How to Download, Install, and Troubleshoot Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port Driver (Version 3.2.0.0, 2021)
If you try to install the 2021/2022 drivers, your device will stop working.
Prolific Technology Inc. makes the PL2303 chipset, one of the most common USB-to-serial bridge controllers. It’s used in countless cables and adapters to connect older serial (RS-232) devices — like routers, GPS receivers, industrial scales, and programming tools — to modern computers without a built-in COM port.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|-------|-------|----------|
| COM port not opening | Driver holds port open after app crash | Reboot or use mode comX: baud=9600 to reset |
| High CPU usage | Interrupt conflict with USB 3.0 port | Force to USB 2.0 hub or change COM port number |
| BSOD (blue screen) | Old driver + Windows 10 20H2/21H1 | Use v3.2.0.0 or later (v3.8.x for HXD only) |
If you are stuck with a "Code 10" error or want to downgrade to a working version:
PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller.exe (or equivalent) you downloaded.The Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port Driver version 3.2.0.0 is widely recognized as a "legacy" or "golden" version required to restore functionality to older or cloned PL2303 chips on modern operating systems like Windows 10 and Windows 11. Why Version 3.2.0.0 is Critical
Manufacturers often use older PL2303 chipsets (such as PL2303HXA or PL2303TA) that Prolific has officially phased out (End of Life).
Driver Disablement: Newer drivers (e.g., version 3.9.1.0 or later) automatically pushed by Windows Update detect these older or "counterfeit" chips and disable them, showing errors like "Code 10" or the message "PL2303TA DO NOT SUPPORT WINDOWS 11 OR LATER".
Compatibility Workaround: Version 3.2.0.0 (originally released around 2007–2008) does not include these hardware-disabling checks, allowing older and cloned hardware to function normally on Windows 10 and 11. Where to Download (2021/2022 Sources)
Because Prolific no longer hosts these legacy versions, you must use reputable third-party archives or manufacturer support pages: prolific usb to serial comm port version 32 00 download 2021
Miklor (Radio Support): Highly recommended for programming cables; provides direct links to 3.2.0.0.
Family Software: Provides a fix package that automates the installation of compatible legacy drivers.
Gorse.ca: Offers a direct ZIP/EXE download of version 3.2.0.0 for 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Installation Steps for Windows 10/11
To successfully use version 3.2.0.0, you must manually "roll back" the driver to prevent Windows from auto-updating it:
The Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port Driver (Version 3.2.0.0) is widely regarded by technical communities as the "gold standard" fix for older or clone PL-2303 hardware that has been rendered non-functional by newer Windows updates. The "Save-Your-Hardware" Driver
This specific 2007-era driver is the go-to solution for the notorious "Code 10: This device cannot start" error.
Anti-Counterfeit Workaround: Newer Prolific drivers are designed to detect and disable "counterfeit" or clone chips, which are common in budget programming cables. Version 3.2.0.0 does not include these checks, allowing many "unauthorized" cables—such as those used for ham radios like Baofeng—to work again.
Legacy Compatibility: It is specifically recommended for older PL-2303HX and PL-2303HXA chipsets that the manufacturer has officially marked as "End of Life" (EOL). Performance and Reliability Windows 11 Prolific Driver Setup
Fixing the Prolific USB-to-Serial "Code 10" Error: A Guide to Driver Version 3.2.0.0 The Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port Driver version 3
If you have tried to connect an older Prolific USB-to-Serial adapter recently, you have likely encountered the dreaded yellow warning triangle in Device Manager or a "This Device Cannot Start (Code 10)" error. This usually happens because Windows automatically updates your driver to a newer version that intentionally lacks support for legacy or "phased out" PL2303 chips.
The most reliable solution as of 2021 is to manually "backdate" your driver to Version 3.2.0.0. Why Version 3.2.0.0?
Newer drivers (often versions 3.8.x and above) are designed for the latest chip revisions and will often block older hardware. Version 3.2.0.0 is widely recognized as the "magic" legacy driver that restores functionality for older PL2303 HXA/XA and TA/TB chips on Windows 10 and 11. Step-by-Step Installation Guide
To get your adapter working again, follow these steps to force Windows to use the older driver version: Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COM4) Driver for System
This review evaluates the Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port Driver version 3.2.0.0, specifically its relevance and utility for users as of 2021. Review: Prolific USB-to-Serial Driver v3.2.0.0
Version 3.2.0.0 (dated July 31, 2007) has become a "legacy savior" for users of older serial devices. While officially superseded by newer versions like 3.9.x, this specific 2007 version is often the only way to make older or "unauthorized" PL2303 chips work on modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11. Performance & Reliability
Legacy Compatibility: This version is highly recommended for older PL-2303HXA and PL-2303X chips that reached End-of-Life (EOL) and are no longer supported by modern Prolific drivers.
The "Code 10" Fix: It is widely used to resolve the "This Device Cannot Start (Code 10)" error caused by newer drivers intentionally disabling non-genuine or older chips.
Stability: Once successfully installed and "locked" against Windows updates, it provides a stable bridge for devices like Baofeng radios, GPS units, and industrial serial equipment. Ease of Installation GS) chips Windows Support Vista
Guide to Prolific USB-to-Serial Driver Version 3.2.0.0 Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port driver version 3.2.0.0
is a legacy driver often required for older PL2303 chipsets (like the PL2303HXA) that are no longer supported by newer Windows 10 and 11 official drivers. Using this specific version is a common fix for the "Code 10" error, where newer drivers intentionally disable counterfeit or phased-out chips. Why You Need Version 3.2.0.0
Newer Prolific drivers (v3.8 and above) include security checks that cause older or "phased-out" chips to stop working, often displaying a yellow exclamation mark in the Device Manager. Version 3.2.0.0 is the most stable "backdated" driver that maintains compatibility with these older devices on modern operating systems. How to Download and Install
While Prolific's official website now hosts much newer versions (like v4.0.8), version 3.2.0.0 can still be found through specialized hardware and radio community sites. Microsoft Community Hub
: Locate the version 3.2.0.0 installer (often found on sites like RadioScanner Disconnect
: Unplug your USB-to-Serial adapter before starting the installation. Run Installer : Execute the 3.2.0.0 or unzip the manual files to a dedicated folder. Connect Device
: Plug the adapter back in. If Windows automatically updates it to a newer version, you must manually roll it back. Manually Rolling Back in Device Manager
If your device still shows an error after installation, follow these steps to force the 3.2.0.0 version: Device Manager and find the Prolific entry under Ports (COM & LPT) Right-click and select Update driver Browse my computer for drivers Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer Choose the version labeled (dated around 2007-2008) and click Next. Driver Specifications (Legacy vs. 2021+) Legacy Version 3.2.0.0 Recent 2021+ Versions (v3.8+) Primary Use Fixing "Code 10" on older/cloned chips Support for PL2303G (GC, GB, GS) chips Windows Support Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11 (Manual) Official Windows 10 & 11 support Release Era Circa 2007-2008 Released throughout 2021-2022
For official, modern hardware, you can download the latest drivers (v4.0+) directly from the Prolific Support Website using the guest credentials for both username and password. Microsoft Community Hub you're seeing in the Device Manager? Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COM8) Driver for Zepto