivers Download | TITAN Electronics Inc.
July 31, 2025 - You need to install driver first, prior to hardware installation. Do not connect the USB-to-Serial Adapter to the USB port of your computer, before you finish driver installation.
Discussions

Can't get USB to serial converter to work
Have a USB to serial converter. Windows says it won't start and to reload the driver. Do that and it says the correct driver is already installed. More on learn.microsoft.com
🌐 learn.microsoft.com
2
1
June 6, 2023
USB to serial adapter driver
Look in Device Mangler in the device properties and get the hardware ID. Then Google that, and it should point you at the adapter or chipset mfgr's website, to download the driver. For future though, just buy one based on an FTDI chip and it'll plug and play in Windows. Other common chips will too, but FTDI seems to be the most reliable in operation. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/PLC
10
3
March 26, 2025
Help with Driver for USB to Serial Cable
Try this: http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=225&pcid=41 More on reddit.com
🌐 r/homelab
16
1
October 7, 2018
USB to serial adaptor that works with Windows 10.
Tripp Lite Keyspan High-Speed USB to Serial Adapter, PC & Mac (USA-19HS) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000VYJRY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_yoGKBb3XE45Q6 This one works with windows drivers out of the box. USB cable is removable so you can make the cable as long as you want plus the length of the serial cable. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/PLC
14
8
September 7, 2018
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/plc › usb to serial adapter driver
r/PLC on Reddit: USB to serial adapter driver
March 26, 2025 -

Hey yall. New to the automation world. I've got a SLC5 that I'm trying to go online with using an rs232 adapter. I'm missing the driver. The adapter is old as hell so I cant tell the brand. Do I need to download the driver straight from the manufacturer's website? Or is there a general driver i could download.

Ive done this before using different adapters, but I knew the manufacturer in those cases

Thanks

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US Converters
usconverters.com › index.php
USB to RS232 Driver | USB Serial Driver Downloads and Tools : U.S. Converters LLC, Serial Data Communication
The driver should automatically detect the device and install the necessary drivers, enabling seamless communication between your computer and the serial device. By following these steps, you can easily download and install a USB to serial driver, ensuring efficient data transfer and control. ... U.S. Converters LLC | 1263 Southwest Blvd.
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Plugable
plugable.com › plugable technologies › usb serial adapter drivers (prolific)
USB Serial Adapter Drivers (Prolific) ~ Plugable Technologies
October 1, 2020 - Drivers for the Plugable USB serial adapter using an authentic Prolific chipset, model PL2303-DB9.
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FTDI
ftdichip.com › home › drivers
Drivers - FTDI
March 17, 2026 - Drivers are available which allow FTDI devices to work with the following operating systems: For most of these operating systems two types of driver are available: Virtual COM Port (VCP) drivers and direct (D2XX) drivers. The VCP driver emulates a standard PC serial port such that the USB device ...
Find elsewhere
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Boschdiagnostics
cdr.boschdiagnostics.com › cdr › usb-serial-adapter-drivers-click-download-files
USB to Serial Adapter Drivers (click to download files) | Bosch Diagnostics
CDR_USB_Serial_DriverInstaller_v1200.zip · menu · Home · Products · Crash Data Retrieval DLC Base Kit · US Accessory Kit · CDR 900 Upgrade Kit · D2M Kits · Software Subscription · Parts & Accessories · Distributors · Software Downloads · Training · Manuals ·
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TinyTronics
tinytronics.nl › en › drivers-for-usb-to-serial-converters
Drivers for USB to Serial Converters
This page provides an overview with drivers (and possibly further instructions) of the USB to serial converters used by the products we sell.
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Hi. I have the same problem on two different PCs, one running Windows 10 Enterprise (PrimaLuceLab Eagle4 Pro), and the other running Windows 10 Pro ( ASRock H270M-ITX/ac motherboard). In both cases if I install the Prolific USB-to_Serial Comm Port driver they work just fine. But if I allow Microsoft to install the latest driver it replaces it with a driver that fails every time on both computers. If I then go back and once again install the Prolific USB-to Serial Comm Port driver both computers begin to work just fine once more. I have tried all of the Microsoft troubleshooting suggestions and the Microsoft latest driver never works, but the Prolific driver always works. The funny (and annoying) thing about this is that a few months later I forget about the problem and run Norton 360 Driver Update Utility and the driver issue once again occurs. I then have to retrace my steps, and once again discover that the issue is with the Microsoft driver, find the Prolific driver, and install it once more. Sigh...

2 of 2
1

Hi, here to work with you on this issue.

If Windows is indicating that the USB to serial converter won't start and suggests reloading the driver, but you've already attempted that and it still doesn't work, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

  1. Unplug and reconnect the USB to serial converter: Disconnect the converter from your computer's USB port and wait for a few seconds. Then plug it back in, ensuring it is securely connected. Sometimes, a simple reconnection can resolve connection issues.
  2. Try a different USB port: Connect the USB to serial converter to a different USB port on your computer. It's possible that the current port you're using is experiencing problems, and trying a different one might help.
  3. Restart your computer: Sometimes, a system restart can fix driver-related issues. Restart your computer and see if the USB to serial converter starts working after the reboot.
  4. Update the driver manually: Even if Windows claims the correct driver is installed, there's a possibility that it may be outdated or corrupted. You can try manually updating the driver by following these steps: a. Go to the Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Device Manager" from the menu. b. In the Device Manager window, locate the USB to serial converter. It might be listed under "Ports (COM & LPT)" or "Universal Serial Bus controllers." c. Right-click on the USB to serial converter and select "Update driver" from the context menu. d. Choose the option to manually search for the driver. You can either provide the specific driver file if you have it or let Windows search online for the latest driver version. e. If Windows finds an updated driver, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Once the installation is complete, restart your computer and check if the converter starts working.
  5. Contact the manufacturer's support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it's recommended to reach out to the manufacturer's support for further assistance. They may provide specific troubleshooting steps or advice tailored to your USB to serial converter model.

Remember to provide as much information as possible when contacting support, such as the make and model of the USB to serial converter and the version of Windows you're using.

I hope this is helpful. If you require any additional assistance, don't hesitate to respond to this.

Regards,

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Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › windows-hardware › drivers › usbcon › usb-driver-installation-based-on-compatible-ids
USB Serial Driver (Usbser.sys) - Windows drivers | Microsoft Learn
Usbser.sys is implemented using the Kernel-Mode Driver Framework. The driver supports Plug and Play, and power management features like USB Selective Suspend. Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications can use the APIs provided by the Windows.Devices.SerialCommunication namespace, allowing apps to talk to CDC devices.
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Black Box
blackbox.com › en-nz › store › browse
USB to Serial | Black Box
The USB to RS232 converter allows you to connect non-USB RS-232 DB9 devices to your USB bus.
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Manhattan Products
manhattanproducts.us › home › usb-a to serial converter, 45 cm (18 in.)
Manhattan PL-2303 USB to Serial Converter (205146)
USB-A to Serial Converter, 45 cm (18 in.)
Easily connect serial devices through a USB portMost modern computers and laptops don't have RS232 (DB9) ports, making the use of legacy peripherals and high-tech devices which connect with COM ports almost impossible. The Manhattan USB to Serial Converter — with its serial RS232 (DB9) port and Prolific PL-2303 chipset — easily expands a single USB port to connect and support serial modems, barcode scanners, digital cameras, card readers, Ham/Amateur Radios, GPS, CNC machines, telescopes, embroidery machines, fuel injection controllers, PDUs, network switches and other devices.Quality Construc
(4.5)
Price   $13.99
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ACT
act-connectivity.com › en-us › usb-to-serial-converter-basic-version-ac6000
USB to Serial Converter (Basic version) | ACT
The ACT AC6000 USB to Serial Converter lets you connect a serial device to your USB port.
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DataPro
datapro.net › products › usb-to-rs232-serial-converter.html
USB to RS232 Serial Converter -- DataPro
This USB-to-RS232 Serial converter cable, formerly part number US-109A, will allow any USB-equipped Windows computer to converse with a 9-pin RS232 device.
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Titan
titan.tw › home › usb to serial drivers 2.12.36.4 for windows
USB to Serial Drivers 2.12.36.4 for Windows | TITAN Electronics Inc.
July 31, 2025 - Specializes in USB, Serial & CAN Connectivity · 0 item(s) - $0.00 · Recently added item(s) [featured_image] Download · Version · Download 161054 · File Size 2.11 MB · File Count 1 · Create Date 02/26/2020 · Last Updated 07/31/2025 · Includes the following version of the Windows operating system: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP, Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, 2012 and 2008 R2 ·
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Plugable
kb.plugable.com › serial-adapter › installing-the-plugable-usb-to-rs-232-db9-serial-adapter-on-windows-7
How to Install the Plugable USB to RS-232 DB9 Serial Adapter on Windows 7 - Plugable Knowledge Base
The Plugable USB to Serial adapter (PL2303-DB9) can be installed on Windows 7 by downloading the recommended Prolific driver, running the installer, and then connecting the device.
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ATEN
aten.com › products › usb solutions › converters › uc232a
USB to RS-232 Adapter (35 cm) - UC232A, ATEN Converters | ATEN U.S.A.
UC232A is a USB to RS232 serial port converter. It provides PCs, notebooks and handheld computing devices using USB an external PnP RS232 port. | UC232A | ATEN U.S.A.
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Sewell Direct
sewelldirect.com › learning center › usb to serial support
USB to Serial Support, Prolific & FTDI | Sewell — Sewell Direct
October 1, 2019 - USB to Serial Support for Windows ... the Driver Installation: Go to the Device Manager: Start -> Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Device Manager Click on the plus sign (+) next to "Ports."...