If the download is a ZIP file, extract it to a dedicated folder on your Desktop.
: Originally released around 2009, this version is frequently cited as a "legacy" or "old" driver. Hardware Compatibility : It is primarily used with older PL-2303 HXA/X Operating System Support
In , right-click the Prolific device and select Update driver . Choose "Browse my computer for drivers" . prolific usbtoserial comm port version 333114 driver
Note: This stops Windows from updating all device drivers, meaning you will need to update graphics cards or audio drivers manually. Method C: Use Group Policy (Windows Pro/Enterprise)
Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port driver version 3.3.3.114 is a critical legacy driver used to bridge serial devices—such as GPS receivers, scanners, and ham radios—to computers via a USB port. While newer drivers exist, version 3.3.3.114 is particularly significant for users of older hardware based on the PL2303 chip Google Groups Key Specifications & Compatibility Release Date: February 25, 2022 (latest repackaging). Operating Systems: If the download is a ZIP file, extract
Many PL2303 USB-to-serial adapters on the market use "counterfeit" or older chips. Modern Prolific drivers (v3.4+) are designed to detect these chips and disable them, resulting in the error in Device Manager.
Search for in the Start menu.
While this protects Prolific's intellectual property, it penalizes consumers who unknowingly bought third-party cables containing these cloned chips. Furthermore, Prolific has officially phased out support for older, genuine PL2303X and PL2303HXA chips on Windows 11 and Windows 10, forcing them into the same functional bucket as the clones. How to Check Your Current Driver Version
If Windows updates the driver automatically in the future, navigate back to > Ports (COM & LPT) > Right-click Prolific USB-to-Serial... > Properties > Driver Tab . Click the Roll Back Driver button. Windows will revert to 3.3.3.114 and generally remember your preference for this specific USB port. Choose "Browse my computer for drivers"
As Windows evolved from XP to Vista and eventually Windows 10 and 11, Prolific released newer drivers. However, these new drivers had a secret: they were designed to detect "counterfeit" or "clone" chips. If a user plugged in a cheaper cable with a non-genuine chip, the new driver would strike it down with the dreaded (This device cannot start) or a message saying the chip was "End of Life".
Once your device is registered under version 3.3.3.114 without errors, you can verify its operational status using terminal software.