Targus PA088E USB-to-Serial Adapter is a legacy device designed primarily for older Windows environments, and finding official Windows 10 64-bit drivers can be difficult as Targus no longer provides active updates for this model. The PA088E typically uses the Prolific PL-2303
chipset, which often encounters a "Code 10" error on Windows 10/11 when modern drivers are automatically installed. Recommended Driver Solutions Windows Update (Manual Selection)
Many users find success by forcing Windows to use an older driver already stored in the system's driver store. Device Manager
, right-click the device under "Ports (COM & LPT)", and select Update Driver "Browse my computer for drivers"
"Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer"
Look for an older version of the "Prolific USB-to-Serial" driver (e.g., version 3.3.2.102 from 2008 or any version from 2015). Official Support Channels Targus USA Download Portal : You can check the Drivers & Downloads
page for the closely related PA088UZ model, though these are largely legacy drivers. General Support Targus Support Page
lists manuals and basic setup guides for their USB adapters. Third-Party Alternatives Prolific Official Site
: Since the hardware is based on Prolific chips, some users download the generic PL-2303 Drivers
directly, though newer versions may still trigger the "Code 10" error if the chip is a clone. Driver Aggregators : Sites like DriverScape
host various versions of the PA088 series drivers, but exercise caution with third-party downloads. Microsoft Learn Quick Setup Checklist USB-Serial Adaptor - Microsoft Q&A
I understand you're looking for a driver for the Targus PA088E (a legacy USB 2.0 Docking Station with video output) on Windows 10 64-bit. However, it's important to clarify that this specific model uses DisplayLink technology, not a standalone "Targus driver."
Below is a detailed, actionable paper (guide) to locate, install, and troubleshoot the driver.
Even with the correct “targus pa088e driver windows 10 64 bit link,” you may run into issues. Here are the most common fixes: targus+pa088e+driver+windows+10+64+bit+link
| Problem | Solution | | :--- | :--- | | Driver won’t install | You forgot to disable driver signature enforcement (Step 2). Redo the process. | | Screen is black/flickering | The PA088E struggles with resolutions above 1600x1200 over DVI. Lower the resolution in Windows Display Settings. | | Device shows “Code 52” | Windows is blocking the unsigned driver. Reboot and disable signature enforcement again. | | Only one external monitor works | The DL-165 chip supports only one additional monitor per dock. You cannot daisy-chain two PA088Es on USB 2.0. | | USB ports on dock don’t work | The PA088E’s USB hub requires the driver to function. If the video works but USB doesn’t, try a different USB port on your laptop. |
The Targus PA088E is a marvel of early USB graphics, but in 2026, it is a legacy device fighting to survive. By following this guide, you can absolutely get it running on Windows 10 64-bit—provided you are willing to disable driver signature enforcement and accept some performance compromises.
To recap the direct link solution:
www.displaylink.com/downloads/supportIf you need a reliable, no-hassle setup, invest $50 in a modern USB 3.0 docking station. But if you need to squeeze one more year out of your trusty PA088E, the link and methods above will get the job done.
Did this guide solve your problem? Ensure you share the official DisplayLink link with other users—avoiding shady driver sites protects the entire community.
The Targus PA088E (USB to Serial Adapter) does not have a dedicated Windows 10 64-bit driver listed on the official Targus website, as the device is legacy hardware primarily supported up to Windows 7. However, users have successfully operated this device on Windows 10 64-bit using the following methods: Recommended Driver Links
Official Legacy Driver: The Targus PA088UZ Driver Page provides a "32/64-bit" driver updated in 2011. While originally for older versions of Windows, this is the first file to try.
MCT Alternative: Many users report success using drivers from MCT (Magic Control Technology), the actual chipset manufacturer for many legacy Targus adapters.
Prolific Chipset Alternative: If your hardware ID shows VID_0607B, it uses a Prolific chipset. Some users have found success by installing legacy Vista drivers and then manually pointing Windows 10 to those files in Device Manager. Installation Steps for Windows 10
If the installer does not run automatically, follow these steps to force compatibility:
Download the driver from Targus Support or the alternative links above. Right-click the .exe file and select Properties.
Under the Compatibility tab, check "Run this program in compatibility mode for" and select Windows 7 or Vista. Run as Administrator to install.
If it still shows as an "Unknown Device," open Device Manager, right-click the device, and select Update Driver > Browse my computer for drivers to manually select the extracted files. Troubleshooting Targus PA088E USB-to-Serial Adapter is a legacy device
Indicator Lights: If the light on the adapter does not turn on, try a different USB port or test it on another computer to rule out hardware failure.
Re-plugging: When connecting a new serial device, you may need to disconnect and then reconnect the adapter's USB connector for it to recognize the new device.
Power Settings: For connection stability, go to your Power Options and set USB selective suspend to Disabled. Drivers & Downloads | PA088UZ | Targus USA
Select Driver. Driver Name. Driver for PA088 [32/64-bit] - (updated: 9/21/2011). download. Targus USB-Serial Adaptor - Microsoft Q&A
If you plug the PA088E into Windows 10 and get this error:
The Targus PA088E is a legacy USB 2.0 Laptop Docking Station, originally released in the mid-to-late 2000s. It was designed to add multiple ports (VGA, Ethernet, Audio, and USB 2.0) to laptops via a single USB 2.0 connection. At its peak, it was a popular solution for Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Toshiba laptops running Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
However, because the PA088E relies on DisplayLink technology (specifically older generations of DisplayLink chips, such as DL-1x5), its functionality under modern operating systems like Windows 10 64-bit is limited and often problematic.
Right-click the downloaded .exe file and select Run as Administrator. Follow the on-screen wizard. Do not plug in the PA088E until the installer tells you to.
DisplayLink_7.6_M2_Setup.exe as Administrator.While there is no direct "Targus PA088E Windows 10 link," the device remains fully functional using the Prolific PL-2303 driver. Users experiencing errors should try installing older versions of the Prolific driver to bypass compatibility checks.
Finding an official Windows 10 64-bit driver for the Targus PA088E
(USB to Serial Adapter) can be difficult because Targus stopped official driver development for this legacy hardware years ago. However, you can often get it working by using drivers from the original chipset manufacturer, Magic Control Technology Corp (MCT) Recommended Driver Links Official Targus Support Page : You can search the Targus Driver Support page using the SKU , though modern 64-bit drivers are rarely listed here. Chipset Driver (MCT) : Since the PA088E uses an MCT chipset (Hardware ID VID_0711&PID_0230 ), many users have success using the generic MCT USB-to-Serial drivers Staples 18762 driver , which is built on the same architecture. Third-Party Catalog Driverscape
maintains a repository for "Targus Group Int Port Devices" that includes older 64-bit variants. Manual Installation Steps
If Windows 10 does not automatically recognize the device, follow these steps to force the driver: Device Manager (Right-click Start > Device Manager). Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t It Working
Locate the device under "Ports (COM & LPT)" or "Other Devices" (it may have a yellow exclamation mark). Right-click it and select Update driver Browse my computer for drivers Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer If you have downloaded a driver folder, click and point it to the file in that folder. Microsoft Learn Note on Compatibility
: Some versions of this hardware are incompatible with the "Code 10" error on Windows 10. If the MCT driver fails, it is often more reliable to purchase a newer adapter with a chipset, which have native Windows 10/11 support. Hardware ID
in Device Manager to ensure we find the exact matching chipset driver? USB-Serial Adaptor - Microsoft Q&A
Finding a dedicated driver for the legacy Targus PA088E USB-to-Serial Adapter on Windows 10 (64-bit) is difficult because the official Targus website often lists the device as incompatible with modern 64-bit systems. However, the most helpful resource for making this hardware work is an article by Brett's Web Hacks, which discusses a workaround using alternative drivers. Key Articles & Resources
Best Fix (Community Guide): The blog post Targus, where are your 64-bit drivers? from Brett's Web Hacks features comments from users who successfully got the PA088E working on Windows 10 (64-bit) by using a driver link from Schneider Electric.
Official Support Page: You can find the basic product information and manual on the Targus Support page, though it rarely hosts the necessary 64-bit installation files for newer Windows versions.
Troubleshooting Guide: A video from YouTube explains how to fix "Code 10" errors common with these adapters by manually selecting older Prolific driver versions in Device Manager. Recommended Installation Method
Since the PA088E uses a Prolific PL-2303 chipset, standard Windows 10 updates often install a version that is "too new" for the legacy hardware, causing it to fail. To fix this:
Download an older Prolific driver (often version 3.3.2.102 or similar).
Open Device Manager, right-click the adapter, and select "Update Driver."
Choose "Browse my computer for driver software" then "Let me pick from a list."
Select an older version from the list of installed Prolific drivers. PA088E – Targus USB To Serial Port Adapter Cable