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G Star Iv Gps Driver Download ^hot^ Bu-353s4 Windows 11 May 2026

The Little Puck That Could: Conquering Windows 11 with the BU-353S4 GPS

In the world of high-precision navigation, there exists a quiet legend. It isn't flashy. It doesn’t have a touchscreen or a voice assistant. In fact, it looks like a slightly overweight computer mouse that fell into a vat of black epoxy.

It’s the GlobalSat BU-353S4.

For over a decade, this "GPS puck" has been the unsung hero of ship captains, open-source sailors, drone mappers, and digital nomads. But in late 2025, a low hum of panic spread through the navigation forums. The culprit? Windows 11.

The question echoing through the chat rooms: How do I get the G Star IV driver to work on Windows 11?

Here is the strange, fascinating journey of keeping a piece of hardware legend alive on Microsoft’s latest operating system.

The Windows 11 Wrecking Ball

Here is the problem: Windows 11 loves security. It hates "unsigned legacy drivers."

When you plug the BU-353S4 into a fresh Windows 11 machine, the OS shrugs. It sees a "USB Serial Converter." It installs a generic Microsoft driver (usbser.sys). And then... nothing. The GPS puck lights up (steady blue LED), but your navigation software (OpenCPN, Google Earth, or SailGrib) hears only static.

Why? Because the Prolific PL-2303 chip inside the BU-353S4 (which converts USB to old-school serial data) was blacklisted by Microsoft in 2020 due to counterfeit chips flooding the market. Windows 11 refuses to load the old v3.3.2 driver out of the box.

Troubleshooting: The "Code 10" Error

If you see a yellow triangle and a "This device cannot start (Code 10)" error, Windows has installed the wrong driver version.

How to Fix Code 10:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click the device with the error and select Update Driver.
  3. Select Browse my computer for drivers.
  4. Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
  5. You will see a list of drivers. Uncheck "Show compatible hardware" if necessary.
  6. Look for an older version of the driver (e.g., version 3.3.x or 3.2.x dated 2008-2012). Do not select the newest version (dated 2015+); older hardware often requires older drivers to function on Windows 11.
  7. Select the older driver and click Next.

Option 2: Silicon Labs CP210x Driver (Direct from Manufacturer)

Since GlobalSat’s server can be slow, you can download the chipset driver directly from Silicon Labs. This works 100% for the G Star IV chipset. G Star Iv Gps Driver Download Bu-353s4 Windows 11

  1. Search your browser for: "Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers"
  2. Click the official result from www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers
  3. Download the CP210x Universal Windows Driver (the .exe file for Windows 11, 64-bit).
  4. Version required: v11.2.0 or higher (released 2023+ for Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2).

Step 2: Uninstall Old or Conflicting Drivers

Old drivers cause "Code 10" or "Code 43" errors.

  1. Plug in your BU-353S4 USB dongle.
  2. Right-click the Start button > Device Manager.
  3. Expand Ports (COM & LPT).
  4. If you see "USB Serial Port (COMx)" with a yellow triangle, right-click it > Uninstall device.
  5. Check the box "Delete the driver software for this device".
  6. Also check Universal Serial Bus controllers for anything labeled "Unknown Device."

Pro Tip for Readers:

If you are buying a new GPS puck today for Windows 11, skip the legacy BU-353S4 and buy the BU-353S4-W10 (Windows 10/11 Ready) or the BU-353N (USB-C compatible). But if you have the old "S4" in a drawer? Now you know the magic spell to wake it up.

Detailed Review: G-Star IV GPS Driver Download for BU-353S4 on Windows 11

Introduction

The G-Star IV GPS device, paired with the BU-353S4 receiver, is a popular choice among users seeking accurate location tracking and navigation. However, to ensure seamless functionality on a Windows 11 system, it is crucial to have the correct GPS driver installed. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the process and effectiveness of downloading and installing the G-Star IV GPS driver for the BU-353S4 on Windows 11.

Overview of the BU-353S4 GPS Receiver

The BU-353S4 is a USB GPS receiver designed to provide location data to a computer. It is widely used for various applications, including navigation, mapping, and tracking. The device is known for its compact size, low power consumption, and high sensitivity, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Importance of Correct Driver Installation

Installing the correct driver for the BU-353S4 on Windows 11 is essential for the device to function properly. A compatible driver enables the operating system to recognize the GPS receiver, allowing users to access location data in various applications. An incorrect or outdated driver can lead to device malfunction, reduced performance, or even prevent the device from being recognized by the system.

Downloading and Installing the G-Star IV GPS Driver The Little Puck That Could: Conquering Windows 11

The process of downloading and installing the G-Star IV GPS driver for the BU-353S4 on Windows 11 involves several steps:

  1. Locate the Official Driver: The first step is to find the official driver from a reliable source. This could be the manufacturer's website or a trusted driver download portal. It is crucial to avoid third-party sites that may bundle drivers with malware.

  2. Download the Driver: Once the correct driver is located, the next step is to download it. Ensure that the driver version is compatible with Windows 11 and specifically designed for the BU-353S4.

  3. Installation: After downloading, run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions. Typically, this involves agreeing to terms, choosing an installation location, and allowing the installer to make changes to the system.

  4. Device Connection: Connect the BU-353S4 GPS receiver to the computer via a USB port. Windows 11 should automatically detect the device and apply the newly installed driver.

  5. Verification: To verify that the driver has been installed correctly, users can check the Device Manager. The BU-353S4 should be listed under "Ports (COM & LPT)" without any warning signs.

Performance and Compatibility

The performance of the G-Star IV GPS device with the BU-353S4 receiver on Windows 11, after installing the correct driver, is generally satisfactory. Users report accurate location tracking and stable connections. The device's compatibility with Windows 11 ensures that it works seamlessly with modern operating system features.

Conclusion

Downloading and installing the correct G-Star IV GPS driver for the BU-353S4 on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that significantly enhances the device's performance and functionality. By following the outlined steps and ensuring that the driver is sourced from a reputable location, users can enjoy reliable and accurate GPS data for their applications. This review underscores the importance of driver compatibility and provides a practical guide for users to successfully integrate their BU-353S4 GPS receiver with Windows 11. Open Device Manager

Recommendations

GlobalSat BU-353-S4 (often referred to as the SiRF Star IV GPS) requires specific drivers to function as a Virtual COM Port on Windows 11. While Windows often attempts to install drivers automatically, manual intervention is frequently needed due to the Prolific PL2303 chipset's compatibility requirements. Download Links & Official Sources

You can obtain the necessary drivers from the following authoritative sources: Official GlobalSat Support GlobalSat Download Center

provides the latest Prolific drivers and the "GPS Info" test utility. Prolific Technology : For the most recent chipset-specific updates, visit the Prolific PL2303 Driver Page (use "guest" for both username and password if prompted). Alternative Mirror : A tested driver version is also hosted by

for users having issues with standard Windows Update versions. Windows 11 Installation Steps

Since Windows 11 may default to an incompatible driver version for older PL2303 chips, follow these steps for a successful setup: Run the Installer : Download the file, extract it, and run the PL23XX_Prolific_DriverInstaller.exe administrator Connect the Device : Plug the BU-353-S4 into a USB port. Check Device Manager Right-click the button and select Device Manager Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) Look for "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port." Resolve "Driver Error" (If Necessary)

If you see a yellow exclamation mark, right-click the entry and select Update Driver Browse my computer for drivers Let me pick from a list of available drivers Select an older version (e.g., Version 3.3.2.105 from 2008) if the latest version fails to start.

5.1 Testing with u-center (u-blox)

While the BU-353S4 uses SiRF chips, u-center is often used for testing NMEA streams, but it can be finicky with SiRF. A better test tool is GPSInfo or VisualGPS.

Using GPSInfo / VisualGPS:

  1. Download and install a diagnostic tool like VisualGPSView (freeware).
  2. Open the software.
  3. Go to Settings or Connection.
  4. Select the COM Port identified in Phase 4.
  5. Set Baud Rate to 4800 (default for NMEA) or 9600.
  6. If the driver is working, the screen will populate with NMEA sentences (e.g., $GPGGA, $GPRMC).

The Hunt for the G Star IV Driver

If you search for "G Star IV GPS driver download BU-353S4 Windows 11," you will enter a digital swamp. You’ll find:

But here is the secret the pros use: You don't need a "G Star IV" driver. You need the correct Prolific driver.

4. Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Follow this procedure strictly to ensure successful driver installation.