In the long lifetime of PC there have been an excess of controllers made for each possible use. Whether it's a one button retro joystick, a entire driving simulator, or a multi-button F-16 flightstick replica, these controllers all need that you install them in a way like that PC knows their existence before they can be utilized. Luckily methods utilized to install controllers on PC have been standardized as the introduction of Windows 3.1, creating one method fit all cases.

Instructions

1. Step 1

Connect controller to PC. Many recent controllers utilize USB port for connection, but previous controllers developed before Windows Vista mainly utilized a 15 pin analog game port. If controller is a game port controller and you are using Windows XP 64-Bit, Vista or above, you want to plug controller into USB port by a USB to game port converter, as XP 64-Bit, Vista and above no longer support 15 pin analog ports.

2. Step 2

Turn on PC. During the operating system boot, the system mechanically searches for controller. If drivers are there, the operating system (OS) will include the controller to system and it will be working instantly. If not, OS will report that no driver is available.

3. Step 3

Install the controller driver from disk or by downloading from Controller Company’s website. If using USB to game port converter, you must install converter's driver before installing the controller driver.

4. Step 4

Controller software installed for controller device. Many modern controllers have programmable keys, and controller software permits to utilize this function.

5. Step 5

Adjust the controller using device controller in OS. Reach the calibration program by selecting 'joysticks' through Windows OS control panel. The calibration set up the center point of controller with movement range for use in software which utilizes the controller. After calibration the controller must be ready to use.