Is there a free way to create a pair of virtual serial ports on Windows for testing?

[Nancyturn]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for a free way to create a pair of virtual serial ports on Windows for testing. I want to simulate a serial connection between two applications running on the same computer.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a reliable free tool?
Thanks!

 

[logan_walker]

you can download free software like com0com for testing

 

[nyc_subway_guy]

yes you can use a free tool called com0com for windows testing

 

[Gary]

I’ve used https://www.virtual-serial-port.org/ and even though it’s paid, I found it way easier to set up and much more reliable. It also has handy features like sharing real ports between apps and managing multiple virtual ports at once. There are free alternatives, but they can be a bit tricky to set up and are more limited. For simple tests they’re fine, but for anything more involved, the paid option is definitely worth it.

 

[robin]

Yes. com0com is a free and open-source utility that is used to generate paired virtual com ports in Windows to test. Install it, form a port pair (e.g. COM5 ⁴ COM6). It is easily portable, robust and is popular in development as well as debugging.

 

[chicago_reader]

Yes. com0com is a free and open-source utility that is used to generate paired virtual com ports in Windows to test. Install it, form a port pair (e.g. COM5 ⁴ COM6). It is easily portable, robust and is popular in development as well as debugging.

that's exactly what i needed thanks

 

[james_parker]

Yes. com0com is a free and open-source utility that is used to generate paired virtual com ports in Windows to test. Install it, form a port pair (e.g. COM5 ⁴ COM6). It is easily portable, robust and is popular in development as well as debugging.

that's exactly what i needed thanks

yeah, com0com is pretty solid for the free options. used it myself for a few projects and never really had issues getting it set up. makes sense why everyone keeps recommending it.