Windows 11 and Legacy USB Driver Work-Around!

[Uwe]

Credit goes to @trv2 for suggesting this work-around.

Download the current, WHQL-signed driver from FTDI Chip:

For Windows 11 x64:
https://ftdichip.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CDM-v2.12.36.20-WHQL-Certified.zip

Extract the archive, open Device Manager, find your interface:



Open its Properties sheet, select the Driver tab:



Click [Update Driver]



Click Browse my computer for drivers



Click Let me pick from a list...



Point things to the extracted FTDI Drivers, then choose USB Serial Converter:



You'll probably get a warning like this:



Click [Yes].

Your legacy interface should now show up in Device Manager as a USB Serial Cnverter:



But it will work with VCDS, at least it does for those of us who have tried it so far.



-Uwe-

 

[wingman]

Looking for help with this as bit of a novice at it how do I Extract the archive as your first point after download!

 

[wingman]

No worries sorted it thanks

 

[Zenerdiode]

Confirmed it works on my heavily locked down corporate laptop too. Thank you @trv2 and @Uwe

---------------------------
VCDS Release 26.3.0:  Port Test
---------------------------
Port Status: OK
  USB Library Version: 03.02.07
  USB Driver Version: 02.12.36
Interface: Found!
  Type: Ross-Tech HEX-USB   
  Status: Not plugged into Car!
---------------------------
OK   
---------------------------

 

[simplmn80]

Point things to the extracted FTDI Drivers, then choose USB Serial Converter: how do you get to that point? im stuck on the last step.

 

[simplmn80]

Looking for help with this as bit of a novice at it how do I Extract the archive as your first point after download!

I am at ... click let me pick from a list... do you go to a different screen?

 

[Zenerdiode]

I am at ... click let me pick from a list... do you go to a different screen?

Yes. Click the wording 'Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer'...
In the next dialog, highlight 'Ross-Tech HEX or KEY USB Interface'
Click [Have Disk...] button, browse to the folder where you expanded the downloaded drivers, when the path to the folder is in the 'Copy manufacturer's files from:' box click [OK], select 'USB Serial Converter' and then [Next]

 

[simplmn80]

Yes. Click the wording 'Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer'...
In the next dialog, highlight 'Ross-Tech HEX or KEY USB Interface'
Click [Have Disk...] button, browse to the folder where you expanded the downloaded drivers, when the path to the folder is in the 'Copy manufacturer's files from:' box click [OK], select 'USB Serial Converter' and then [Next]

Ok thank you... I'll have to mess with it a little more tomorro, I think I ended up doing it correct but still wouldn't work. I have an old hex-can that is 10 years old. Guess I'll be upgrading.

 

[wh17]

Someone from the germany form managed to get his HEX-USB Serial AVT60XXXXX-XX Interface running with Windows11. He used a driver from FTDI Download but did not disclose which one he used.

He also wrote that he uses Version 17081 as he cant code a golf7 with later version (he claims a popup appears with information about new software).

I dont have this interface and do not know which ftdi chip is inside... but even this very very old interface works with Windows11.

 

[Uwe]

I dont have this interface and do not know which ftdi chip is inside...

It's from 2006, so I think that will be one of the older FT232 chips that used a separate EEPROM and crystal oscillator, FT232BM?

It uses the same drivers as the newer FT232R chips that have the EEPOM and oscillator in the chip.

-Uwe-

 

[huvw]

Hello everyone.

I would appreciate some assistance with this driver issue. I am working on a Dell laptop updated from W10 to W11. I have the below interface (that I swear by!) I purchased in January 2009.

[Picture HEX+CAN Product Label with Serial Number Redacted]

I've used 26.3 as late as April 28, 2026 without issue but today I received the Interface: Not Found! message. In an attempt to utilize the ftdichip.com workaround I went into device manager and only see the below USB controllers.



Any advice on how I should proceed? Thanks for any assistance!

huvw

 

[Uwe]

In an attempt to utilize the ftdichip.com workaround I went into device manager and only see the below USB controllers.

Was the interface plugged into your PC?

If not, plug it in and check again.

If you still can't find it, leave Device Manager open while plugging and unplugging the interface and look for something that changes.

-Uwe-

 

[huvw]

Was the interface plugged into your PC?

Thank you for the complex and technical assistance...

In the excitement/surprise of the interface not found message and being in the middle of purchasing an Audi A6 I was a little too excited to think logically. Thanks for the help!

 

[r32hoo]

That was work. But yes, it works with my Micro-CAN interface. You guys are the best!