How to correctly Install PL2303 Driver and fix it’s driver issues?

The PL2303 driver is used to connect RS-232 I/O serial devices to your Windows 11 computer. However, due to incorrect installation or an older version of the driver, it can display multiple error messages. These can include:

1. PL2303 driver not working
2. No driver installed for this device
3. Please install corresponding PL2303 driver to support Windows 11

The simple solution is to install the driver correctly from the right source and keep it up-to-date. If your driver does not function properly, then the USB-to-Serial connection won’t be established.

In some cases, you would have to roll back the driver to fix the errors. Some updates do not work for every computer, and they’ll have to settle for an older version.

Nevertheless, there are four simple fixes for all the issues surrounding the PL2303 driver. I’ll explain and list the steps for each one of them below.

1. Properly Install the PL2303 Driver

If the driver is not installed altogether, then it is obvious that you will always come across PL2303 error messages. Secondly, if you do have it installed but the file is corrupted, then it will not work either.

Therefore, downloading and installing the PL2303 driver from the right source is the solution. Here’s how you can do that:

1. To download PL2303 drivers, please visit the Prolific Technology website.
2. Click on the zip file to start the download.

3. Once the download completes, open the folder and extract the files to your desired location.
4. Now from the extracted files, run the M_LogoDriver_Setup file.

5. On the following UAC prompt, select Yes.
6. Click Next to start the installation.
7. Click on Finish after it completes.
8. Finally, restart your PC.

The PL2303 driver will now start working on your Windows 11 computer.

2. Update the PL2303 Driver

It is recommended to keep all device drivers updated for the computer to function smoothly. The same applies to the PL2303 driver.

If it doesn’t work after installation, it’s time to update it from the Device Manager. There will be 2 or 3 different versions of the driver readily available, and you can try and install each one to see which works.

Here’s how to update drivers on Windows:

1. Open Run with Win + R keys.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
3. Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) section by clicking on the drop-down arrow.
4. Now right-click on the Prolific Driver.
5. Select Update driver.

6. Now click Browse my Computer for drivers option.

7. Select Let me pick from the list of available drivers.

8. Select any version to install.
9. Click on Next.
10. Follow the on-screen instructions now.
11. Restart your computer once the installation finishes and see if the serial port works now.

If the Prolific driver still doesn’t work, install a different version following the same steps.

3. Reinstall the Driver

If the installation and updating don’t work, you can always try to reinstall the PL2303 driver. Windows can automatically reinstall the driver once you uninstall it and restart your system.

Here’s how to do that:

1. Open Device Manager again and expand the Ports (COM & LPT) section.
2. Right-click on the driver.
3. Select Uninstall device.

4. Click Uninstall on the confirmation prompt.
5. Now restart your PC or laptop and Windows will install the new driver automatically.

Note: If Windows fails to install the driver, then install it manually from the Prolific website.

4. Roll Back the Driver

Rolling back drivers means installing their older versions. Some driver updates are incompatible with some computers and will fail to run. This can be the reason why you’re facing PL2303 driver issues on your Windows 11 system.

So, if the above solutions don’t help, try to downgrade your driver from the Device Manager.

Here are the steps for that:

1. Open Device Manager and double-click on the Ports (COM & LPT) section.
2. Right-click on Prolific USB to Serial Comm Port.
3. Select Properties.
4. Navigate to the Driver tab.
5. Click on Roll Back driver.

6. In the dialog box that appears, select the previous version of the driver and click OK.
7. Wait for the installation to complete.
8. Connect your RS-232 serial devices now and they will work properly.