Important Preface: Windows 11 Compatibility The G-Star IV (BU-353S4) is an older device that uses a Prolific PL-2303 USB-to-Serial chip. Windows 11 often blocks the older drivers these devices require, or automatically installs a generic driver that causes a "Code 10" error (Device Cannot Start). To make this work on Windows 11, you must prevent Windows from automatically overwriting the correct driver.
Step 1: Download the Driver The G-Star IV and GlobalSat BU-353S4 use the same drivers. You have two main options for downloading: Option A: Official GlobalSat Website (Recommended)
Go to the GlobalSat download page (globalsat.com.tw). Navigate to Support & Download > GPS Engine Board (or search for BU-353S4). Look for the USB Driver (often labeled PL-2303 Driver). Download the version compatible with Windows 10/11 (usually listed as Windows 10, which works for 11).
Option B: Direct Prolific Driver Since the internal chip is a Prolific PL-2303, you can download the specific PL-2303 Driver Installer from Prolific's official website or a trusted driver archive. G Star Iv Gps Driver Download Bu-353s4 Windows 11
Step 2: Driver Installation (The Critical Step) Do not plug the GPS in yet.
Locate the downloaded driver file (usually a .zip or .exe ). If it is a ZIP, extract it to a folder on your desktop. Run the Installer ( Setup.exe or PL23XX-M_LogoDriver_Setup_vxxx.exe ) . Follow the prompts to finish the installation. Restart your computer.
Step 3: Prevent Windows Update from Breaking the Driver This is the most common point of failure on Windows 11. Windows Update will likely try to install a "newer" generic driver immediately upon connection, which often fails on older hardware. Method 1: The "Policy" Trick (Before Plugging In) Important Preface: Windows 11 Compatibility The G-Star IV
Press Windows Key + R , type gpedit.msc , and hit Enter. (Note: This works on Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise; if you have Home edition, skip to Method 2). Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update . Find "Do not include drivers with Windows Update" . Set it to Enabled . Click Apply/OK.
Method 2: The "Offline" Connection (If you skipped Method 1)
Ensure you have the driver installer ready. Disable your Wi-Fi or unplug your Ethernet cable (Disconnect from the internet). Plug in the G-Star IV GPS. Windows will be forced to use the local driver you installed in Step 2 rather than searching online for a bad one. Step 1: Download the Driver The G-Star IV
Step 4: Verify Device Manager
Plug the GPS into a USB port (preferably USB 2.0 if available, though 3.0 usually works). Right-click the Start Button and select Device Manager . Expand the section Ports (COM & LPT) . Look for Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COMx) .