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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For most USB-to-serial adapters, the correct FTDI package for Windows 10 or Windows 11 is the Windows Desktop driver 2.12.36.20. FTDI’s standard Windows Desktop download includes both the Virtual COM Port (VCP) and D2XX drivers, so you normally do not need to download them separately.
Download it from FTDI’s official driver page: ftdichip.com/drivers. The installation method depends on whether Windows is x86/x64 or ARM64, and on whether your FTDI product needs a COM port, D2XX, or D3XX interface.
Which FTDI driver do you need?
Choose the driver according to the FTDI hardware and the software that will use it.
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| Hardware or requirement | Driver to use | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| USB-to-serial adapter that should receive a COM port | VCP | Usually appears as USB Serial Port (COMx) under Ports (COM & LPT). |
| Application using the FTDI DLL/API | D2XX | Provides direct device access rather than ordinary COM-port communication. |
| FT4222H | D2XX plus LibFT4222 | FT4222H does not use a VCP driver. |
| FT600 or FT601 SuperSpeed USB bridge | D3XX | Use FTDI’s D3XX package, not the ordinary VCP installation instructions. |
The current Windows Desktop package contains both VCP and D2XX support. A single application cannot communicate with the same FTDI device through VCP and D2XX at the same time, although the installed driver model can support either interface.
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Current FTDI driver version
As of August 7, 2026, FTDI lists these Windows packages:
| Package | Version | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Desktop | 2.12.36.20 | Windows 10/11 on x86 or x64 PCs; includes VCP and D2XX |
| Windows Universal | 2.12.36.20U | Universal driver installation scenarios |
| Windows ARM64 | 2.12.36.20A | Windows on ARM-based computers |
The Windows Desktop driver was released on March 4, 2025, is WHQL certified, and supports Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2022, and Windows Server 2025. FTDI does not list a newer Windows Desktop release than 2.12.36.20 on its driver pages.
Some older guides and search results mention version 2.12.36.4. That is not the current Windows Desktop version. It also appears in FTDI’s older installation guide, which was revised in November 2023.
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Check whether Windows is x86, x64, or ARM64
- Open Start and select Settings.
- Select System.
- Select About.
- Under Device specifications, read System type.
Windows 11 is 64-bit only, but Windows 10 can be 32-bit or 64-bit. If the description says the computer has an ARM-based processor or is an ARM64 system, use FTDI’s ARM64 package.
Important: FTDI’s normal setup executable is for Windows Desktop x86 and x64. It is not available for ARM64. ARM64 and Universal packages must be installed manually from their driver files.
Download the FTDI driver safely
- Go to FTDI’s official Drivers page.
- Choose the relevant VCP, D2XX, or D3XX section.
- For an ordinary Windows 10 or 11 x86/x64 computer, download the Windows Desktop package or its setup executable.
- For an ARM64 computer, download the Windows ARM64 package instead.
- Save the download, then extract it if it is a ZIP or other compressed archive.
Do not use an unidentified “driver updater” website. A driver package from the adapter manufacturer may be necessary if that manufacturer programmed a custom USB Vendor ID (VID) or Product ID (PID).
Method 1: Let Windows Update install the driver
For a standard Windows Desktop x86/x64 installation, Windows can obtain a suitable FTDI driver automatically.
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- Connect the FTDI adapter or device to a USB port.
- Make sure the computer has an internet connection.
- Wait for Windows Plug and Play and Windows Update to process the device.
- Open Device Manager and check whether the device is installed.
This automatic method applies to the Desktop x86/x64 driver. It does not install the ARM64 or Universal packages through the method described in FTDI’s installation guide.
Method 2: Install with FTDI’s setup executable
This is the easiest method for Windows 10 and Windows 11 on Intel or AMD x86/x64 systems.
- Download the Windows Desktop setup package from FTDI.
- Extract the archive if Windows downloaded it in compressed form.
- Right-click the setup executable and select Run as administrator.
- At the User Account Control prompt, select Yes.
- In the FTDI installer, select Extract.
- Follow the remaining screens and accept the driver license terms.
- Connect the FTDI device if it was not already connected.
The setup program pre-installs the driver in Windows’ driver store. It does not replace the physical Plug and Play step: Windows still needs to detect the connected device and associate it with the installed driver.
Method 3: Install the driver through Device Manager
Use manual installation for ARM64, Universal driver packages, a ZIP containing .inf files, or a device shown under Other devices with a yellow warning icon.
- Extract the FTDI driver package to a known folder, such as
C:DriversFTDI. - Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Find the FTDI device. It may be under Other devices, Universal Serial Bus controllers, or another category.
- Right-click the device and select Update driver.
- Select Browse my computer for drivers.
- Select Browse… and choose the top-level extracted folder containing the relevant FTDI
.inffiles. - Select OK, confirm the path, and select Next.
- When Windows finishes, select Close.
Choose the folder containing the correct architecture and driver files. Selecting an unrelated parent folder, or choosing x64 files on ARM64, can produce the message that Windows could not find a suitable driver.
Install an FTDI driver with PnPUtil
Administrators can add an extracted driver package to the Windows driver store from an elevated Command Prompt.
For one INF file:
pnputil /add-driver device.inf /installFor every INF file in a folder:
pnputil /add-driver C:DriversFTDI*.inf /installFor INF files in subdirectories too:
pnputil /add-driver C:DriversFTDI*.inf /subdirs /installOpen Command Prompt as administrator before running these commands. The /add-driver option adds the package to the driver store, while /install installs or updates matching devices.
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PnPUtil does not force Windows to use a particular driver. If Windows determines that another driver has a higher ranking or is newer and better matched, it may leave that driver in place.
Verify the installation
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Ports (COM & LPT).
- Look for an entry similar to
USB Serial Port (COM3)or another COM number.
Record the COM number because terminal programs, firmware tools, and industrial software often require you to select it manually.
Not every FTDI product exposes a COM port. A D2XX-only configuration may instead appear as USB Serial Converter. FTDI’s combined driver model installs the D2XX bus layer, while the COM-port layer depends on the device family and its EEPROM configuration.
Fix common FTDI installation problems
Windows says it cannot find a suitable driver
A common reason is a VID/PID mismatch. The USB Vendor ID and Product ID programmed into the device EEPROM do not match the IDs listed in the standard FTDI INF files. This occurs with some custom products and incorrectly configured adapters.
Use Microsoft’s USBView utility to inspect the VID and PID. If the product uses custom identifiers, obtain the driver from the adapter or equipment manufacturer rather than trying random FTDI packages.
Windows x64 refuses the driver
Windows 10 and Windows 11 x64 require certified drivers. FTDI’s standard package supports its certified product IDs, including these common combinations:
VID 0403 / PID 6001 FT232B/R/RN and FT245B/R/RN
VID 0403 / PID 6010 FT2232D/H
VID 0403 / PID 6011 FT4232H
VID 0403 / PID 6014 FT232H
VID 0403 / PID 6015 FT-X series
VID 0403 / PID 601B FT4222H
VID 0403 / PID 601C FT4222HThe package also lists supported newer FTDI families, including the FT2233HP, FT4233HP, FT2232HP, FT4232HP, FT233HP, FT232HP, and FT4232HA product IDs. A different programmed VID/PID may require a manufacturer-supplied package and certification.
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“The best drivers for your device are already installed”
This Device Manager message does not prove that the newest package on FTDI’s website is installed. Device Manager evaluates the drivers available through Windows Update and its local driver store; it does not necessarily compare the device against every package currently published by FTDI.
If the device is still malfunctioning, or the hardware manufacturer specifies a particular FTDI release, install the official package manually.
The FTDI device is missing from Device Manager
First try a different USB port, cable, or computer. Then show ordinary hidden devices:
- Open Device Manager.
- Select View.
- Select Show hidden devices.
For disconnected, non-present device instances, FTDI documents this additional procedure:
- Open System Properties and select the Advanced tab.
- Select Environment Variables….
- Under System variables, select New….
- Enter
DevMgr_Show_NonPresent_Devicesas the variable name. - Enter
1as the variable value. - Select OK, reopen Device Manager, then select View > Show hidden devices.
Previously connected FTDI devices may now appear shaded. Remove obsolete instances if they are causing stale COM-port assignments or conflicts.
The device installs but has no COM port
This may be normal. FTDI’s combined package always provides the D2XX bus layer, but the VCP layer is installed according to the product type and EEPROM configuration. FT600, FT601, FT4222H, and D2XX-oriented configurations should not automatically be expected to create a COM port.
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Continue only when you know and trust the package source. For a normal installation, download from FTDI or from the equipment manufacturer. Do not bypass driver security for an unknown download.
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Old FTDI entries are interfering
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the affected device and select Uninstall device.
- If available, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device or Delete the driver software for this device.
- Select Uninstall.
- Disconnect and reconnect the hardware, or select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
The exact checkbox wording varies between Windows versions and driver packages. Removing the device instance is often enough; deleting the driver package is more disruptive and should be reserved for a genuine driver conflict.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Official FTDI links
- FTDI Drivers
- FTDI VCP drivers
- FTDI D2XX drivers
- FTDI driver release announcement
- FTDI Windows 10/11 installation guide
FAQ
What is the latest FTDI driver for Windows 10 and Windows 11?
As of August 7, 2026, FTDI lists Windows Desktop driver version 2.12.36.20, released March 4, 2025. It supports x86 and x64 Windows Desktop installations and includes VCP and D2XX support.
Should I install the FTDI VCP or D2XX driver?
Use VCP when the adapter must appear as a normal COM port. Use D2XX when the application communicates through FTDI’s DLL/API. The standard Windows Desktop package includes both.
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Can I install the normal FTDI setup.exe on Windows ARM64?
No. FTDI’s standard setup executable is not available for ARM64. Download the ARM64 package and install its INF files manually through Device Manager or PnPUtil.
Why does my FTDI device not appear under Ports (COM & LPT)?
Not every FTDI product or configuration creates a COM port. D2XX-only devices may appear as USB Serial Converter, and products such as FT600/FT601 use D3XX rather than the usual VCP interface.
Why does Windows say that no suitable FTDI driver was found?
The device may have a custom VID/PID that does not match the standard FTDI INF files. Check the identifiers with Microsoft USBView and obtain a matching package from the device manufacturer if necessary.
Can Windows Update install FTDI drivers automatically?
It can install a suitable Windows Desktop x86/x64 driver when the PC is online and the FTDI device is connected. FTDI’s documented Windows Update method does not cover ARM64 or Universal driver packages.
The Bottom Line
For a conventional FTDI USB-to-serial adapter on an Intel or AMD Windows 10/11 PC, download FTDI’s Windows Desktop 2.12.36.20 package and run its setup executable as administrator. Confirm the result in Device Manager under Ports (COM & LPT). If the computer is ARM64, the product is FT600/FT601 or FT4222H, or the device has a custom VID/PID, use the matching FTDI or manufacturer-specific package instead.
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