FTDI driver for Windows
FTDI publishes two Windows drivers at ftdichip.com. The VCP driver gives your FT232 or similar chip a COM port, which is what most serial programs want. The D2XX driver gives programs direct access through a DLL. Windows Update often installs the VCP driver by itself when you plug the device in.
Checked October 30, 2026 against the manufacturer's own pages.
Driver downloads
| Driver | Version | Released | Size | Windows | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTDI VCP driver for Windows | See maker page | See maker page | See maker page | Windows | Download from ftdichip.com |
| FTDI D2XX driver for Windows | See maker page | See maker page | See maker page | Windows | Download from ftdichip.com |
Values copied from the manufacturer's page on October 30, 2026. The file always downloads from the manufacturer, never from this site.
Hardware IDs on this page
| Hardware ID | Device name |
|---|---|
USB\VID_0403&PID_6001 | FT232 Serial (UART) IC |
USB\VID_0403&PID_6010 | FT2232C/D/H Dual UART/FIFO IC |
USB\VID_0403&PID_6011 | FT4232H Quad HS USB-UART/FIFO IC |
USB\VID_0403&PID_6014 | FT232H Single HS USB-UART/FIFO IC |
USB\VID_0403&PID_6015 | Bridge(I2C/SPI/UART/FIFO) |
Match the first line of Hardware Ids in Device Manager (Properties, Details) against this list. Names come from the public PCI ID Repository.
The short version
What to install and where it comes from. Every link goes to the manufacturer or Microsoft, never to a copy.
Official files only, nothing bundled
Step by step
Plug in and wait
Connect the cable or adapter and give Windows a minute. Check Device Manager under Ports. A name like USB Serial Port (COM4) means a driver is already running.
Read the hardware ID
If it sits under Other devices, open Properties, Details, Hardware Ids. A line with VID_0403 means an FTDI chip.
Try Windows Update
Open Settings, Windows Update, and check for updates, including Optional updates. Windows may fetch the FTDI driver without any download from you.
Choose VCP or D2XX
For terminal programs, Arduino tools and most industrial software, use the VCP driver. Use D2XX only if your software tells you it needs the FTDI D2XX DLL.
Install from ftdichip.com
Open the matching page on ftdichip.com, download the Windows package and follow the maker's install notes. Replug the device afterwards and note the COM number.
The chip behind many serial adapters
FTDI, short for Future Technology Devices International, makes USB-to-serial chips used in console cables, programming cables, lab gear and many development boards. In the public USB ID list, FTDI is vendor 0403. The best known product code is 6001, the FT232. Others cover dual and quad channel parts, the FT232H and an I2C, SPI and UART bridge.
Two drivers, two jobs
FTDI offers a Virtual COM Port driver and a D2XX driver. The first makes the chip appear as a standard COM port, so any serial program can use it. The second skips the COM layer. Software calls an FTDI library, a DLL, to read and write the chip directly. That route is used for fast transfers and special modes such as bit-bang.
Most users want VCP. Windows often installs it on its own through Windows Update, so check Device Manager before you download anything.
What we could and could not check
FTDI updates its VCP and D2XX packages on its own schedule, so the table above sends you to its page for the current version and date rather than copying a number that may change.
A common problem
A cable shows up as USB Serial Converter but no COM port. The converter driver loaded and the port driver did not. Unplug the cable, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in. If it still fails, remove the device in Device Manager, tick the option to delete its driver software, and let Windows install again, or install the package from ftdichip.com. Never switch off signature checks to force an install.
Questions
Can I have both VCP and D2XX?
A device uses one at a time. Programs written for D2XX need that driver loaded for the device, while a terminal program needs the VCP one.
My FTDI cable stopped working after an update.
Roll back the driver in Device Manager, or reinstall the package from ftdichip.com.
How do I know I need FTDI's page?
If the hardware ID shows VID_0403, the chip is from FTDI. Other codes belong to other makers, such as 1A86 for CH340 or 10C4 for CP210x.
Where do I see the current version?
FTDI lists the version and release date for each operating system in the table on its VCP Drivers page. Check it there before you download.