How to Solve the Missing COM Ports on Device Manager

In the Device Manager, you will see COM ports for the desktop, but sometimes these COM ports can disappear. It happens when a user upgrades Windows, and after upgrading the OS, they end up with the missing COM ports. If you are also facing the same issue on your device, then keep on reading, and you will get working solutions to fix it. This article will help you fix the Device Manager missing COM Ports. 

Fixed: COM Ports are Missing on Device Manger

To fix the issue without much trouble, we are providing several solutions for the same issue. You can start following the first method and if your problem does not resolve by applying the first method, then move to the next one. Here is how to troubleshoot the missing COM Ports on the Device Manager window.  

Method 1: Enable Show Hidden Devices 

With a Windows update, this option can be disabled by itself due to recent software changes. To enable this option to follow the instructions mentioned below:

1. Head to the Start Menu by either pressing the Start key or manually clicking on the Start button located on the lower-right corner. 
2. Once the Start menu appears, type device manager. 
3. From the results, click on the Device Manager icon. 
4. In the Device Manager window, head to the View option from the top menu. 
5. Now make sure the option saying Show hidden devices is selected. This will enable the Hidden devices in the Device Manager window. 

The Missing COM ports of your computer should appear after applying the steps mentioned in this method. However, if you are still facing issues, then keep on reading further. 

Method 2: Manually Adding COM Ports 

See the steps mentioned below to solve the missing COM ports issue on the Device Manager:

1. Head to the Device Manager. 
2. In the Device Manager window, head to the Action option from the upper menu. 
3. Click on the Add legacy hardware option. 
4. Head to the Next button. 
5. Now you will be presented by two options, and you must continue with one of them. Choose the 2nd one (Advanced) option. 
6. Press the Next button. 
7. After that, tap on the Ports (COM & LPT) option. 
8. Once that done, press the Next option. 
9. Choose the manufacturer of the COM port. You can also choose the Standard port type option if you want. 
10. Press the Next button to continue in the process. 
11. Now tap the Finish button to close the wizard. 

The COM ports should now appear normally and if you are still facing the missing COM Ports issues on Device Manager then make sure to restart your PC once. After that, launch the Device Manager once more to see if the issue is resolved or not. 

Method 3: Updating the Motherboard Drivers

After a clean Windows install or Windows Update, some motherboard drivers can be easily removed. That is the only reason after upgrading your Windows you see this COM ports missing an error. You can manually update the drivers of your Motherboard from the customer support of your computer manufacturer.

Emily Johnson is a Norton product expert and has been working in the technology industry since 2002. As a technical expert, she has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites such as norton.com/setup.

Source :  Device Manager