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How to Install COM Port in Windows 11?

Published in Windows Hardware 3 mins read

Adding a COM (serial) port in Windows 11, particularly a standard communications port not automatically detected, can be done through the Device Manager using the "Add legacy hardware" wizard. This process allows you to manually install a standard COM port instance.

Here's how you can install or add a standard COM port in Windows 11 using the legacy hardware method:

Steps to Add a Standard COM Port

Follow these steps carefully within the Windows 11 operating system:

  1. Launch Device Manager:

    • Right-click on the Windows Start button.
    • Select Device Manager from the context menu.
    • Alternatively, you can search for "Device Manager" in the Windows search bar and open it.

  2. Highlight Your Computer Name:

    • In the Device Manager window, look for your computer name at the very top of the device list tree.
    • Click on your computer name to highlight it.

  3. Access the Action Menu:

    • With your computer name highlighted, click on the Action menu in the top menu bar of the Device Manager window.

  4. Select "Add legacy hardware":

    • From the dropdown menu that appears under "Action", select Add legacy hardware. This will open the Add Hardware wizard.

  5. Follow the Wizard - Installation Type:

    • Click Next on the welcome screen of the Add Hardware wizard.
    • When asked, "What do you want the wizard to do?", select the option Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced).
    • Click Next.

  6. Choose the Hardware Type:

    • The wizard will display a list of common hardware types.
    • Scroll down and select Ports (COM & LPT) from the list.
    • Click Next.

  7. Select Manufacturer and Model:

    • On the left side under "Manufacturer", select (Standard port types).
    • On the right side under "Model", select Communications Port.
    • Click Next.

  8. Complete the Installation:

    • The wizard will inform you that it's ready to install the hardware.
    • Click Next to proceed.
    • The wizard will install the standard Communications Port.
    • Click Finish to close the wizard.

Verifying the Installation

After completing these steps, the new COM port should appear under the Ports (COM & LPT) section in Device Manager. You may need to expand this section to see the newly added "Communications Port". Note that the port number (e.g., COM1, COM2) assigned by Windows will be listed next to it.

Important Considerations:

  • This method adds a standard COM port instance. If you are trying to install a USB-to-Serial adapter, you typically need to install the specific drivers provided by the adapter's manufacturer, which may involve plugging in the device and running an installer package.
  • Adding a standard legacy COM port is often used when Windows does not automatically detect built-in serial hardware or when setting up certain types of virtual COM ports managed by Windows.
  • If you add a COM port this way without corresponding physical hardware, it may show errors or not function correctly until appropriate hardware or software is configured for it.

By following the steps outlined above, utilizing the "Add legacy hardware" feature in Device Manager, you can successfully add a standard Communications Port in Windows 11 as described in the provided reference.

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