Having trouble installing your Renolink USB drivers? One of the most common reasons Renolink 2.12 fails to connect to your Renault or Dacia is a driver installation issue — especially on Windows 10 and 11.

If the software can’t detect your vehicle or your OBD2 interface doesn’t appear in Device Manager, it’s usually a sign that your USB-to-Serial driver isn’t installed correctly.

This guide walks you through installing Renolink USB drivers step-by-step, helps you avoid detection issues, and shows how to troubleshoot any errors — fast and frustration-free. 🛠️

Why USB Drivers Matter for Renolink 🔌

The Renolink interface connects to your car via OBD, but the communication path to your laptop depends entirely on a USB-to-Serial chip driver.

The two most common chipsets used in Renolink cables are:

• CH340 (WCH Electronics)
• FTDI (Future Technology Devices International)

Without the correct driver for your interface, Renolink won’t communicate, and the software can’t read the vehicle modules.

Signs of Driver-Related Problems ❗

If you’re facing any of these issues, a driver problem is likely the cause:

• OBD2 cable not detected in Device Manager
• Constant “ECU Not Detected” error
• COM port not appearing in Renolink settings
• Yellow warning triangle next to USB device
• Connection works on one Windows PC — but not the other

Before You Start: What You Need ✅

• A PC running Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit is best)
• Your Renolink USB OBD2 interface plugged in
• Renolink 2.12 software, properly activated
• Internet connection (for automatic driver search) or manual drivers

Don’t have Renolink software yet?
👉 Buy the full setup with activation here
👉 Follow the activation guide if needed

Step-by-Step: Installing Renolink USB Drivers (CH340 + FTDI) 🧠

Step 1: Plug in Your Interface

• Plug the Renolink USB cable into your laptop
• Wait 15–30 seconds
• Skip if any automatic driver installation begins

If this is your first time connecting it, Windows may attempt a generic install.

Step 2: Open Device Manager

• Press Win + X → Choose Device Manager
• Look under “Ports (COM & LPT)” or “Other Devices”

If installed correctly, you should see something like:

• USB-SERIAL CH340 (COMx)
• USB Serial Port (FTDI) (COMx)

If there’s a yellow ⚠️ or “Unknown Device,” a manual install is required.

Step 3: Download the Right Driver

Depending on your chip type:

• CH340 Driver
  👉 Official CH340 driver download (WCH)
• FTDI Driver
  👉 Download FTDI drivers (FTDI_chip.com)

Not sure which chip your cable uses?
Try CH340 first — it’s the most common on Renolink clones.

Step 4: Install the Driver

• Run the installer (.exe) from the driver download
• Follow standard installation steps
• Reboot your computer afterward

After reboot, verify again in Device Manager that the driver appears under COM Ports without warnings.

Step 5: Set the COM Port (Optional)

• In Device Manager, right-click the Renolink serial port
• Go to Port Settings > Advanced
• Assign a COM number between COM1 and COM4
• Save changes and close

👉 COM ports above COM4 may cause communication issues within Renolink.

Troubleshooting Common USB Driver Errors ⚠️

USB Not Recognized (Error Code 43)

• Try a different USB port
• Switch USB cable
• Reinstall the correct driver manually
• Disable USB Selective Suspend in Windows

Yellow Triangle in Device Manager

• Uninstall device completely > Remove driver
• Reinstall fresh from CH340 or FTDI website
• Reboot and try again

Wrong COM Port Detected

• Set the port manually (see step above)
• Also adjust inside Renolink “Options” to match

Driver Installed, Still No ECU Connection

• Check ignition is ON
• Verify vehicle supports Renolink
• Restart laptop and try again
• Refer to our ECU not detected guide

Expert Tip: Use a Dedicated Windows Laptop 💡

Many users find success by using a dedicated laptop just for Renolink or vehicle diagnostics. This avoids interference from antivirus software or conflicting USB tools.

👉 See laptop compatibility recommendations here

Final Checklist Before Opening Renolink

✅ OBD2 cable appears in Device Manager
✅ COM port is set to COM1–COM4
✅ Driver matches cable type (CH340/FTDI)
✅ No yellow warnings or unknown devices
✅ Cable connected and car ignition switched ON

Once you’ve ticked all of the above — go ahead and open Renolink 2.12!

Final Thoughts

Installing the correct USB drivers is one of the most important steps to using Renolink successfully — and one of the most common causes of frustration.

By identifying your USB chipset (CH340 or FTDI), installing the correct driver, and managing your COM port settings, you’ll get a stable connection to your Renault or Dacia in just a few minutes.

Still not working?

👉 Reach out to our tech support team
👉 Check our tutorials and troubleshooting posts
👉 Explore more expert blogs

Set it up once. Use it for everything. 🔧💻