Fanatec Firmware vs. Driver – What’s the Difference and How to Update

To get you racing and have the best possible experience with your Fanatec hardware, it is always recommended that you keep your driver and firmwares for your various components up to date. Especially when new hardware is released, like steering wheels or pedals, you wheel base might need an update for it to properly detect them.

If you play on a Windows PC/ laptop, you will have to download the driver from the official Fanatec website. Put simply, the driver will enable your computer to communicate with your Fanatec hardware. The driver also includes all relevant firmwares. These include:

- Wheel base motor firmware

- Wheel base firmware

- Steering wheel firmware

- Quick release firmware

- Pedal firmware

- Firmware for accessories like the Podium Button Module Endurance or ClubSport USB Adapter

To get you up-to-date, simply download the driver and install it. Each download also has a detailed PDF-manual if you run into problems or are not 100% sure how to proceed exactly. Once installed, an icon for the Fanatec control panel will appear on your desktop.

(Note that you do not need to download the driver to play on consoles. It is however recommended to do so and update your firmware to ensure the best compatibility and have access to the latest hardware features.)

Updating firmware is very easy and takes just a few button presses. Once you are in the Fanatec Control Panel, it will tell you when new firmware is available. Simply click on “Open Firmware Manager”. A new window with the integrated Firmware Manager will then pop up. Here, click on the “UPDATE” button. The Firmware Manager will then automatically update to the latest version. Just follow the instructions on screen and you’ll be set within just a few moments.

Important: make sure that your wheel base does not lose connection to your PC or power. We recommend using the USB and power cables included with your Fanatec wheel base when updating.

When updating your pedals, they must be directly connected to PC with the included USB cable. Do not connect USB and RJ12 to your pedals at the same time to prevent damage to the pedals’ electronics!

At the moment, the Fanatec Control Panel is still the “tried and true” method for updating your firmwares. In the future, it will be replaced with the all new Fanatec App for Windows PC, which is still in its public beta phase. You can however already download it on the Fanatec website. This new app will become the new hub for all your Fanatec gear and will also include features exclusive to Fanalab right now. If you would like to know more, visit our earlier blog entry.