In today’s digital world, GPS technology is no longer limited to smartphones and car navigation systems. Many professionals and hobbyists rely on USB GPS receivers to provide accurate location data for laptops and desktop computers. Whether you are using mapping software, marine navigation tools, fleet management systems, or GIS applications, having a properly installed USB GPS receiver is essential.
If you are searching for information about USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0 driver download for Windows 10, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From understanding what a USB GPS receiver is, to downloading and installing the correct driver, troubleshooting common issues, and optimizing performance on Windows 10 — this article covers it all.
What Is a USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0?
A USB GPS receiver is a small external device that connects to your computer via a USB port and receives satellite signals to determine geographic location. Unlike built-in GPS modules found in smartphones, USB GPS receivers are designed specifically for computers.
The term “Ver 8.0” typically refers to the driver version or chipset version used inside the device. Many USB GPS receivers use common GPS chipsets such as:
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Prolific USB-to-Serial
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Silicon Labs CP210x
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FTDI
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u-blox chipsets
These chipsets require specific drivers to communicate properly with Windows 10.
Why You Need the Correct Driver for Windows 10
Windows 10 does not always automatically recognize older USB GPS receivers. Even if the device connects physically, your system may display:
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“Unknown Device” in Device Manager
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“USB Serial Device not recognized”
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COM port not appearing
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GPS software unable to detect the receiver
The correct USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0 driver ensures:
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Proper USB-to-Serial communication
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Stable COM port assignment
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Accurate NMEA data transmission
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Compatibility with Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Without the correct driver, your GPS receiver simply won’t function properly.
How to Identify Your USB GPS Receiver Version
Before downloading any driver, you should confirm your device details.
Step 1: Plug the Device Into Your Computer
Insert the USB GPS receiver into a USB port.
Step 2: Open Device Manager
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Right-click the Start button
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Select Device Manager
Look for:
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“Other devices”
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“Unknown device”
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“USB Serial Device”
Step 3: Check Hardware ID
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Right-click the device
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Click Properties
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Go to the Details tab
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Select Hardware Ids
The Hardware ID helps identify which chipset your GPS receiver uses.
USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0 Driver Download for Windows 10
There are generally three possible driver categories for most USB GPS receivers:
1. Prolific USB-to-Serial Driver
Many older GPS receivers use Prolific chipsets.
Search for:
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Prolific PL2303 Windows 10 driver
Make sure you download the latest version compatible with Windows 10 64-bit if your system is 64-bit.
2. Silicon Labs CP210x Driver
If your device uses a CP210x chipset, download:
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CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers
These drivers are officially compatible with Windows 10.
3. FTDI Driver
For FTDI-based GPS receivers, download:
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FTDI Virtual COM Port (VCP) driver
Important: Always Download Drivers Safely
When downloading the USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0 driver for Windows 10:
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Avoid suspicious third-party websites
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Use official manufacturer websites when possible
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Check digital signatures
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Scan files with antivirus software
Installing incorrect or modified drivers can cause system instability.
How to Install USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0 Driver on Windows 10
Once you have downloaded the correct driver, follow these steps:
Step 1: Extract the Driver Files
If the file is compressed (.zip), extract it first.
Step 2: Run the Installer
Double-click the setup file and follow on-screen instructions.
If no installer is provided:
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Open Device Manager
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Right-click the GPS device
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Click Update driver
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Select Browse my computer for drivers
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Choose the extracted driver folder
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
After installation, restart your PC to ensure the driver loads properly.
How to Check If the GPS Receiver Is Working
After installation:
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Open Device Manager
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Expand Ports (COM & LPT)
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Look for something like:
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USB Serial Port (COM3)
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Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port
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If you see a COM port assigned, the driver is working.
Testing GPS Signal on Windows 10
To confirm that your USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0 is functioning correctly:
Option 1: Use GPS Testing Software
Popular GPS testing tools include:
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u-center (for u-blox devices)
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GPSInfo
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VisualGPS
These programs allow you to:
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View satellite signals
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Monitor NMEA data
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Check signal strength
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Confirm coordinate accuracy
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Device Not Recognized
Solution:
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Try a different USB port
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Disable USB power saving
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Reinstall driver
Problem 2: Code 10 Error in Device Manager
This often happens with incompatible Prolific drivers.
Solution:
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Uninstall current driver
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Install older stable version
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Restart system
Problem 3: No COM Port Appearing
Solution:
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Manually assign COM port
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Update BIOS if necessary
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Check USB controller drivers
Problem 4: GPS Software Cannot Detect Device
Solution:
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Verify correct COM port number
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Set correct baud rate (usually 4800 or 9600)
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Ensure no other application is using the port
Windows 10 32-bit vs 64-bit Compatibility
Before downloading the USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0 driver:
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Press Windows + R
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Type msinfo32
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Check “System Type”
You will see:
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x64-based PC (64-bit)
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x86-based PC (32-bit)
Download the driver version that matches your system.
Manual Driver Installation via Device Manager
If automatic installation fails, follow these steps:
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Open Device Manager
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Right-click unknown GPS device
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Select Update driver
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Click Let me pick from a list
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Choose Ports (COM & LPT)
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Select manufacturer manually
This method helps when Windows blocks unsigned drivers.
Advanced Configuration for Better GPS Performance
After installing the driver, you can optimize settings:
Adjust Baud Rate
Most USB GPS receivers use:
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4800
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9600
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38400
Match the baud rate in your GPS software.
Disable USB Selective Suspend
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Go to Power Options
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Click Advanced Settings
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Disable USB selective suspend
This prevents random disconnections.
Update Windows 10
Make sure your system is fully updated to improve compatibility.
Benefits of Using a USB GPS Receiver on Windows 10
Installing the correct USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0 driver allows you to:
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Use offline navigation software
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Track vehicle fleets
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Conduct geographic surveys
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Run marine navigation tools
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Integrate GPS data with mapping systems
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Improve geotagging accuracy
USB GPS receivers are especially useful for:
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Field researchers
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Truck drivers
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Boat operators
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Drone pilots
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GIS analysts
Is USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0 Still Compatible with Windows 10 in 2026?
Yes, most USB GPS receivers remain compatible with Windows 10, provided:
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You install the correct driver
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The chipset manufacturer supports Windows 10
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You avoid counterfeit Prolific chips
Even older models can function properly with legacy drivers.
Alternative Solution: Use Built-In Windows Location Services
If your USB GPS receiver fails to work, Windows 10 also offers location services via:
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Wi-Fi triangulation
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IP address mapping
However, these methods are less accurate than a dedicated GPS receiver.
Security Considerations
When downloading the USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0 driver for Windows 10:
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Avoid cracked driver packages
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Do not disable Windows Defender permanently
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Do not install unsigned drivers unless necessary
Maintaining system security is important.
Final Thoughts
Finding the correct USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0 driver download for Windows 10 can seem complicated, especially when dealing with older hardware. However, by identifying your device chipset, downloading the proper driver from a trusted source, and following the correct installation steps, you can get your GPS receiver working smoothly.
To summarize:
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Identify your chipset
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Download the correct Windows 10 driver (32-bit or 64-bit)
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Install via Device Manager if needed
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Verify COM port assignment
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Test using GPS software
With proper installation, your USB GPS receiver will provide reliable, real-time location data for navigation, mapping, and professional applications.
If you follow this guide carefully, you should be able to successfully install and use your USB GPS Receiver Ver 8.0 on Windows 10 without issues.
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