vJoy

vJoy is a free and open source software that allows you to use your PC's keyboard and mouse like a joystick or a gamepad. Basically, this program tricks any video game that requires a joystick or another type of controller into thinking that your PC keyboard is exactly the type of device that's needed.

A slow installation process

In order to use vJoy properly, you'll first need to install the drivers. This process may take several minutes. During installation, you can also choose whether you want to install vJoy Feeder App, vJoy Configuration App, vJoy Monitoring App, or vJoy Device Listing App in addition to the drivers. None of them are necessary, but they can help you with different driver configuration and monitoring processes.

Easy to configure

After the installation is done, all you have to do to configure vJoy is access the Windows Device Manager and, from there, find the new one called vJoy Device. By double-clicking on this device, you can open a new window from which you can easily configure the different keys. You can also choose the number of buttons and sticks you want your virtual joystick to have. It's a small but easy-to-use configuration window.

Turn your keyboard into a joystick in a snap

Download vJoy if you want to be able to play any video game regardless of the controllers required to play it. Many airplane games, for example, require a specific type of joystick. Now, thanks to this software, you'll no longer need it.