Find the MSFS 2020 turbulence setting, compare Low, Medium and Realistic, and calm rough flights when the control alone is not enough.
To adjust turbulence in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, open Options, choose Assistance Options, expand Piloting, then set Turbulence to Low, Medium or Realistic. Low softens the aircraft’s response, Medium is a compromise, and Realistic leaves the simulator’s modelled response undamped by assistance.
Where is the turbulence setting in MSFS 2020?
The turbulence control is under Assistance Options, not the weather or flight-model menus.
- Open Assistance Options. From the main screen, select Options and then Assistance Options. During a flight, pause the simulator and open the same options screen.
- Expand Piloting. Scroll through that section until you find Turbulence.
- Choose a level. Select Low, Medium or Realistic.
- Save the change. Use Apply & Save before returning to the flight.
The menu route is the same on PC and Xbox, although the controls used to reach it differ.
Which turbulence level should I choose?
Choose Low for the gentlest handling, Medium for reduced turbulence without removing most of its character, or Realistic when you want the undamped atmospheric response.
| Setting | Effect | Best choice when |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Applies the strongest assistance to soften turbulence | Learning, accessibility, sensitive controls or relaxed flying |
| Medium | Reduces the response but retains noticeable bumps | You want a compromise between comfort and realism |
| Realistic | Leaves the modelled turbulence response undamped | Practising weather handling or seeking the intended simulation |
Low is not an Off switch. It reduces how strongly turbulence affects the aircraft, but it does not replace the loaded weather, remove a steady crosswind or guarantee smooth air. Realistic also means the simulator is not applying turbulence assistance; it does not guarantee that every aircraft flight model reproduces real behaviour perfectly.
Why is the flight still bumpy on Low?
A flight can remain unsettled on Low because the weather, terrain and aircraft still determine the underlying conditions.
- Live Weather may genuinely be rough. Strong winds, gusts and convective cloud can produce substantial movement even after assistance softens it.
- Terrain can disturb the airflow. Expect more movement near mountains, especially downwind, and around strongly heated terrain at lower altitudes.
- Light aircraft react more visibly. A small general-aviation aircraft will usually feel atmospheric disturbances more than a heavier airliner.
- Control noise can resemble turbulence. Stick drift or an overly sensitive pitch or roll axis may cause constant movement even in calm conditions.
For a smoother flight, select a calm preset or reduce wind and gusts in custom weather. Our explanation of how Live Weather, presets and custom conditions affect aircraft handling covers those controls without confusing them with the turbulence assistance setting.
What if the turbulence option is missing or resets?
A missing or reverting turbulence option usually points to an outdated installation, the wrong menu, or an assistance preset overwriting the individual choice.
- Install all available Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 updates; the turbulence selector was added after the original release.
- Check Assistance Options > Piloting, rather than General Options or the in-flight weather panel.
- Select any overall assistance preset first, then change Turbulence afterwards. Applying another preset can replace individual settings.
- Use Apply & Save, return to the menu and confirm that the chosen level remains selected.
If Low still feels abnormally violent, test a default aircraft in a calm weather preset. If that flight is smooth, the original weather or aircraft is responsible. If it still rolls or pitches continuously, inspect the controller’s neutral position, dead zones and duplicate axis bindings before blaming turbulence.
Is the setting in the same place in MSFS 2024?
No. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 reorganised its settings interface, so screenshots or instructions for that version may not match MSFS 2020. Use our separate MSFS 2024 control path and turbulence-level explanation when flying the newer simulator.