Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 Joystick Drivers Windows 10 Upd _top_ Jun 2026

The device works natively after manually selecting “USB Input Device” in Device Manager. Force feedback works only in older or specific simulation titles. For modern gaming, consider a newer USB FFB stick (e.g., Logitech G series, Thrustmaster, VKB, or the upcoming WinWing FFB base).

While the joystick works, the original "SideWinder Software" (used for custom button mapping and tuning force strength) is incompatible with Windows 10. Force feedback will only activate within games that natively support it. The device works natively after manually selecting “USB

You must disable Driver Signature Enforcement temporarily OR permanently install the driver with test signing mode. We recommend the permanent community-signed method. While the joystick works, the original "SideWinder Software"

| Feature | Status | Notes | |---------|--------|-------| | X/Y axes | ✅ Working | Plug and play | | Throttle (Z-axis) | ✅ Working | | | Hat switch (POV) | ✅ Working | | | All 8 buttons | ✅ Working | | | Force Feedback (FFB) | ❌ Not working | No native Microsoft FFB driver after Windows 7 | | LED status light | ✅ On | Confirms USB power | We recommend the permanent community-signed method