How to Download, Install, and Update Communication Port Driver on Windows 11 and Windows 10
Jun. 24, 2025 / Updated by Violet to Windows Driver Solutions
Proper functionality of communication ports like COM1 is critical for many legacy and modern peripherals, including modems, barcode scanners, industrial machinery, and serial interface devices. If your device manager is showing errors under "Communications Port (COM1)" or you're unable to establish serial connections, it’s most likely due to a missing, outdated, or corrupted communication port driver.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about communication port driver Windows 11, communication port driver Windows 10, and how to download and install the correct COM1 port driver or communications port driver for your system.
What is a Communication Port (COM1) Driver?
A communication port driver, also known as a COM port driver, is a system-level software component that enables Windows to recognize and interact with the serial communication interface on your computer. COM1 is typically the default designation for the first serial port on a Windows machine.
Without the correct communications port driver, your system cannot communicate with any device connected through that port, leading to device malfunction, connection errors, or failure to detect peripherals.
Why You Need the Correct Communication Port Driver on Windows 11/10
Having the proper communication port driver for Windows 11 or Windows 10 is essential for:
- Ensuring compatibility with serial devices (e.g., industrial controllers, point-of-sale terminals).
- Fixing Device Manager errors, such as “This device cannot start (Code 10)”.
- Enabling third-party software to access COM ports without interruption.
- Allowing legacy devices to operate seamlessly on modern systems.
Common Errors Related to COM1 Port Driver
Some common issues caused by a missing or faulty communications port (COM1) driver include:
- “Communications Port (COM1) – Driver not installed”
- “Unknown device” showing in Device Manager
- Code 10 / Code 28 error messages
- Devices connected to COM ports not being detected
If you're facing any of these issues, updating or reinstalling the correct communication port driver Windows 10/11 will resolve the problem.
How to Check the Status of Communication Port Driver in Windows
Before installing or updating your COM1 port driver, follow these steps to check its current status:
1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Scroll down to Ports (COM & LPT).
3. Locate Communications Port (COM1).
4. Right-click and select Properties.
5. Under the Driver tab, check the Driver Version, Provider, and Date.
If the driver is missing or outdated, or shows a yellow exclamation mark, continue with the steps below.
Method 1: Automatically Update Communications Port Driver via Device Manager
This method allows Windows to search for the best driver available online or locally.
1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Ports (COM & LPT).
3. Right-click Communications Port (COM1).
4. Select Update Driver.
5. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
Windows will check Windows Update or your system’s driver store for a suitable communications port driver Windows 11 or Windows 10 version.
Note: This method may not always find the most compatible or latest driver.
Method 2: Manually Install Communication Port Driver on Windows 11/10
For full control, you can manually install the driver using an INF file.
Step 1: Download the COM Port Driver
- Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s or laptop brand’s support page.
- Search for your model and go to the Drivers section.
- Download the chipset or serial port driver compatible with your Windows version.
- Alternatively, search for a universal communication port driver provided by trusted chipset vendors like Intel, AMD, or ASMedia.
Step 2: Install the Driver
1. Extract the downloaded file.
2. Go to Device Manager > Ports (COM & LPT).
3. Right-click Communications Port (COM1) and choose Update Driver.
4. Select Browse my computer for drivers.
5. Navigate to the folder containing the extracted driver files.
6. Click Next and complete the installation.
Method 3: Use Driver Update Software (Recommended)
To eliminate guesswork and avoid downloading incompatible drivers, use professional driver update tools like Driver Talent.
Benefits of Using Driver Talent:
- Detects outdated or missing communication port drivers instantly.
- Supports Windows 11, Windows 10, and earlier versions.
- One-click fix for all device driver issues.
- Automatically backs up existing drivers before updating.
How to Use Driver Talent:
1. Download and install Driver Talent from the official website.
2. Launch the software and click Scan.
3. Locate the COM Port Driver or Communications Port (COM1) entry.
4. Click Download or Repair to install the correct driver.
5. Restart your PC to apply changes.
This is the most hassle-free and reliable method, especially when Windows fails to locate the proper driver.
Method 4: Re-enable the COM1 Port in BIOS and Windows
In some cases, the COM port may be disabled at the firmware level.
Enable COM Port in BIOS:
1. Reboot your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (commonly by pressing F2, Del, or Esc).
2. Navigate to Advanced > Peripheral Configuration or similar.
3. Locate Serial Port or COM Port and set it to Enabled.
4. Save and exit BIOS.
Enable COM Port in Windows:
1. Open Device Manager.
2. Go to Action > Add Legacy Hardware.
3. Select Install the hardware that I manually select.
4. Choose Ports (COM & LPT) > Standard port types.
5. Select Communications Port (COM1) and complete the wizard.
This re-activates the serial port and forces Windows to install the relevant communications port driver.
How to Change or Assign a Different COM Port Number
Sometimes a conflict arises when multiple devices try to use the same COM port. Here's how to reassign it:
1. In Device Manager, right-click Communications Port (COM1).
2. Select Properties > Port Settings > Advanced.
3. Under COM Port Number, select an unused port from the dropdown (e.g., COM3 or COM4).
4. Click OK, then restart your computer.
Where to Download Communications Port (COM1) Driver
You can safely download the communications port (COM1) driver from the following trusted sources:
- Intel Drivers and Support Assistant – for Intel-based chipsets.
- AMD Auto-Detect Utility – for AMD-powered systems.
- Laptop Manufacturer Websites – HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer.
- Driver Talent Official Site – for easy detection and download of the exact driver.
Avoid third-party, ad-heavy driver websites as they may serve outdated or malware-infected files.
Conclusion
Installing and updating the communication port driver on Windows 11 or Windows 10 is essential to ensure smooth operation of any device that relies on serial communication. Whether you choose to install it manually, via Device Manager, or through automated tools like Driver Talent, keeping the COM1 port driver up to date will eliminate errors and improve system stability.
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