| Component | Recommendation | |-----------|----------------| | | Check via Device Manager → Properties → Details → Hardware IDs. If VID_067B&PID_2303 = Prolific. | | Official working driver | Prolific PL-2303 v3.8.36.4 or higher (but only for PL-2303 HXD, HX, and later chips – NOT for HXA, RA, TA). | | If chip is old (HXA/RA) | Hardware is incompatible with Windows 10. You must buy a new GEV189 cable with a newer chip (or FTDI-based). | | Alternative driver (unsafe) | Some users force-install PL-2303 v3.3.2.105 (Windows 7 driver) after disabling driver signature enforcement. Not recommended – causes BSODs and data corruption. | | FTDI-based GEV189 cables | Use FTDI VCP driver v2.12.28.0 (works natively on Windows 10, no update issues). |
If Device Manager shows a healthy COM port but Leica Geo Office or Leica Infinity still won't connect:
Struggling with the USB Download Cable GEV189 on Windows 10? This complete guide covers driver installation, updates, troubleshooting, and fixes for common errors.
The driver tells Windows 10 how to map this USB connection as a legacy serial COM port (e.g., COM3 or COM4). Once mapped, office software like Leica Geo Office (LGO), Leica Infinity, or third-party GIS tools can smoothly import your coordinates and measurements. Step 1: Downloading the Correct GEV189 Driver usb download cable gev189 driver windows 10 upd
Engineered to withstand extreme field temperatures ranging from -20°C to +55°C. Step 1: Downloading the Verified GEV189 Driver The original GEV189 cable
: Provides the same v1.70 driver package alongside other Leica office software like Leica Infinity and Instrument Tools.
A: No – Windows Update may install a generic USB serial driver, but it will not work correctly for GE PLC communication (timeouts, bad checksums). | | If chip is old (HXA/RA) |
Uncheck "Show compatible hardware" if necessary, or select the specific or older Prolific driver version from the list.
: Offers a dedicated ZIP file (v1.70) for GEV189/GEV195/GEV218 USB cable drivers. SCCS Surveying Knowledge Base
A critical step in this process, unique to Windows 10 and later versions, involves driver signature enforcement. Windows 10 prioritizes security by blocking the installation of drivers that lack a verified digital signature. Many legacy industrial drivers, including those for the GEV189, were created before these stringent security standards were fully implemented or were not signed by a recognized authority. As a result, the user may need to restart the computer in "Advanced Startup" mode to disable "Driver Signature Enforcement." Without this step, Windows 10 will recognize the driver file but refuse to install it, leaving the user in a loop of frustration. Not recommended – causes BSODs and data corruption
Look for an entry named or Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port .
Use official sources:
If you see “The best drivers for your device are already installed” but it still doesn’t work, proceed to Manual Method 2.