The K150 uses a generic USB-to-serial bridge chip (often the Prolific PL2303 or a clone). Windows 10, especially versions 1607 and later, dropped support for older PL2303 drivers (pre-2012) due to stability and security issues. Consequently, Windows 10 may either not recognize the K150 or mark it with a "Code 10" or "Code 31" error in Device Manager.
Without correct drivers, none of the K150’s software (e.g., PICPGM, IC-PROG, or WinPIC800) will communicate with the programmer.
Manufactured by a company like Microchip Labs (not to be confused with Microchip Technology), the original board used a specific FTDI chip for USB-to-serial conversion. These work relatively easily on Windows 10 because FTDI provides official, signed drivers.
You have three viable paths to run K150 software on Windows 10:
The search for "k150 pic programmer software windows 10" is a rite of passage for embedded hobbyists. While the path is fraught with unsigned drivers, deprecated software, and COM port conflicts, success is achievable. k150 pic programmer software windows 10
Recap of the winning strategy:
With these steps, your ancient K150 will spring to life, letting you flash HEX files to PIC12F675s and PIC16F877As as if it were 2005 again. However, remember that technology moves forward. When you eventually upgrade to a PICkit 4 or a TL866, you will look back at your K150 struggles with a mix of frustration and fond nostalgia.
Happy programming on Windows 10 – may your verify passes be clean and your MCLR pins never float.
Need further help? The author maintains a GitHub repo with pre-patched K150 drivers for Windows 10 (search “K150-Win10-Drivers”). Always scan downloaded drivers with Windows Defender before installation. The K150 uses a generic USB-to-serial bridge chip
The K150 PIC programmer is a budget-friendly USB tool popular for programming 8-pin to 40-pin PIC microcontrollers. While natively designed for older systems, it can function on Windows 10 with specific "solid" features and setup steps. Key Features
High-Speed Programming: Operates 3–5 times faster than traditional PICSTART+ programmers. Dual Programming Modes:
ZIF Socket: On-board 40-pin Zero Insertion Force socket for direct chip programming.
ICSP Header: In-Circuit Serial Programming for chips already on a circuit board. With these steps, your ancient K150 will spring
Universal Chip Support: Supports many popular PIC chips for reading, writing, and encryption.
Automatic Verification: Includes a checksum feature to ensure code was written correctly.
USB Powered: Draws power directly from the PC, requiring no external power supply. Windows 10 Setup Guide
The primary hurdle on Windows 10 is the PL2303 USB-to-Serial chip. Modern Windows drivers often disable older or "phased out" chips, leading to a "Code 10" error. 1. Fix the Driver davemaster/PIC-USB-Programmer-K150 - GitHub
There isn’t one official “K150” software—it depends on which K150 USB PIC programmer clone or version you have. Most K150 programmers are cheap PICkit 2 clones that use a custom driver.
Here are your best options for Windows 10: