Are you getting an in Device Manager?
But the community—the beautiful, stubborn, solder-smelling community—keeps the link alive. Not on Microsoft.com. On forums with rotating banner ads for SSD coolers. On GitHub repos named “SideWinder_FFB2_Win10.” On a random Dropbox link from a user called “MechWarrior_Dad” who hasn’t logged in since 2019.
The challenge lies in finding compatible drivers that allow Windows 10 to recognize and utilize the joystick's features fully. Microsoft, like many other companies, has moved on from supporting older products, leaving the community to find solutions. Fortunately, through community efforts and various technical workarounds, users can still breathe life into their trusty Sidewinder joysticks.
While Windows 10 recognizes the stick natively, modern games handle old DirectInput force feedback effects differently. Here is how to handle the two most popular modern flight simulators: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS) Are you getting an in Device Manager
MSFS 2020 recognizes the SideWinder Force Feedback 2 as a standard USB controller. You will need to manually map your pitches, rolls, and button layouts because there is no default preset. However, MSFS 2020 does not natively support DirectInput force feedback forces. To get the stick to push back against your hand realistically, you will need a community mod called or AirForcePlayer . 2. DCS World and IL-2 Sturmovik
You do not need a download link. There is no official external driver download available from Microsoft for Windows 10 because the operating system already includes the necessary drivers out of the box.
: A community utility that allows you to manually adjust resistance levels and centering force. On forums with rotating banner ads for SSD coolers
Windows 10 automatically supports the Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
The SideWinder 2 features an optical sensor on the front of the grip. The motors will only stiffen and engage force feedback when your hand is actively covering this sensor. If you want the stick to remain stiff when your hand is off, place a small piece of dark tape over the sensor.
Click to test the buttons, throttle wheel, and XY axes. Activating Force Feedback in Modern Simulators Microsoft, like many other companies, has moved on
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\MediaProperties\PrivateProperties\Joystick\OEM\VID_045E&PID_001B and update the SideWinder Force Feedback 2 Joystick FFB Utilities : Tools like
Open Device Manager, expand the Human Interface Devices section, right-click the SideWinder entry, and select Uninstall device . Unplug the USB cable, restart the computer, and plug it back in to force Windows to reload the built-in driver.
You can verify if FFB motors are physically working using the ForceTest utility from Dirk's Software. 3. Legacy Downloads (Use with Caution)