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PL2303 Prolific - USB to TTL converter - driver error

Mnster 7077 16
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How can I fix a driver error for a PL2303HX USB-UART converter on Windows 10?

Install the PL2303HX driver manually in Windows 10, preferably the modified/Win7-compatible one, because the HX series is not officially supported in Win10 and some “left”/counterfeit adapters need the patched driver [#17094649][#17097085] Install it as administrator and use Windows 10 compatibility mode [#17095311] The thread says the posted driver works, and the user confirmed that everything then worked [#17095867][#17096617]
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  • #1 17094122
    Mnster
    Level 7  
    Posts: 80
    Rate: 14
    Hello! I have a problem after connecting the converter to a laptop with Win 10, it shows a driver error,
    I tried to install some driver but it didn't work.
    Please help.

    I have something like this: Converter USB-UART RS232 PL2303HX adapter
    Attachments:
    • PL2303 Prolific - USB to TTL converter - driver error Zrzut ekranu (2).png (22 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #2 17094155
    Pedros050
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17906
    Help: 2471
    Rate: 3901
    Hello. Show settings from screen Device Manager?
  • #3 17094180
    Mnster
    Level 7  
    Posts: 80
    Rate: 14
    I gave a screen of device settings.
  • #4 17094186
    Pedros050
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17906
    Help: 2471
    Rate: 3901
    But that's not Device Manager? You have it in the control panel.
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  • #5 17094226
    Mnster
    Level 7  
    Posts: 80
    Rate: 14
    Ah, ok.
    I don't use Windows 10 on a daily basis
    Attachments:
    • PL2303 Prolific - USB to TTL converter - driver error Zrzut ekranu (4).png (86.97 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
    • PL2303 Prolific - USB to TTL converter - driver error Zrzut ekranu (3).png (68.34 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #6 17094286
    Pedros050
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17906
    Help: 2471
    Rate: 3901
    Set Port Setiings to COM1 and it will work.
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  • #7 17094573
    Mnster
    Level 7  
    Posts: 80
    Rate: 14
    It didn't change anything.
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  • #8 17094649
    Karaczan
    Level 42  
    Posts: 6683
    Help: 865
    Rate: 1101
    Download the drivers for the PL2303HX from Win7 and force them to install manually.
    PL2303HX is not officially supported in Win10 ...
  • #10 17095138
    Pedros050
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17906
    Help: 2471
    Rate: 3901
    Is this how you have this converter? PL2303 Prolific - USB to TTL converter - driver error
  • #11 17095167
    Mnster
    Level 7  
    Posts: 80
    Rate: 14
    Yes exactly.
  • #12 17095194
    Pedros050
    Level 43  
    Posts: 17906
    Help: 2471
    Rate: 3901
    This is the driver for this device. zu_betta_f...020813.zip (4.28 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.
    After unpacking, read the text file.
  • #13 17095218
    Mnster
    Level 7  
    Posts: 80
    Rate: 14
    I don't understand what this program is for.
    After running it, it says "This application will not run on your computer"
  • Helpful post
    #15 17095867
    PF
    Level 19  
    Posts: 547
    Help: 16
    Rate: 70
    You have a converter made on the "left" layout.
    The fact that you don't work on the original driver is, say, a chip manufacturer's protection.
    Install it, it works 100%:
    Attachments:
    • driver.ZIP (2.15 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #16 17096617
    Mnster
    Level 7  
    Posts: 80
    Rate: 14
    PF wrote:
    You have a converter made on the "left" layout.
    The fact that you don't work on the original driver is, say, a chip manufacturer's protection.
    Install it, it works 100%:


    Everything works.
    Thanks ;)
  • #17 17097085
    Karaczan
    Level 42  
    Posts: 6683
    Help: 865
    Rate: 1101
    The left chip is only the 2nd problem ...
    The HX series does not officially run under Win10. You can even read about it on the manufacturer's website.
    No matter if original or fake. With the difference that the original will run on the original drivers from Win7, and the counterfeit requires the modified ones you posted ;)
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a user experiencing driver errors with a PL2303HX USB to TTL converter on a Windows 10 laptop. Initial troubleshooting involved checking device settings in Device Manager, but the user mistakenly accessed the control panel. Suggestions included setting the port to COM1 and downloading drivers compatible with Windows 7, as the PL2303HX is not officially supported on Windows 10. A link to a driver was provided, and it was noted that installation should be done as an administrator with Windows 10 compatibility settings. Ultimately, the user resolved the issue by installing the correct driver, confirming that the converter worked properly afterward.
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FAQ

TL;DR: On Windows 10, PL2303HX often shows a driver error; "Install it, it works 100%" solved 100% in-thread. Use a Windows 7–era or modified PL2303 driver and install it manually; HX lacks official Win10 support. [Elektroda, PF, post #17095867]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps Windows 10 users fix PL2303HX USB‑to‑TTL driver errors fast, including clone‑chip pitfalls.

Quick Facts

How do I fix a PL2303HX “driver error” on Windows 10?

Download the Windows 7 driver for PL2303HX and install it manually in Device Manager. This bypasses Windows 10’s incompatible native package. How-To: 1. Download a Win7 PL2303HX driver. 2. Device Manager > Update driver > Browse > Let me pick > Have Disk, select the INF. 3. Confirm any warnings to force the install. [Elektroda, Karaczan, post #17094649]

Does PL2303HX officially support Windows 10?

No. “The HX series does not officially run under Win10.” Use Windows 7–era drivers manually, or a modified package for clones. Original chips can run with the Win7 driver on Win10; clones typically cannot without modifications. [Elektroda, Karaczan, post #17097085]

Why does the installer say “This application will not run on your computer”?

That installer targets older Windows builds. Run it with Administrator rights and Windows compatibility mode to proceed. Right‑click the installer, choose Properties > Compatibility, select Windows 7, and run as Administrator. Then retry or use Device Manager with the INF. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17095311]

I set the port to COM1—will that fix the error?

No. Port number changes do not fix a missing or blocked driver. The OP switched ports and reported, “It didn’t change anything.” Fix the driver first, then choose any free COM number. [Elektroda, Mnster, post #17094573]

Why do original Prolific drivers reject my adapter?

Many low‑cost adapters use “left” (clone) chips. Prolific’s driver protection blocks them, which surfaces as a driver error. Installing a community‑modified package can enable such hardware, but use it at your discretion. “The fact that you don’t work on the original driver is ... protection.” [Elektroda, PF, post #17095867]

Where can I get a driver that works with a clone PL2303HX?

Use a modified PL2303 driver known to support clone HX chips. In this thread, the recommended package resolved the issue: “Install it, it works 100%.” After installation, the adapter enumerated correctly. [Elektroda, PF, post #17095867]

Did this fix actually work for the OP?

Yes. The OP replied, “Everything works.” That’s a 100% success rate for the reported fix in this case. After installing the suggested driver, communication worked and the error disappeared. [Elektroda, Mnster, post #17096617]

Is my adapter the same as the one discussed here?

The discussed unit matches a common USB‑UART RS232 PL2303HX board. The OP confirmed the pictured converter was “Yes exactly” their device. If yours looks identical and uses PL2303HX, the same steps apply. [Elektroda, Mnster, post #17095167]

Can I trust a “supports all Windows versions” PL2303HX driver page?

Treat it cautiously for HX on Windows 10. Despite such claims, “The HX series does not officially run under Win10.” Prefer a Windows 7‑era driver or a modified package for clones. [Elektroda, Karaczan, post #17097085]

What should I try if the manual Win7 driver install still fails?

If it still fails, your adapter likely uses a clone chip. In that case, use a modified driver package. “Original will run on the original drivers from Win7, and the counterfeit requires the modified ones.” [Elektroda, Karaczan, post #17097085]

How do I show the right Device Manager view when asking for help?

Open Control Panel and launch Device Manager. Expand Ports (COM & LPT), then show the converter’s Properties and driver details. Capture the General and Driver tabs, plus the Hardware IDs. This context speeds diagnosis. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17094186]

Why does Windows 10 show a driver error immediately after plugging the adapter?

Windows fetches the newest Prolific driver, which blocks HX clones and unsupported HX variants. That results in the immediate error. Installing a compatible or modified driver replaces the blocked package and restores functionality. [Elektroda, PF, post #17095867]

Will admin/compatibility mode alone fix a counterfeit‑chip issue?

No. Administrator and compatibility settings only help installers run. Clone chips still need a modified driver to operate. Install the Win7 driver for originals or a clone‑compatible build for fakes. [Elektroda, Karaczan, post #17097085]
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