How to Locate Drivers for Game Controllers

Many game controllers are ready out of the box thanks to an extensive database of available drivers that ship with Windows XP and Vista. For basic compatibility, almost any game controller can simply be connected to your computer and used right away. Some, however, offer specific features that require independent drivers to operate. As a result, you'll need to locate those drives to get your game controllers to work.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Drivers included on the installation CD or DVD
• Game controllers

1. Put the installation disc in your computer's disc drive. This disc will always hold the drivers created at the time you purchased your controller, although updated drivers may be available. In addition, most installation drives today include an auto-start function that begins the installation process for you. Otherwise, you can typically locate the drivers in the "Drivers" folder on the disc.
2. Perform a search for the drivers on your computer using the "Search" function in the Start menu. In the text box type "*.inf". The .inf file extension is the typical driver file extension, so a complete list of drivers will appear. You'll have to locate the driver you need by name.
3. Head to the Control Panel on your PC and select "Game Controllers." This will open a window that displays all of the currently installed game controllers. Simply click on the game controller you wish to locate the drivers for and the utility window will open. The drivers are displayed, as well as options to uninstall, disable or update them.
4. Visit the manufacturer's website for your game controller. Each major manufacturer maintains its own database of drivers and updates them regularly.
5. Find the latest drivers at DriverFiles.net (see Resources below). DriverFiles.net is a website devoted to driver files for a wide range of products and peripherals.
6. Ensure your drivers are completely compatible with Microsoft Windows by referencing the Microsoft website (see Resources below). The Microsoft website also includes resources for helping you troubleshoot your game controllers and peripherals.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that some computer packages ship with peripheral drivers already installed, making it even easier to use your game controllers right out of the box. If you buy a PC specifically for gaming, it will likely include everything pre-installed, as well as color-coded so you know precisely where to connect it.
• Be aware that using drivers developed for other game controllers can cause software conflicts and even lead to crashes and freezes of your computer. Always locate up to date drivers for your system and use those instead.

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