Windows 11

SideWinder FFB2 force feedback on Windows 11.

Windows 11 can still see the Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2 through the built-in HID-PID class driver. FFB-Bridge uses raw HID/PID force output by default, with a DirectInput fallback for compatibility, to drive forces from MSFS 2024 and X-Plane telemetry.

Download for Windows Windows install docs
FFB-Bridge first launch safety prompt before enabling SideWinder FFB2 force feedback FFB-Bridge first launch safety prompt before enabling SideWinder FFB2 force feedback
The first launch flow starts with safety acknowledgement before any force output can be armed.
Windows facts
OS
Windows 10 1809+ and Windows 11
Driver
Built-in HID-PID; raw HID/PID output by default
Installer
Per-user, no admin required
Warning
Brand-new signed builds may still trigger reputation prompts
No driver hunt

The stick is class-driver hardware.

You do not need an old Microsoft SideWinder driver package. Plug in the USB FFB2 and confirm it appears as VID 045E PID 001B.

Install guide
Signed installer

SmartScreen and Smart App Control

The installer is code-signed by Rohsam. SmartScreen or Smart App Control can still warn on brand-new builds until that file gains reputation, so verify the publisher before continuing.

Download and trust notes
Stability

Safer HID/PID output

FFB-Bridge 1.0 uses raw HID/PID as the default SideWinder FFB2 path, keeps DirectInput as a compatibility fallback, preserves a neutral spring while paused, and resets stale HID/PID state before rearming.

1.0 changelog
First Run

What to check before flying.

Windows support is mostly straightforward once the signed-installer trust prompts are understood.

FFB-Bridge Settings page with SideWinder FFB2 hardware compatibility checks FFB-Bridge Settings page with SideWinder FFB2 hardware compatibility checks
The Settings page can verify polarity and fallback force-output modes if Windows force output behaves strangely.
Device lamp green The bridge sees the FFB2 and can open it for force output.
Close other FFB tools Diagnostic utilities can hold exclusive access to the same joystick device.
Use Support if it crashes The Support page can run the hardware-effect probe and suggest software-blended periodics if needed.
Windows 11 FAQ

Common Windows questions.

Do I need old Microsoft SideWinder drivers?

No. The USB SideWinder Force Feedback 2 uses the built-in Windows HID-PID class driver.

Why does SmartScreen warn on first launch?

The installer is code-signed by the Rohsam publisher identity. SmartScreen may still show an unrecognized-app warning for a new file until that build gains reputation. Verify the publisher is Rohsam Inc. or RohsamInc before continuing.

What should I do if another tool has the stick open?

Close other joystick or force-feedback utilities before arming FFB-Bridge. They can hold exclusive access to the same joystick device.

What changed in recent Windows builds?

FFB-Bridge 1.0 makes raw HID/PID the default force-output path for the SideWinder FFB2, keeps DirectInput as a fallback, applies Master gain to all output including the spring, recovers cleanly after MSFS quits, and uses the signed Rohsam installer with normal native window controls.

Windows 11 is supported, with signed-installer trust caveats.

Read the download page before first launch if SmartScreen or Smart App Control is new to you.

Open download page Troubleshooting