This is a complete guide to downloading and installing the drivers for the FT232R USB UART . This chip is commonly found in Arduino clones, programming cables, and various industrial adapters. Here is the step-by-step process for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
⚠️ Important: Identify Your Device First Before downloading, ensure your device is actually using the FT232R chip.
Plug the device into your computer. Open Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (Mac/Linux). Look for a device named "USB Serial Port" or "FT232R USB UART." If you see this, you are in the right place.
Step 1: Download the Driver (Official Source) Always download directly from FTDI (the manufacturer) to avoid malware or corrupted files. driver ft232r usb uart download
Go to the official FTDI website: https://ftdichip.com/drivers/vcp-drivers/ Look for the table titled "VCP Drivers" (Virtual COM Port). Click the download icon next to your operating system:
Windows: Usually labeled setup executable (easiest for beginners). Mac OS X: Download the .dmg file. Linux: Usually pre-installed, but source code is available if needed.
At the time of writing, the current version is usually 2.12.28 or newer. This is a complete guide to downloading and
Step 2: Installation Guide by OS 🪟 For Windows 10 & Windows 11 Method A: Automatic Installation (Recommended)
Run the .exe file you downloaded from the FTDI site. Accept the license agreement. Click Extract (it will unzip the files to a folder). Once unzipped, the installer should launch automatically. Click Install . Wait for the message "Installation Complete" and click Exit .
Method B: Manual Installation (If Method A fails) Look for a device named "USB Serial Port"
Plug in your FT232R device. Open Device Manager (Right-click Start button > Device Manager). Look under "Other devices" or "Ports (COM & LPT)" . You might see a yellow warning triangle next to "USB-Serial Controller D" or "FT232R USB UART." Right-click the device and select Update driver . Select "Browse my computer for drivers" . Click "Browse..." and navigate to the folder where you extracted the driver files earlier (usually in C:\FTDI or your Downloads folder). Click Next . Windows will find the correct .inf file and install it. Once done, check Ports (COM & LPT) . It should now show "USB Serial Port (COMx)."
🍎 For macOS (Intel and M1/M2/M3)