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
- Official support: PL2303HX runs under Windows 7; not officially under Windows 10. [Elektroda, Karaczan, post #17097085]
- Clone ("left") chips trigger driver protection; they need a modified driver to work. [Elektroda, PF, post #17095867]
- Fix path: download the Windows 7 PL2303HX driver and force a manual install. [Elektroda, Karaczan, post #17094649]
- If an installer won’t run, use Administrator rights and Windows compatibility mode. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17095311]
- Changing the port to COM1 won’t cure a driver‑layer failure. [Elektroda, Mnster, post #17094573]
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]
