Bind reverse thrust in MSFS 2024 to a keyboard, gamepad or throttle using the correct Hold, Toggle and Decrease Throttle controls.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, open Settings > Controls, select the keyboard or controller, search for reverse thrust, then assign Hold Throttle Reverse Thrust or Toggle Throttle Reverse Thrust. For a keyboard, Decrease Throttle is often simpler: at idle, another press moves the throttle into reverse.
Which reverse-thrust binding should you use?
The best command depends on whether your throttle input is digital, analogue or fitted with a reverse detent. Command names can vary slightly between device profiles, but these are the behaviours to look for.
| Control | Best for | How it behaves |
|---|---|---|
| Decrease Throttle | Keyboard or gamepad buttons | Reduces power and continues below idle into reverse on supported aircraft. |
| Hold Throttle Reverse Thrust | Controller button or throttle detent | Your throttle input commands reverse only while the assigned button is held. |
| Toggle Throttle Reverse Thrust | Keyboard shortcuts or controllers with few spare buttons | One press selects reverse mode; another press returns the throttle to normal operation. |
| Dedicated reverse range or axis | Throttle hardware with a reverse gate | Maps the physical below-idle section directly, where the aircraft and hardware support it. |
How do you assign the reverse-thrust control?
Assign the command within the active profile for the device you will actually use during landing.
- Open the Controls settings. Do this from the main menu or pause menu, then select your keyboard, gamepad or throttle from the device list.
- Create or duplicate a control profile if necessary. Some default presets cannot be edited directly, so save the change in a custom profile.
- Search for reverse controls. Search for
reverse thrustand, if needed,decrease throttle. Make sure the interface is showing unassigned actions as well as existing assignments. - Choose the appropriate command. Use Decrease Throttle for straightforward keyboard control, Hold for a button you can keep pressed, or Toggle when holding one button while adjusting power would be awkward.
- Press the desired key or controller button. Check any conflict warning before accepting it. Avoid replacing a landing-critical input such as brakes, rudder or spoilers.
- Save and activate the profile. Confirm that the edited profile remains selected for that device, then test it with a reverse-capable aircraft on the ground.
What is the best keyboard shortcut?
For a keyboard, Decrease Throttle is normally the least confusing option because it moves the throttle through idle and into reverse without leaving a separate mode latched. A dedicated Toggle Reverse shortcut is useful if you want to select reverse first and then adjust its strength with your normal throttle keys.
Default assignments differ between profiles, so verify the binding rather than assuming a familiar Flight Simulator key is still assigned. Our custom keyboard profile instructions explain how to expose unassigned commands and deal with binding conflicts.
Which reverse-thrust binding works best on a controller?
On a gamepad, use Hold Reverse Thrust if one button can be held comfortably while operating the throttle control; otherwise, use Toggle Reverse Thrust. With Toggle, select reverse at idle, adjust reverse power, return the throttle input to idle, then press the toggle again.
A button combination can prevent accidental deployment, but check that both inputs are recognised together and do not trigger another command. For device-specific choices and detent behaviour, see our controller reverse-thrust assignment guidance.
How do you use reverse thrust after touchdown?
Bring the throttles fully to idle before selecting reverse, then apply only the amount required by the aircraft and runway conditions. Return reverse power to idle before releasing a Hold command or cancelling a Toggle command; otherwise, an analogue throttle left forward can produce an abrupt jump to forward thrust.
Some aircraft will not deploy their reversers until the landing gear registers weight on the wheels. Turboprops may use a beta or reverse range instead, while aircraft without reversible propellers or jet reversers cannot provide reverse thrust at all.
Why is the reverse-thrust binding not working?
Most failures come from an inactive profile, a competing throttle axis or trying to engage reverse before the throttles reach idle.
- Wrong device profile: confirm that the custom profile is active for the keyboard or controller selected in the device carousel.
- Conflicting assignments: remove duplicate throttle, reverse or engine-specific commands from devices you are not using.
- Physical axis overriding the key: move the hardware throttle fully to idle. Axis noise or an insufficient dead zone can continually resend forward-thrust input.
- Wrong engine command: an Engine 1 reverse command will not control every engine. Use the combined throttle command unless you intentionally operate engines separately.
- Reverse mode still toggled: press the Toggle Reverse command again before attempting to apply forward power.
- Aircraft limitation: test with a known reverse-capable jet or turboprop while firmly on the ground.
If the throttle moves unexpectedly, fails to reach idle or immediately overrides the binding, work through our throttle-axis and conflict troubleshooting steps.