port assignment in windows 10

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How to check COM ports in Windows 10?

Just like we can check COM ports in windows 7 or lower , by going to

Control Panel >> Device Manager >> Ports

How should we check it in Windows 10?

2 By going to device manager? What makes you think it changed? You could do this in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 – Ramhound Commented Mar 31, 2016 at 2:50
4 It's in exactly the same place. Just checked. Downvote: Little research effort. (Darn, the assoc bonus is only 100) – SIGSTACKFAULT Commented Dec 16, 2016 at 14:58
1 @Ramhound: By seeing the change. – Mahmood Dehghan Commented Jan 31, 2017 at 18:31
2 Still not answered for me. The ports do not show up even as hidden devices. This may be a policy issue. – benJephunneh Commented Feb 28, 2019 at 16:40
1 Definitely not there on my Windows 10. – Turkeyphant Commented Aug 17, 2020 at 17:01

3 Answers 3

I had the same question and I found this page. And the answer is in @zipzit's comment. So I post it as answer here:

To see "Com Ports" in Device Manager in Windows 10 you should select "Show hidden devices" in View menu.

7 still not visible – Blue Clouds Commented Sep 23, 2018 at 4:53
1 @BlueClouds maybe it is shown as Ports (COM & LPT) – Mahmood Dehghan Commented Sep 23, 2018 at 8:24
3 Nope, Ports not shown even after "Show hidden devices". – Klitos Kyriacou Commented Jul 19, 2020 at 11:03
1 Same here, no Ports shown after "Show hidden devices". – Turkeyphant Commented Aug 17, 2020 at 16:58
If Ports (COM & LPT) are not showing, go here . Click Action >> Add legacy hardware >> Install the hardware that I manually select from a list >> Ports (COM & LPT) >> Standard port types – xinthose Commented Sep 17 at 15:04

The Device Manager still exists in Windows 10 and should show this. It has not really changed at all between versions.

Open your Start Menu and just type in Device Manager , and it will come up.

10 Device manager is just fine. But that's not the question. Where are the COM ports called out? I can't see them in Win10... Oops... found them. Device manager has a thing "View Hidden Devices" You have to specifically select that before the Ports (COM & LPT) are even visible. – zipzit Commented Oct 26, 2016 at 3:00
The proper path to Device Manager is: Open RESOURCE EXPLORER (Win+E), right click on THIS COMPUTER, click on DEVICE MANAGER Anyway on my Windows 10 the number of each port is NOT shown here. – jumpjack Commented May 8, 2017 at 7:07
@jumpjack Why do you think that is the "proper path"? What about Win-R, devmgmt.msc ? – Jamie Hanrahan Commented May 31, 2017 at 22:28
The win+R is a shortcut for advanced users knowing what an executable is. A standard user "just clicks". :-) – jumpjack Commented Jun 8, 2017 at 7:34
3 Even easier is Win+x, m. – benJephunneh Commented Feb 28, 2019 at 16:44

I am using Windows 10 21H2 and before @Mahmood Dehghan's answer, I had to go to Device Manager's "Advanced" menu and "add legacy hardware" for communication ports. Then the View->"Show hidden devices" answer would work.

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How to Check COM Port in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Checking your COM port in Windows 10 is like finding a hidden treasure in your computer. It’s the way your computer talks to all sorts of devices like printers and modems. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In just a few quick steps, you’ll be chatting with your devices like old friends.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Check COM Port in Windows 10

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve here. This tutorial will guide you on how to locate and identify the COM ports on your Windows 10 computer. These steps are essential, especially if you’re troubleshooting device connection issues.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

Hit the Windows key, type "Device Manager," and click on the result.

The Device Manager is like the control center for all the hardware attached to your computer. It’s where you can peek under the hood and see all the nitty-gritty details.

Step 2: Expand the "Ports (COM & LPT)" section

Click on the little arrow next to "Ports (COM & LPT)" to see a list of COM ports.

You might see a few different COM ports listed here. Each one represents a different way your computer can talk to external devices. It’s like having different doors in your house for different guests.

Step 3: Identify the COM Port

Look for the device you’re interested in and note the COM port number assigned to it.

This is where you find out which door your special guest (the device) will be using. The COM port number is like the address for that door.

After you complete these steps, you’ll know exactly where to look the next time you need to check your COM ports. It’s a handy bit of knowledge that can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Tips: Navigating COM Ports in Windows 10

If the device you’re looking for isn’t listed, try unplugging it and plugging it back in.
Sometimes, devices might be under a different name, so make sure to look carefully.
If you can’t find the "Ports (COM & LPT)" section, you may need to install drivers for your device.
Keep your Device Manager organized by regularly checking for devices you no longer use and uninstalling them.
Remember to always safely eject your devices before unplugging them to avoid any damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a com port.

A COM port is a communication port on your computer that lets it talk to external devices like modems and printers.

Why do I need to check my COM port?

Checking your COM port is important for troubleshooting connection issues with external devices.

Can COM port numbers change?

Yes, COM port numbers can change, especially if you plug the device into a different USB port.

What if my device isn’t listed under "Ports (COM & LPT)"?

If your device isn’t listed, it might be under a different section, or you may need to install the necessary drivers.

How do I know if my COM port is working correctly?

If your COM port is working correctly, your device will communicate with your computer without any issues.

Open Device Manager.
Expand "Ports (COM & LPT)" section.
Identify the COM port number.

So, there we have it – a simple guide on how to check COM port in Windows 10. As you can see, it’s not rocket science, just a few clicks and you’re there. Knowing how to navigate through the Device Manager and identify your COM ports is a useful skill that can help you in many situations, especially when dealing with device connectivity issues. Remember to always keep your drivers updated and to safely manage your devices to avoid any mishaps. If you ever find yourself stuck or confused, return to this article or reach out to tech-savvy friends or professionals for help. Happy computing, and may your devices always connect smoothly!

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.