How To Install Pl2303 (Prolific) Driver On Windows 11 [Tutorial]

If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11 and found that your trusty USB-to-Serial adapter based on the chipset has stopped working, you are not alone. You may see a yellow exclamation mark in Device Manager with the dreaded error: “This device cannot start. (Code 10)”

Newer drivers (v3.9.1.0 and later) include code that checks if the device is a phased-out model running on Windows 11; if it is, the driver displays the "phased out" error message and prevents the device from working.

However, you can still make these devices work on Windows 11 by manually installing an older, compatible driver version. Why the PL2303HXA Fails on Windows 11

For users comfortable with the Windows Registry, you can trick Windows into using an older driver ID. This involves modifying the hardware ID of the PL2303HXA to appear as a supported chip (like PL2303TA).

Yes. All PL2303 “HX” variants (HXA, HXB, HXC, HXD) are EOL and blocked on Windows 11.

After purchasing a new adapter:

The simplest, most reliable solution. Buy a modern USB-to-Serial adapter based on: