> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dragonwingdocs-staging.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.
</Note>

If you are unable to detect the USB-to-Serial connection from your development kit, it may be due to missing or outdated FTDI Virtual COM Port (VCOM) drivers.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:

<Frame caption="Device Manager showing missing FTDI drivers">
  <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/qualcomm-staging/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/missing-driver-device-manager.png" alt="Device Manager showing missing FTDI drivers" />
</Frame>

## Fix the missing driver

<Steps>
  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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).

    <Frame caption="Device Manager showing USB Serial Ports under Other devices">
      <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/qualcomm-staging/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/missing-driver-device-manager.png" alt="Device Manager showing USB Serial Ports under Other devices" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Update the Driver Manually">
    * Right-click one of the **USB Serial Port** entries and select **Properties**.

    <Frame caption="Right-click USB Serial Port to open Properties">
      <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/qualcomm-staging/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/device-manager-properties-menu.png" alt="Right-click USB Serial Port to open Properties" />
    </Frame>

    * 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.

    <Frame caption="Properties showing no drivers installed">
      <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/qualcomm-staging/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/properties-no-driver.png" alt="Properties showing no drivers installed" />
    </Frame>

    * Click on the **Driver** tab, then click **Update Driver**.

    <Frame caption="Driver tab with Update Driver button">
      <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/qualcomm-staging/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/driver-tab-update-driver.png" alt="Driver tab with Update Driver button" />
    </Frame>

    * In the dialog that appears, select **Browse my computer for drivers**.

    <Frame caption="Select Browse my computer for drivers">
      <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/qualcomm-staging/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/browse-my-computer.png" alt="Select Browse my computer for drivers" />
    </Frame>

    * 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.

    <Frame caption="Browse to the extracted FTDI driver folder">
      <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/qualcomm-staging/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/browse-for-drivers-folder.png" alt="Browse to the extracted FTDI driver folder" />
    </Frame>

    * Windows will install the driver and show a success message.

    <Frame caption="Windows has successfully updated your drivers">
      <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/qualcomm-staging/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/driver-update-success.png" alt="Windows has successfully updated your drivers" />
    </Frame>

    <Tip>
      Repeat this step for each USB Serial Port entry under **Other devices** until all have been updated with the FTDI driver.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.

    <Frame caption="Device Manager showing all FTDI devices properly installed">
      <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/qualcomm-staging/Tools/Qualcomm-Launcher/images/ftdi-vcom-driver/device-manager-with-drivers.png" alt="Device Manager showing all FTDI devices properly installed" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>
</Steps>

<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)
</Tip>