GoKawiilDeveloper releases xHCI98 driver bringing USB4/Thunderbolt support to Windows 98 SE
Retrocomputing developer Yeo Kheng Meng has released xHCI98 v3.0.0.0, an experimental driver suite that adds support for USB 3.x, USB4, and Thunderbolt 3/4 host controllers to Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, and 7. The project, built with AI assistance, replaces Windows' native USB drivers to enable hotplugging, storage, Ethernet, and audio devices on systems whose chipsets lack legacy EHCI controllers.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The driver addresses a real gap for retro-computing enthusiasts running older Windows versions on newer xHCI-only hardware from the mid-2010s, where devices like keyboards and flash drives previously couldn't be hotplugged. Meng's acknowledgment that the project used AI assistance and may contain bugs suggests this remains an experimental, community-driven effort rather than a polished commercial release, so reliability could vary depending on hardware configuration.
- xHCI98 v3.0.0.0 adds USB 3.x, USB4, and Thunderbolt 3/4 support to Windows 98 SE through 7
- The driver was developed with AI assistance by retrocomputing hobbyist Yeo Kheng Meng
- It targets PCs with xHCI-only chipsets lacking legacy EHCI support, fixing hotplug and device compatibility issues
Vintage ThinkPad retro laptop (used) — If you're diving into retrocomputing projects like this Windows 98 USB4 driver, a classic ThinkPad is the perfect hardware playground for testing legacy OS builds. Its reliable design and easy access to internals make it a favorite among retro tinkerers experimenting with old-school Windows installs and modern peripherals.
See Vintage ThinkPad retro laptop (used) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: tomshardware.com — Mark Tyson, 2026-10-20
Published there as: “Windows 98 SE users get a Thunderbolt 4 driver, thanks to AI assistance”
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