> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dragonwingdocs.qualcomm.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Install FTDI VCOM Drivers > Install FTDI Virtual COM Port (VCOM) drivers for USB-to-serial communication on Windows. > [!NOTE] > > This guide is applicable only for Windows systems. If you are using macOS or > Linux, please refer to the FTDI website for platform-specific instructions. If you are unable to detect the USB-to-Serial connection from your development kit, it may be due to missing or outdated FTDI Virtual COM Port (VCOM) drivers. Many development boards use FTDI chips for USB-to-serial communication, and the VCOM driver is required for proper detection. ## Symptoms * USB-to-Serial connection fails to establish * USB Serial Ports appear under **Other devices** instead of **Ports (COM & LPT)** in Device Manager When FTDI drivers are missing, you may see USB Serial Port entries under **Other devices** in Device Manager: ![Device Manager showing missing FTDI drivers](https://mintcdn.com/qualcomm-prod/JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/missing-driver-device-manager.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s\&q=85\&s=75b8574c6ede64c8139454d2bece5f02) Device Manager showing missing FTDI drivers ## Fix the missing driver **1. Download the FTDI VCP Driver** [Download the FTDI VCP driver for Windows](https://ftdichip.com/drivers/vcp-drivers/) from the official FTDI website. * Select the **Windows driver package (ZIP file)** for manual installation that matches your system architecture. * Save the file (e.g., `CDM-v2.12.36.20-WHQL-Certified.zip`) to your Downloads folder. **2. Extract the Driver Files** * Locate the downloaded ZIP file (e.g., `CDM-v2.12.36.20-WHQL-Certified.zip`). * Right-click the ZIP file and select **Extract All...**. * Choose a location to extract the files such as your Downloads folder. * Note the extraction location as you will need it in a later step. **3. Connect Your Development Kit** * Connect your development kit to your computer via USB-to-Serial. * Windows will detect the device but may fail to install the driver automatically. **4. Open Device Manager** * Right-click the **Start** button and select **Device Manager**. * Expand **Other devices**. * Locate the USB Serial Port entries (may have yellow warning icons on some machines). ![Device Manager showing USB Serial Ports under Other devices](https://mintcdn.com/qualcomm-prod/JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/missing-driver-device-manager.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s\&q=85\&s=75b8574c6ede64c8139454d2bece5f02) Device Manager showing USB Serial Ports under Other devices **5. Update the Driver Manually** * Right-click one of the **USB Serial Port** entries and select **Properties**. ![Right-click USB Serial Port to open Properties](https://mintcdn.com/qualcomm-prod/JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/device-manager-properties-menu.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s\&q=85\&s=6419117aa192713d0c9d94290b207bf3) Right-click USB Serial Port to open Properties * In the **General** tab, you'll see "No drivers are installed for this device" in the Device status. Click **Change settings**. Windows prompts for elevated privileges — accept the prompt to continue. ![Properties showing no drivers installed](https://mintcdn.com/qualcomm-prod/JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/properties-no-driver.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s\&q=85\&s=5a6670864da911b098887a8c4c9f2a10) Properties showing no drivers installed * Click on the **Driver** tab, then click **Update Driver**. ![Driver tab with Update Driver button](https://mintcdn.com/qualcomm-prod/JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/driver-tab-update-driver.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s\&q=85\&s=3590bf08ba9e8bb2e1a0ac3b7beeec67) Driver tab with Update Driver button * In the dialog that appears, select **Browse my computer for drivers**. ![Select Browse my computer for drivers](https://mintcdn.com/qualcomm-prod/JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/browse-my-computer.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s\&q=85\&s=31ce0eb58875a62dcfab4bdf7a542d03) Select Browse my computer for drivers * Click **Browse** and navigate to the folder where you extracted the FTDI driver files. * Ensure **Include subfolders** is checked. * Click **Next** to install the driver. ![Browse to the extracted FTDI driver folder](https://mintcdn.com/qualcomm-prod/JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/browse-for-drivers-folder.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s\&q=85\&s=c0fdac8e002546e01a73ecafb115fd37) Browse to the extracted FTDI driver folder * Windows will install the driver and show a success message. ![Windows has successfully updated your drivers](https://mintcdn.com/qualcomm-prod/JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/driver-update-success.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s\&q=85\&s=1d98a522635711b7dbbdb62f5aec1f5c) Windows has successfully updated your drivers > [!TIP] > > Repeat this step for each USB Serial Port entry under **Other devices** until all have been updated with the FTDI driver. **6. Verify Installation** * After installing the drivers for all USB Serial Port entries, open Device Manager again. * Expand **Ports (COM & LPT)**. * All USB Serial Ports should now appear properly under **Ports (COM & LPT)** with assigned COM port numbers. ![Device Manager showing all FTDI devices properly installed](https://mintcdn.com/qualcomm-prod/JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/device-manager-with-drivers.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=JVgmd0yhiqpMJz4s\&q=85\&s=a301f6e94031dc11de320028f45b4710) Device Manager showing all FTDI devices properly installed > [!TIP] > > For more detailed installation instructions and troubleshooting, refer to the official FTDI installation guide: [FTDI Drivers Installation Guide for Windows 10/11 (AN\_396)](https://ftdichip.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AN_396_FTDI_Drivers_Installation_Guide_for_Windows_10_11.pdf)