Last updated on January 29th, 2025 at 12:43 pm
The MediaTek USB VCOM Driver is an essential tool for users who need to connect their MediaTek-powered devices to a Windows computer. It enables seamless communication between your computer and the device, making it indispensable for tasks such as flashing firmware, transferring data, and performing other technical operations. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step process to install the MediaTek USB VCOM Driver and explain how to use it effectively.
What is the MediaTek USB VCOM Driver?
The MediaTek USB VCOM Driver is a software driver that allows your Windows-based PC to recognize and communicate with MediaTek chipset devices. VCOM stands for Virtual COM Port, and these drivers create a virtual communication port that enables smooth data transfer.
These drivers are particularly crucial when you want to use tools like SP Flash Tool or other firmware update utilities to flash stock or custom ROMs on your MediaTek device. Without the correct VCOM drivers, your PC will not detect the MediaTek device properly.
Why Do You Need MediaTek USB VCOM Drivers?
- Firmware Flashing: Allows tools like SP Flash Tool to flash stock firmware, custom ROMs, or recovery images.
- Device Detection: Ensures your MediaTek-based smartphone, tablet, or other device is correctly recognized by the PC.
- USB Debugging: Assists developers and technicians in debugging and troubleshooting MediaTek devices.
- Data Transfer: Facilitates fast and reliable data transfer between devices.
If you frequently deal with MediaTek-powered devices, installing the correct USB VCOM Driver is essential for a seamless experience.
Prerequisites Before Installing MediaTek USB VCOM Driver
Before starting the installation process, ensure you have the following:
- Windows PC: Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11.
- MediaTek Device: A smartphone, tablet, or similar device powered by a MediaTek processor.
- USB Cable: To connect your device to the PC.
- MTK USB VCOM Driver Files: Download the latest driver package from a trusted source.
- Disable Driver Signature Enforcement (Optional): Some Windows versions may require you to disable Driver Signature Enforcement for a successful installation.
How to Install MediaTek USB VCOM Driver on Windows
Follow these step-by-step instructions to install the MTK USB VCOM Driver on your PC:
1: Download the MediaTek USB VCOM Driver
- Download the official MediaTek USB VCOM Driver package from a reputable source.
- Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a convenient location on your PC.
2: Disable Driver Signature Enforcement (For Windows 8, 10, or 11 Users)
If you are using a newer version of Windows, you may need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement before installing the drivers:
- Restart your computer.
- During startup, press the F8 key or use Shift + Restart from the Start Menu.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Once restarted, press 7 to disable Driver Signature Enforcement.
3: Open Device Manager
- Press Windows Key + R, type
devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter to open Device Manager. - Connect your MediaTek device to the PC using a USB cable.
- Your device may appear as Unknown Device or MT65xx Preloader under Other Devices.
4: Install the MTK USB VCOM Driver Manually
- Right-click on the Unknown Device or MT65xx Preloader in Device Manager.
- Select Update Driver Software.
- Choose Browse My Computer for Driver Software.
- Click Let Me Pick from a List of Device Drivers on My Computer.
- Browse to the folder where you extracted the MTK USB VCOM Driver files.
- Select the appropriate driver file and click Next.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Once installed, your device will be recognized by the computer as a MediaTek USB VCOM Port.
How to Verify MediaTek USB VCOM Driver Installation
To ensure the drivers are installed correctly:
- Open Device Manager.
- Look for a new entry under Ports (COM & LPT) called MediaTek Preloader USB VCOM Port.
- If the entry is visible, the drivers have been installed successfully.
Using MediaTek USB VCOM Driver for Flashing Firmware
With the USB VCOM Driver installed you can now use tools like SP Flash Tool to flash firmware on your MediaTek device. Follow these steps:
- Download and install the latest version of SP Flash Tool on your PC.
- Open the SP Flash Tool and load the Scatter File that corresponds to your device The firmware.
- Connect your MediaTek device to the PC using a USB cable (the device must be powered off).
- Click Download in SP Flash Tool.
- The flashing process will start, and the tool will communicate with your device using the USB VCOM Driver.
- Once the process is completed, you will see a green checkmark indicating success.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
1. Device Not Recognized
- Ensure the MTK USB VCOM Driver is installed correctly.
- Check your USB cable and port for functionality.
2. Driver Installation Failure
- Disable Driver Signature Enforcement on Windows.
- Run Device Manager as an administrator.
3. SP Flash Tool Does Not Detect Device
- Confirm that the MT65xx Preloader drivers are installed.
- Use a different USB port or cable.
- Ensure the device is powered off during connection.
Conclusion
The MediaTek USB VCOM Driver is a critical tool for anyone working with MediaTek-powered devices. It ensures smooth communication between your device and PC, enabling firmware flashing, debugging, and data transfers. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you can easily install and use the drivers without any hassle.
If you encounter any issues, ensure that Driver Signature Enforcement is disabled, and double-check the driver files.
For a seamless experience, always download the drivers and tools from reliable sources to avoid compatibility issues.
