Microsoft sideWinder force feedback 2 game controllers driver for Windows 8

Hi Paul,

It looks like you want drivers for Microsoft sideWinder force feedback 2 game controllers to play Microsoft Flight Simulator X on the computer.

I would like to gather some information to help you better:

1. Do you receive any error message/notification for the driver of the game controller device while playing the game?
2. What is the driver status of the device under Device Manager? Do you receive any question/exclamation mark for the driver?

As far as the compatibility of Microsoft sideWinder force feedback 2 game controllers is concerned, it is not compatible with Windows 8. You can refer to the link:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/win8/CompatCenter/ProductViewerWithDefaultFilters?TempOsid=win8&Locale=en-us&TextSearch=microsoft%2Bsidewinder%2Bforce%2Bfeedback%2B2%2Bgame%2Bcontroller&Type=Both&CurrentPage=0&TotalPages=1&ShowCriteria=0&SortCriteria=Relevance&Compatibility=Unknown&LastRequested=14

If you have got a driver CD which came along with Microsoft Flight SideWinder Force Feedback 2 joystick, I would suggest you to use the CD to install the driver in Windows 7 compatibility mode.

Refer to the link to do so:

Follow the section “Apply a compatibility mode”:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-8/get-apps-devices-working

If it is an issue still persists with the game controller, I would suggest you to contact Microsoft Hardware support for assistance. Refer to the link:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/support

You can refer to the link for reference:

“SideWinder Game Controllers Solution Center”

http://support.microsoft.com/swp

Do let us know if you have more queries on Windows.

I recently purchased Microsoft Flight Sim X on stream. I run under a win 8.1 HP laptop. I am lucky to have a Microsoft sidewinder force feedback 2 joystick which was a second hand purchase many years ago.

When I connect it up via USB port the software automatically recognised and installed the correct driver initially and reports in devices as a sidewinder Force Feedback 2 joystick.

Initially using the properties and calibration did not appear to register any input from the joystick, however either as the result of a reboot or running the MS Flight Sim X program everything is working perfectly.

Running calibration confirms all buttons and rudder and viewing hat all light up and work 100%!

For reference I am on windows 8.1 and have auto update on.

So in summary you should find that you do not need to hunt down drivers and the plug and play just works from my experience.

Happy Flying!

D. Sandison