Windows 98 SE users get a Thunderbolt 4 driver, thanks to AI assistance

Windows 98 SE enthusiasts can now benefit from experimental support for USB4 and Thunderbolt 3/4, thanks to the creation of xHCI98 v3.0.0.0 by developer Yeo Kheng Meng. This versatile driver brings generic USB 3.x, USB4, and Thunderbolt 3/4 host controllers to systems running Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, and 7. Meng's blog post offers detailed insights into the driver's functionality, compatibility, creation process, and usage.

Meng explains that his motivation for this project stems from the limitations of older operating systems. Without xHCI drivers, devices such as keyboards, mice, and flash drives cannot be hotplugged, and essential peripherals like Ethernet and audio devices fail to function. By filling this gap, xHCI98 enhances the user experience for retro computing fans running mid-2010s PCs equipped with xHCI-only (USB 3.x) chipsets, which lack legacy EHCI controllers.

The xHCI98 driver not only supports USB storage but also replaces Windows' built-in USB port and hub drivers, enabling the connection and use of USB 1.1 and 2.0 devices, SuperSpeed (USB 3.x) devices and hubs, UAS (USB Attached SCSI) storage, Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 docks, and NVMe enclosures through dedicated drivers (xhciuas.sys and xhcicm.sys).

Developed mainly on Intel hardware, Meng acknowledges that bugs are expected due to the solo nature of his project, which relies on AI assistance for planning, coding, and adversarial review.

While the driver performs well during hotplugging demonstrations, Meng cautions users about potential issues related to standby and hibernation. To assist users in utilizing this driver, Meng provides a step-by-step guide for checking hardware compatibility, various installation methods, update procedures, and driver tuning options for advanced users who wish to explore the full potential of xHCI98 on older Windows versions.