To fully understand why version 3.2.0.0 is so widely sought after, it helps to know the history behind Prolific's driver lockout. PL2303 chips were so successful that they became a target for counterfeiting, primarily by Chinese manufacturers. These counterfeit chips were functionally similar enough to work with genuine drivers, but they infringed on Prolific's intellectual property. In response, Prolific began updating its drivers to detect counterfeit chips and block them from functioning. The detection logic was implemented in driver versions 3.9.x and later. When a counterfeit chip was detected, the driver would deliberately prevent the device from starting, displaying the infamous "Code 10" error message.
3. Select "USB Smart I/O Controllers -->> USB to Serial/Parallel" 4. Select "PL2303 -- Driver & Software" <<-- for PL2303HXD chip. Microsoft Community Hub prolific usb to serial comm port version 32 00 download 2021
Open and find the Prolific device under Ports (COM & LPT) . Right-click it and select Update driver . Choose "Browse my computer for drivers" . To fully understand why version 3
Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port Driver version 3.2.0.0 is widely recognized as the most stable "legacy" driver for resolving compatibility issues with older PL2303 chipsets (such as PL-2303HXA and PL-2303X). These chips were phased out in 2012 and often fail to work with modern Windows updates, frequently resulting in a "Code 10" error or a "Phased Out" warning. Download and Compatibility In response, Prolific began updating its drivers to
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
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
If the driver is installed but the device shows a yellow warning in Device Manager, follow these manual update steps: Open (right-click Start -> Device Manager). Expand Ports (COM & LPT) .