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Alternative Method to Check COM Ports in Windows 11


Windows 11 native tools are highly reliable with basic COM port checks, yet they have insufficient capacity for advanced checking that involves virtual COM ports and debugging tools.

For this reason, a third party can be beneficial, especially if:

  • Your PC lacks physical COM ports but needs serial communication.
  • You need to create or simulate virtual COM ports for testing.
  • You work with USB-to-serial adapters or require advanced troubleshooting.

In this section, we discuss how to enable COM ports in Windows 11 using external tools.

Virtual Serial Port Driver



Virtual Serial Port Driver (VSPD) enables users to create virtual COM ports that simulate physical serial port connections.

This application is highly useful with software that requires serial port communication but lacks access to physical ports.
VSPD logo

Virtual Serial Port Driver

5 Rank based on 367+ users, Reviews(367)
Download 14-day fully-functional trial period
Virtual Serial Port Driver

Developers, IT professionals, and even casual users can use this software if they need virtual COM ports for legacy software.

Pros ✅

  • Supports seamless communication between applications that require serial ports without needing physical hardware.
  • Establishes real serial connection by bridging two virtual COM ports.
  • Highly efficient for software development and testing on machines as it eliminates hardware dependency.
  • Compatible with various Windows applications, terminal software, and industrial automation tools.
  • Features an intuitive interface for easy navigation and quick creation, management, and monitoring of virtual COM ports.
  • Ensures seamless integration with existing physical COM ports.
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How to Create COM Ports Using Virtual Serial Port Driver

Step 1: Download and Install Virtual Serial Port Driver

  1. Download the latest version of Virtual Serial Port Driver. Download VSPD
  2. Install Virtual Serial Port Driver.
Step 2: Create Virtual COM Ports

Upon installation of the software, launch the Virtual Serial Port Driver from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Then, click "Add Pair" to create a virtual COM port pair. Afterward, assign COM port names (e.g., COM3 & COM4) and click Create to generate the pairs. The new virtual COM ports will be added to your system.

Create Virtual COM Ports.
Step 3: Verify the Created Virtual COM Ports

Reopen the Virtual Serial Port Driver and check if the ports appear in the list. You can also check the Device Manager (the method for doing this is described above) to see the COM port details.

Verify the Created Virtual COM Ports
Step 4: Use Virtual COM Ports for Testing

If you're developing or troubleshooting software that requires COM ports, you can now connect your application to a virtual port (e.g., COM3). The paired port (e.g., COM4) will receive the transmitted data, simulating real serial communication without physical hardware.

Redirect Your COM Port to the Network
Redirect Your COM Port to the Network
If you want to manage (split, share, and join) serial ports and share them over the network, try Serial to Ethernet Connector. The app lets you create a virtual COM port and access it remotely. Click the button to compare it with Virtual Serial Port Driver.
Learn more

Wrap Up

To ensure the seamless use of COM ports in your computer, it’s important to check their status regularly. Windows 11 provides built-in functionalities to check, manage, and troubleshoot COM ports through the Device Manager, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Windows Settings.

For advanced users, developers, and IT professionals, Virtual Serial Port Driver (VSPD) by Electronic Team, Inc., is the ideal solution. Unlike Windows 11 native methods, VSPD allows users to create fully functional virtual COM ports without the need for physical hardware.

Top choice

Virtual Serial Port Driver

  • Rank 5 based on 367+ users
  • Requirements: Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 (32/64-bit), Windows Server 2012/2016/2019/2022, Windows on ARM . 6.55MB free space.
  • Version 11.0.1068. (14 Nov, 2024). Release notes
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