If you search for "GEV189 driver Windows 10 new," you’ll find hundreds of dead ends, shady driver download sites (warning: malware central), and forum posts telling you to "just install the old driver."
Here’s the catch: Installing the old driver does work—but Windows 10 will automatically update it to the broken one within hours unless you stop it.
Not all GEV189 cables use Prolific. Some newer clones use the CH340G chip from WCH. If the Prolific driver fails entirely, check the USB vendor ID:
For CH340-based GEV189 cables, the driver installs without any hacks.
Once the driver is installed and the cable appears in Device Manager:
In late 2023, some vendors started shipping a new revision of the GEV189—this time using the CH340 chip (popular in Arduino boards). If you have the CH340 version, rejoice: install the official CH340 driver from WCH, and Windows 10 loves it.
How to tell which you have? Open Device Manager. If it shows as "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (Error 10)," you have the old problem chip. If it shows as "USB-SERIAL CH340," you’re golden.
The GEV189 isn't a special snowflake. It’s a generic USB-to-serial (TTL) programming cable. Inside that chunky plastic blob midway down the wire lives a tiny chip—almost always the Prolific PL2303HX or a clone.
For years, this cable was the universal key to programming two-way radios. On Windows XP and 7, it worked like magic. But Microsoft, in its infinite wisdom, dropped support for older, "unauthorized" serial chips starting with Windows 10 Version 1703 (Creators Update).
The GEV189 USB download cable is not obsolete, but Windows 10 makes you fight for it. By forcing the legacy Prolific driver and disabling automatic updates for that specific device, you can keep programming your controllers without buying new hardware.
Did this work for you? Let me know in the comments which chip version your GEV189 uses and which Windows 10 build you are on.
Disclaimer: Always verify that your specific GEV189 cable version supports legacy driver installation. Modifying driver signature enforcement temporarily is safe but should be reverted after installation.
For the Leica GEV189 USB download cable on Windows 10, you can use the USB Cable Drivers v1.70 (GEV189/GEV195/GEV218) package, which supports current Windows operating systems. Where to Download
You can find the official or compatible drivers from authorized survey equipment retailers and support sites:
Sunbelt Sales provides the v1.70 ZIP file (3 MB) specifically for Go to product viewer dialog for this item. usb download cable gev189 driver windows 10 new
G2 Survey offers direct links to data transfer cable drivers, including GEV189 packages for newer Windows versions.
Leica myWorld is the official customer portal for the latest firmware and driver updates directly from the manufacturer. Installation Steps
If Windows 10 does not automatically recognize the cable, follow these steps to install the driver manually:
Download and Extract: Get the ZIP file from one of the sources above and extract it to a folder on your PC.
Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Locate the Device: Look for an entry with a yellow triangle, often labeled "FT232R" or "USB-Serial", under "Other devices" or "Ports (COM & LPT)". Update Driver: Right-click the device and select Update driver. Choose "Browse my computer for drivers".
Navigate to the folder where you extracted the drivers and click Next.
Verify: Once installed, the device should appear as a "USB-to-Serial Comm Port" with an assigned COM number (e.g., COM3). Note for Cloned Cables: Some generic "
" cables use older Prolific chips that may require backdated drivers (v3.2.0.0 or v3.3.2.105) to work on Windows 10, as the latest official Prolific drivers often block non-genuine hardware.
GEV189 USB download cable (Part No. 734700) is a critical accessory for transferring data from Leica Total Stations
(such as the TS02, TS06, and TS09) to a PC. For Windows 10 users, obtaining and correctly installing the "new" or latest driver version is essential to ensure the cable is recognized as a valid COM port. Driver Acquisition
While many GEV189 cables come with a driver CD, these often contain legacy drivers for Windows XP or 7. For Windows 10, it is recommended to use updated driver packages: Engineering Surveyor Official Sources
: The latest verified drivers are typically available on the Leica myWorld customer portal or through authorized distributors like Sunbelt Sales Version Info : Look for driver packages version v1.70 or higher
, which are specifically noted for GEV189/GEV195 compatibility on modern Windows systems. Sunbelt Sales Windows 10 Installation Steps If you search for "GEV189 driver Windows 10
If Windows 10 does not automatically recognize the cable, follow these manual installation steps to avoid "Unknown Device" errors in Device Manager:
What is a USB Download Cable Gev189?
A USB download cable, also known as a USB data cable or USB sync cable, is a type of cable used to connect a device (usually a phone, tablet, or GPS device) to a computer via USB port. The Gev189 is a specific model of USB download cable.
What is the purpose of the Gev189 Driver?
The Gev189 driver is software that enables the operating system (Windows 10 in this case) to communicate with the Gev189 USB download cable. The driver allows the computer to recognize the cable and facilitate data transfer between the connected device and the computer.
Key Features of the Gev189 Driver for Windows 10:
Based on available information, here are some key features of the Gev189 driver for Windows 10:
Installation and Setup:
To install the Gev189 driver on Windows 10, follow these general steps:
Benefits of Using the Gev189 Driver:
Here are some benefits of using the Gev189 driver:
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting:
Some potential issues that may arise when using the Gev189 driver include:
To troubleshoot these issues, try:
Conclusion:
The Gev189 driver for Windows 10 is a necessary software component that enables communication between the Gev189 USB download cable and the operating system. The driver provides a reliable connection and facilitates easy data transfer between the connected device and the computer. While potential issues may arise, troubleshooting steps can help resolve these problems.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: If you're looking for a reliable USB download cable driver for Windows 10, the Gev189 driver is a good option. Ensure that you download the driver from a trusted source and follow proper installation and setup procedures.
Guide to Installing GEV189 USB Cable Drivers on Windows 10/11 For surveying professionals, the GEV189 (734700)
USB download cable is a critical link for transferring data from Leica total stations and digital levels to a PC. While newer operating systems like Windows 10 Windows 11
often handle USB devices automatically, the GEV189's older serial-to-USB architecture frequently requires specific driver intervention to function correctly. AliExpress Where to Download the Driver
usually ships with a driver CD, but if you've lost it or lack a disc drive, you can find the necessary files online: Official & Authorized Portals : Reliable sources like Sunbelt Sales host the v1.70 ZIP packages specifically for the /GEV195 series Third-Party Alternatives : Sites like Sentek Technologies
provide updated Windows 10/11 compatible drivers (Version 2.12.36.4) that can bypass older compatibility hurdles. Sentek Technologies Step-by-Step Installation for Windows 10
If Windows does not recognize the cable immediately, follow this manual update procedure: Extract the Driver
: Download the ZIP file and extract it to a known folder (e.g., your Desktop). Open Device Manager : Right-click the button and select Device Manager Identify the Device
: Look for a device labeled "FT232R USB UART" or "Unknown Device" under Ports (COM & LPT) Other devices Update Driver : Right-click the device and select Update Driver Browse my computer for drivers Target the Folder
: Navigate to your extracted driver folder. Even on Windows 10, selecting the "Windows 7" or "Windows 8" subfolder often works because the underlying architecture is compatible. Confirm Installation
: Windows may warn that the driver hasn't passed "Windows Logo testing." Select "Continue Anyway" to finish the process. Microsoft Community Hub Troubleshooting & "Fake Chip" Errors PL2303 issues (Prolific USB to Serial Drivers) Win 11 For CH340-based GEV189 cables, the driver installs without
Before diving into the driver installation, let’s clarify what this cable actually is. The GEV189 is a USB-to-TTL serial adapter. One end has a standard USB-A male connector (plug into your PC). The other end usually has 4 female Dupont wires or a proprietary connector with pins for:
Inside the molded USB plug housing is a small chip—typically the Prolific PL-2303HX or PL-2303TA. Unfortunately, official drivers from Prolific after 2012 deliberately block counterfeit or older chips. Since many GEV189 cables use older or cloned chips, the latest official drivers will reject them on Windows 10.