Steve Smith talks about the Logitech F710, and other controllers, and explains how to get them to work in Windows 8, 8.1, and 10.
Episode #6-11 released on November 15, 2015
Periodically, a person, who may be you, owns a newish, or older controller, and the original company who developed the controller either no longer supports your controller, or has an invalid device driver. In my own case, I am referring to the Logitech F710 gamepad, which looks more like a PS3 controller, however, does not work correctly out of the box in Windows 8, 8.1, or Windows 10, as Logitech clearly claims it should on their web-site.
What is happening is companies are neglecting the very fact that operating systems like Windows are moving towards signed drivers which are required to function otherwise the equipment does not work. This was already announced by Microsoft for Windows 10, where uncertified drivers are not being allowed into the operating system, as defined as part of the Windows protection against counterfeit or illicit hardware and software program philosophy. This not only makes it easier to certify a computer or hardware works with Windows, it also makes it harder to make uncertified and outdated hardware work with Windows 10.
What are you to do?
Far from being the only company that is guilty of this currently, Logitech game controller owners of various controllers such as the F710, have been pleading for Logitech step up and make a legitimate driver that will allow the controller to work within games where the game developer supports the controller, too. However, the forum is full of unhappy owners, and many are simply given a trick to get their controller to work under Windows 8, 8.1, and 10.
Now, this trick is what I am going to demonstrate to you, after I explain what configuration your Logitech controller has to have, the downsides, and the compromises you will have to endure. Also, a pro tip, memorize this because you risk having to do it again in the future.
If you have a D or X switch on your Logitech controller, slide the switch to D. Basically, it will have the same layout as an Xbox 360 controller, and yes I know it looks more like a PS3 Dual shock 3 controller, but we have to compromise to get the controller to work.
Ready to learn how to get the controller to work in Windows, and in most games?
First, you have to connect the controller via its cable or wireless dongle, and allow Windows to automatically download and install the driver from its database. Note: in the case of the F-710 I have, this driver does not actually allow the controller to work at all in games that do support it natively.
The next step for you is to go to the Devices and Printers section under the Hardware and Sound menus of the control panel. You may notice that the F710, or other controllers are under the Unspecified portion despite having a name attached to them. This is because Windows does not consider them to be controllers, and therefore are classified as other. A very good reason to have a driver certified by Microsoft, instead of just, in house.
Now, the trick comes now. Right click on the icon, select properties, then the hardware tab. Again, you will see it is assigned the Type, Other devices. Click on the properties button below on that window. It will bring up a new window. You will have to click change settings. In my case it gives me a code 28, this is just to say that there is no compatible driver, which is why it is assigned as Other devices. You will have to click on Update Driver. Click on Browse my computer for driver software. Now, click on Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer. Scroll down to Xbox 360 Peripherals, and select it. Then click next. Under Manufacture, select Microsoft, under Model, select Xbox 360 Controller for Windows. Now, click next again. An update driver warning will appear saying it cannot validate whether or not it is compatible, by click yes to continue anyway. It will have installed, click close, and that is it.
This is considered a work around until Logitech puts out, if ever, a signed valid driver for Windows 8, 8.1, or 10. Keep in mind, this also works for other models of controllers, but a few key things to remember.
One, it must has two analog sticks, a D pad, 4 right side keys that are often assigned to Y X A and B. The top left and right bumpers, and triggers, and a back, start and home button, usually the center icon.
Do I have any suggestions? If you were about to buy a F710, please don't. The hassle alone is not worth it. Plus, for nearly the same price you can purchase an Xbox 360 controller for your PC, or even get a newer Xbox One controller which functions as a Xbox 360 controller in older games.
Host : Steve Smith | Music : Jonny Lee Hart | Editor : Steve Smith | Producer : Zed Axis Productions