The Broadcom USB to Serial driver allows Windows to communicate with compatible Broadcom USB-to-serial hardware, providing a connection between a USB port and equipment that uses a serial interface. For a serial-connected printer, the correct driver helps Windows recognize the adapter and makes its COM port available to printing software. Before downloading, confirm that the package matches your hardware and your version of Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7.

Key Features

• USB-to-serial communication: Provides the software interface needed to exchange data with compatible serial equipment through a USB connection.
• COM port access: Makes the serial connection available to applications that require a COM port, including software used with some receipt, label, and other serial printers.
• Serial connection settings: Allows compatible applications or Windows port settings to control parameters such as baud rate, parity, and flow control, depending on the hardware.
• Device recognition: Helps Windows identify supported adapters correctly instead of leaving them listed as unknown devices or with missing-driver warnings.

How to Install

1. Check the adapter’s identity. Open Device Manager and locate the Broadcom USB to Serial device. If it appears as an unknown device, check Properties > Details > Hardware Ids and compare those identifiers with the driver package’s supported hardware.

1. Choose the matching download. Select a package that explicitly supports your Windows version and system architecture. Do not assume that a driver intended for Windows 7 or 8 will also work on Windows 10 or 11.

1. Extract and install the driver. Unzip the download if necessary. Run the included installer and follow its instructions. If there is no installer, right-click the device in Device Manager, select Update driver, and browse to the extracted driver folder.

1. Reconnect and verify detection. Restart Windows if prompted, then connect the adapter directly to an available USB port. In Device Manager, check for a warning-free entry under Ports (COM & LPT) and note the assigned COM port number.

1. Configure and test the printer connection. Select that COM port in your printing software and match the serial settings to the printer’s requirements. Send a test print. The USB-to-serial driver handles the adapter connection; your printer may also need its own driver or application-specific setup.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Installer fails or rolls back: Run the Broadcom USB-to-Serial installer as administrator, temporarily disable antivirus, and reboot before retrying. Confirm the package matches your Windows version and 32/64-bit architecture.
• Device not detected: Try another USB port and cable, then rescan in Device Manager. Check under Ports (COM & LPT) or Unknown devices; if listed, update the driver manually by pointing to the extracted INF file.
• Version or COM port conflicts: Uninstall any existing Broadcom USB serial driver and stale COM port entries, delete the driver software, reboot, then install the latest package. In Device Manager, assign a free COM port if another device uses the same number.