How do I change cockpit view in Microsoft Flight Simulator?

To change the cockpit view in Microsoft Flight Simulator, press End with the default PC keyboard profile to switch between cockpit and external cameras. In the cockpit, hold the right mouse button and drag to look around, scroll to zoom, and press Ctrl+Space to return the pilot’s viewpoint to its default position.

How do I switch between cockpit and external view?

The standard PC keyboard control for switching between cockpit and external view is End in both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024.

1. Close any open menu or text field so the simulator receives the keyboard input.
2. Press End once to change from the external camera to the cockpit, or back again.
3. Check the active control profile if nothing happens. Search the Controls settings for Toggle Cockpit/External View Mode and assign a key or controller button.
4. Use Fn+End on a compact keyboard if End shares a key with another function.

MSFS 2024 users can also follow our version-specific cockpit-switch instructions, including checks for an unresponsive End key. On a console controller, use the button shown beside Toggle Cockpit/External View Mode; the assignment can differ between presets and edited profiles.

These are default PC assignments, not guaranteed controls for every profile. Our broader guide to looking around and changing Microsoft Flight Simulator camera modes covers the other cockpit, external and drone controls.

How do I move the pilot’s position in the cockpit?

Use cockpit translation and height controls when you need to move the pilot’s eyepoint; zoom changes the field of view rather than physically moving the camera.

• Search Controls for Increase Cockpit View Height or Decrease Cockpit View Height when the glareshield blocks the runway.
• Use the cockpit translation commands to move forward, backwards, left or right when aligning the view with a HUD, gunsight or centreline reference.
• Use zoom only to make the visible field wider or narrower. Excessive zoom can make speed, distance and cockpit proportions appear unnatural.
• Press Ctrl+Space before making adjustments if the viewpoint has already drifted or an unfamiliar camera angle is active.

The exact translation shortcuts vary more readily between profiles than the main camera toggle. Search by command name rather than copying an uncertain key combination. Our detailed keyboard-command reference for MSFS provides the standard view, translation, zoom and reset bindings.

Can I save a custom cockpit camera angle?

Custom cockpit views let you save an adjusted eyepoint and recall it without repeating the camera movements.

With the default PC bindings, position the camera and press Ctrl+Alt+0 through Ctrl+Alt+9 to save a slot. Recall it with Alt+0 through Alt+9. Check the Controls settings if those combinations have been reassigned.

Custom views are tied to an aircraft or its camera configuration, so one slot should not be expected to produce the same angle in every aeroplane. We explain the slot controls and aircraft-specific behaviour in our guide to creating and recalling personalised cockpit viewpoints.

Why does the cockpit view refuse to change?

A cockpit view that will not change is usually caused by the wrong control profile, another active camera mode or a device overriding the camera.

• Wrong profile: confirm that the keyboard or controller shown in Controls is the device being edited, then search for the cockpit/external toggle.
• Drone camera active: press the assigned drone-camera toggle—commonly Insert on the standard PC profile—to leave it, then try End again.
• Head tracking or VR active: re-centre the tracking system or disable it temporarily. Tracking input can immediately move the camera after a keyboard adjustment.
• Instrument or quick view selected: press Ctrl+Space to return to the normal pilot viewpoint.
• Only one aircraft is affected: test a default aircraft. An add-on’s camera definition or an aircraft-specific saved view may be responsible.
• Keyboard key not detected: try Fn+End on a laptop, or bind Toggle Cockpit/External View Mode to a different key and test it during an active flight.