0x045E

0x045E is a USB vendor identification number assigned to Microsoft Corporation by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). In USB device descriptors, the idVendor field uses this value to indicate the device’s manufacturer and to help the host identify appropriate drivers and handling for the device.

The VID 0x045E is widely observed on Microsoft-produced hardware, including Xbox game controllers, keyboards, mice, webcams, and other peripherals. Each device also has a product ID (idProduct) that, together with the vendor ID, uniquely identifies the specific model. This combination allows the operating system and drivers to distinguish among many products offered by the same vendor.

In practice, Windows systems typically display devices with this vendor ID as VID_045E in Device Manager, and the accompanying product IDs help map the device to Microsoft or compatible drivers. On other operating systems, enumeration tools such as lsusb (on Linux) or equivalent system logs show the same VID/PID pairings. The USB-IF maintains the official list of vendor IDs, and assignments are made to manufacturers to ensure global uniqueness.

Significance: The 0x045E identifier is part of the standard USB ecosystem, enabling consistent device recognition, driver matching, and interoperability across platforms and software environments. It serves as a stable manufacturer tag within USB hardware inventories and supports general compatibility in a wide range of Microsoft devices.

See also: USB, USB-IF, USB Vendor ID, Product ID.