Before proceeding, you must identify which version of the device you have, as the drivers are different.
The guide below covers the most common scenario (MosChip MCS7780 chipset), which is the standard driver for the IR2012UL on modern PCs.
Cause: Windows is assigning a generic HID driver instead of the ActivDriver. act-ir2012ul driver
Solution:
The short answer: Yes, for niche industrial and legacy applications. Common use cases in 2026 include: Before proceeding, you must identify which version of
However, for new designs, manufacturers have moved to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or WiFi serial bridges. The ACT-IR2012UL driver today is a tool for preservation and maintenance, not for greenfield projects.
Given the age of this hardware (circa 2010-2015), many users ask if they should hunt for a driver or replace the system. The guide below covers the most common scenario
Choose the driver if: Your school has a budget of $0, the board physically looks fine, and you are using Windows 10.
Replace the hardware if: You are on Windows 11, you have lost the proprietary pen, or the IR receiver has dead zones. Refurbished USB IR receivers cost $50-$100 on eBay, but modern USB touch overlays for the same board cost $300 and require no special drivers.
Product: ACT-IR2012UL (Infrared USB Dongle / Receiver) Issue: Driver identification and setup for legacy operating systems.
Before proceeding, you must identify which version of the device you have, as the drivers are different.
The guide below covers the most common scenario (MosChip MCS7780 chipset), which is the standard driver for the IR2012UL on modern PCs.
Cause: Windows is assigning a generic HID driver instead of the ActivDriver.
Solution:
The short answer: Yes, for niche industrial and legacy applications. Common use cases in 2026 include:
However, for new designs, manufacturers have moved to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or WiFi serial bridges. The ACT-IR2012UL driver today is a tool for preservation and maintenance, not for greenfield projects.
Given the age of this hardware (circa 2010-2015), many users ask if they should hunt for a driver or replace the system.
Choose the driver if: Your school has a budget of $0, the board physically looks fine, and you are using Windows 10.
Replace the hardware if: You are on Windows 11, you have lost the proprietary pen, or the IR receiver has dead zones. Refurbished USB IR receivers cost $50-$100 on eBay, but modern USB touch overlays for the same board cost $300 and require no special drivers.
Product: ACT-IR2012UL (Infrared USB Dongle / Receiver) Issue: Driver identification and setup for legacy operating systems.