I’m trying to set up a virtual COM port on my Windows computer for connecting two applications that need to communicate as if they’re linked by a serial port. I haven’t done this before and I’m not sure which reliable tools or software I should use. Can anyone recommend solutions or share what works best for them?
If you’re looking to link two apps on your Windows PC as if they’re chatting over real serial ports without the actual hardware hassle, what you’re looking for is a solid virtual serial port emulator. Been there, done that – wrestled with all the quirks. Honestly, you’ll see a bunch of so-so freeware with complicated configs and questionable drivers floating around, but if you want something that “just works” and doesn’t make you want to scream into the void, check out Virtual Serial Port Driver.
This tool lets you create virtual COM port pairs that behave exactly like the real thing, so your apps can talk through their pretend serial cables seamlessly. No blue screens, no weird conflicts – just open up your apps, pick the ports you set up, and boom, serial magic. The interface isn’t rocket science, either; you pick “create pair,” assign COM numbers, and you’re set. You can even create as many port pairs as you need, and the driver holds up well even under heavy use. Pro tip: test both directions to make sure your software is getting all the proper tx/rx flow it needs.
If you want to dive in or get more details, the best move would be heading over to this virtual COM port solution—they lay out the features pretty clearly, plus there’s a trial to make sure it fits your needs before parting with any cash.
TL;DR: Forget the sketchy freeware, save time, and keep your hair by using Virtual Serial Port Driver when you need a trustworthy virtual COM port emulator for Windows.
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Honestly, every time someone asks about virtual COM port stuff, I get flashbacks to the days when I tried hacking together solutions using outdated freeware with more bugs than an insect convention. Not everyone needs, or wants, to shell out cash for a tool, even if @voyageurdubois makes a solid pitch for Virtual Serial Port Driver. And hey, credit where it’s due—it does work super reliably for pairing software and avoiding random driver issues.
But if you’re a bit more stubborn (like me) or just need something for a quick temporary solution, there’s a lesser-known dark horse: com0com. It’s open source and creates virtual null-modem cables for Windows. A little less fancy GUI-wise (okay, sometimes it’s downright “retro”; you’ll feel like you’re hacking the Matrix), and signing the drivers in Win10/11 gets annoying fast, but it’s totally free and works for most setups. Just prepare to Google for some up-to-date setup guides, since docs are both a curse and a meme in that community. If fiddling with Windows test mode is a non-starter, though… might want to pass.
Still, for anyone not up for the “trial by forum post” learning curve, I can’t really disagree with going for getting high-performance virtual COM port pairs here. You’ll spend more time connecting your apps than pulling your hair out—plus, the interface doesn’t look like it was made for Windows 98.
In short: want hassle-free and are cool with paying? Grab Virtual Serial Port Driver. Want free and don’t mind spelunking in documentation? Try com0com and see if you cry first or succeed first. Either way, you’ll get those apps talking like they’re back in the modem days.
Quick list? Sure, here’s the landscape:
1. Virtual Serial Port Driver
- Pros: Super stable, crystal-clear UI, reliable driver support even on Win10/11, multiplies those port pairs like a pro. Most “set and forget” out of the bunch—good for serious dev work or when you want to avoid Windows Error 39 nightmares.
- Cons: Wallet is lighter after. Not open source. Locked into their licensing, so forget “let’s just share this with the whole team, no problem.”
- Notable competitors? The ones already mentioned: com0com for the free/open folks, though sometimes you’ll spend more time downgrading drivers than building the actual project.
2. com0com
- Pros: Free, open source, gets things done with no money down.
- Cons: UI feels like a retro IT scavenger hunt, driver signing is an ordeal on newer Windows, and documentation is “interpretive” at best.
Extra spice: some people still use freebie tools like Hub4com or even the ancient Eterlogic VSPE (watch out, that one caps “free” at one port pair unless you cough up). Also, for the super casual, socat does interesting things on Linux, but that’s way out of most Windows users’ lane.
My take: If you’re working with anything production-grade or need support, Virtual Serial Port Driver really is the “it just works” option. If you’re hobbying, scripting, or don’t mind lost weekends debugging unsigned driver errors, com0com or its quirky cousins might work. Just prepare for the usual open-source “oh, it broke after an update and all the maintainers are on holiday” dance.
In the end, the right tool is the one that gets those dang apps talking before you lose your afternoon. And for “it just works,” yeah, Virtual Serial Port Driver is hard to beat (just budget for it).