If your Gigaware adapter has a Prolific chip, you must understand version compatibility. As of Windows 10 64-bit (versions 1607 and newer, including 22H2), Microsoft and Prolific have split the driver landscape:
But if you are determined to keep that vintage Gigaware adapter alive, follow this guide’s instructions for the Prolific PL-2303 v3.8.29.0 driver, and remember to disable driver signature enforcement. In a world of disposable tech, keeping an old serial adapter running is a small act of digital archaeology—and sometimes, it’s exactly what your legacy machine needs to talk to the modern world.
If the device shows up with a yellow exclamation mark or a "This device cannot start (Code 10)" error, it usually means Windows has automatically installed a newer driver that is incompatible with older Prolific chips. Super User Roll Back: In Device Manager, right-click the device > Properties Update Driver Browse my computer Let me pick Select Version 3.3.2 or 3.2.0.0:
| Situation | Best Action | |-----------|--------------| | Adapter works after driver install | Keep it, but block Windows driver updates. | | Adapter requires driver signature off | Replace with a modern adapter. | | Adapter is Silicon Labs or FTDI | Keep it – these are excellent. | | You do critical industrial control | use a patched old driver. Buy a new FTDI-based adapter. | gigaware usb to serial driver windows 10 64 bit
Before you download any driver, you must understand the hardware. Gigaware did not manufacture its own chipsets. Like almost every other budget adapter (from Sabrent, Plugable, or Startech), Gigaware rebranded existing silicon. The vast majority of Gigaware USB-to-Serial adapters use one of two chipsets:
. Look for "Gigaware - Other hardware - USB to Serial Cable" specifically for Windows 7 or later. WordPress.com Common Fixes for "Code 10" Errors
Windows 10 often contains a generic driver that works without external downloads. Device Manager Right-click your unrecognized device and select Update Driver Browse my computer for drivers Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer Ports (COM & LPT) , then choose as the manufacturer and USB Serial Device as the model. Specific Model Driver ( If your Gigaware adapter has a Prolific chip,
Gigaware Model: 2603487 USB to Serial Driver – YES the driver is here! * Step 1. Download the driver file LINK BELOW UPDATED 11-5- WordPress.com Gigaware Model: 2603487 USB to Serial Driver
Remove any failed drivers via Device Manager.
A: Virtual machines often grab COM ports. Shut down the VM, then reassign the COM port to the host first. Alternatively, use "USB Passthrough" instead of COM mapping. If the device shows up with a yellow
This is the notorious "Gigaware USB to Serial driver" problem. Because RadioShack has gone through bankruptcy and restructuring, official support for these older cables has become spotty. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your Gigaware USB to Serial cable working on Windows 10 64-bit, from automatic installation to manual workarounds.
If you purchased the cable recently, or if you have a newer revision of the hardware, the official driver might still work. RadioShack’s intellectual property has shifted around, but the drivers are often still hosted on their current website or archive servers.
