Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Racing Wheel Drivers for Windows 10
Microsoft SideWinder is an old gaming wheel for Windows XP PCs
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Key notes
- Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Racing Wheel is a gaming wheel designed for Windows XP PCs.
- However, if you still have the CD with the old drivers, you can make it work with Windows 10.
- Even if you don’t have the drivers, there is a software program that can fix that.
Even though it’s primarily known for software development, Microsoft made more than one piece of hardware.
Now, one of the most popular gaming wheels in the ’90s was produced by Microsoft as the part of Sidewinder project and it was compatible with Windows 98.
Yes, you read it right. However, there are still users that are willing to take this ancient wheel for a ride, but on Windows 10.
For that purpose, we offer one solution that should, hopefully, enable you to run this wheel on Windows 10. There are no guarantees but it’s worth a try.
As for the Microsoft SideWinder wheel compatible games, after you make it work, with Windows 10, you can virtually play any racing game.
Is Microsoft SideWinder compatible with Windows 10?
First things first. Even though this sturdy Microsoft-produced piece of hardware is still a valid choice, that only goes for hardware.
Sadly, the Microsoft Precision Racing Wheel was made ages ago and it comes with drivers that, at the best, support Windows XP.
Now, we run into some users with have had an easy time using almost 2-decades-old hardware to play racing games on Windows 10.
On the other hand, this still doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to run every given game that’s out there.
An important thing to note is that there are no available drivers for post-XP Windows iterations. So, the Microsoft SideWinder Precision Racing Wheel driver download is not possible.
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Most of them are malware. The only way to run Microsoft Precision Racing Wheel on your Windows 10 PC is to run the installer (and later the application) in the compatibility mode for Windows XP. Some users managed to make it work that way.
How can I use Microsoft Precision Racing Wheel in Windows 10
1. Use compatibility mode
- Right-click on the desktop and create a New folder.
- Insert the supporting CD you’ve got with the wheel.
- Copy all files from the supporting CD to the New folder.
- Open the folder, right-click on the Setup and open Properties.
- Select the Compatibility tab.
- Check the Run this program in compatibility mode for: box and select Windows XP (Service Pack 2) from the drop-down menu.
- Check the Run this program as an administrator box.
- Click OK.
- Run the installer and restart your PC.
That should do it. In addition, don’t worry if you’re unable to configure the wheel from the system settings.
Most users report states that most of the essential tweaks are within the in-game settings menu.
Technically, you can even use Microsoft SideWinder Precision Racing Wheel with Forza Horizon 4.
Online, you will even find Microsoft SideWinder steering wheel mods but we don’t recommend using them.
2. Use third-party software
As mentioned before, most of the so-called drivers you’ll find on the Internet are either malware or some other dangerous file, so don’t rely on manual search.
Instead, use a trusted third-party driver updater. These apps are secure and they make updating drivers for all of your hardware easy and comprehensive.
Is Microsoft SideWinder compatible with Xbox One?
No, unfortunately, the Microsoft SideWinder Precision Racing Wheel is not compatible with Xbox One.
As we’ve mentioned above, it’s an old racing wheel that was designed back in the Windows XP era.
Does the Microsoft SideWinder work with Xbox 360?
Again, the answer is no. Microsoft SideWinder Precision Racing Wheel. The old wheel was designed for PC, not for video consoles.
We hope this was a helpful read and you were able to use your favorite legacy wheel to enjoy the racing games just like before.
You might also want to take a look at our guide on how to install unsigned drivers because the information may help you.
Don’t forget to tell us if this helped you or to offer an alternative solution. You can do so in the comments section below.
