Sim Rate: how do I change it in Microsoft Flight Simulator?

To change Sim Rate in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 or 2020 on PC, press R, then press Ctrl + Numpad + to increase speed or Ctrl + Numpad − to reduce it. Repeat the second shortcut to step through the available rates; return to 1× before descent, manoeuvring or landing.

Sim Rate accelerates or slows aircraft movement, fuel burn, autopilot timing, system timers and most simulation clocks. It is not simply a faster cockpit-clock display.

How do I increase Sim Rate in MSFS 2024 with the keyboard?

With the default PC keyboard profile, select Sim Rate with R and then use the numeric-keypad increase or decrease shortcut.

1. Stabilise the aircraft. Level off or allow the autopilot to settle before accelerating the simulation.
2. Give the cockpit keyboard focus. Close any search box, toolbar field or other text-entry panel that could capture the keys.
3. Press and release R. Do not hold it down. Pressing R alone selects the Sim Rate function; it neither increases the rate nor resets it.
4. Change the rate. Hold Ctrl and tap + on the numeric keypad to accelerate, or − on the numeric keypad to slow down. Repeat the shortcut for additional steps.
5. Return to 1× early. Reduce the rate before route turns, descent, ATC restrictions, configuration changes or manual flying.

The top-row plus and minus keys are not always recognised as their numeric-keypad equivalents. Our printable MSFS keyboard-command sheet shows the standard assignments. On a laptop or compact keyboard without a keypad, use the Controls settings and follow our guidance on customising MSFS 2024 keyboard bindings to assign more practical keys.

How do I change Sim Rate on Xbox or PlayStation?

On consoles, create a custom controller binding because there is no single controller shortcut that applies reliably to every active preset.

1. Open the Controls settings and select the controller and profile used for flying.
2. Show all commands, including unassigned controls, then search for SIM RATE.
3. Assign Increase and Decrease Sim Rate to memorable, unused button combinations. If the profile also exposes a separate Sim Rate selector, bind that function as well.
4. Check for conflicts and save the profile. Test both directions during a stable Free Flight session rather than on approach.

Avoid using an unmodified stick direction, trigger or primary flight-control button. PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro support applies to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024; Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was never released for PlayStation.

Why is the MSFS 2024 Sim Rate keybind not working?

A failed shortcut usually means that the key, active device profile or input focus differs from the standard setup.

• Wrong plus or minus key: try the numeric keypad rather than the main keyboard row. Remap the command if the keyboard has no keypad.
• Wrong profile: confirm that Microsoft Flight Simulator has loaded the keyboard or controller profile you edited. Duplicate custom profiles are a common source of confusion.
• Commands are hidden: change the Controls filter to show all commands, including unassigned ones, before searching for SIM RATE.
• A menu has focus: close control-search boxes, toolbar panels and other text fields, then return to the cockpit.
• Assignments conflict: search by input and remove duplicate bindings. If one press appears to increase and immediately decrease the rate, also check for stuck keys, macros or input from another connected device.
• The rate is at its limit: another press in the same direction will do nothing. Try the opposite direction and look for a change in aircraft movement or the cockpit clock.

How do I return to normal 1× speed?

Step the rate back towards 1× before precision flying, but do not judge the exact setting from engine sound or ground speed alone. Microsoft Flight Simulator has no dependable, permanently visible Sim Rate multiplier in its standard interface.

Pausing the simulator and pressing R do not reset the rate. If you lose count, use the reliable procedure for restoring normal 1× speed.

When should I avoid accelerated Sim Rate?

Use acceleration during settled cruise and choose the lowest rate that saves useful time while keeping the aircraft stable. High rates can make an autopilot oscillate, overshoot an altitude capture or miss a programmed turn, particularly in turbulence or complex add-on aircraft. Some add-ons also impose their own supported-rate limits.

Reduce to 1× well before top of descent, sharp turns, configuration changes or autopilot disconnection. Fuel consumption and system timers continue advancing with simulated time.

Does Sim Rate change the time of day?

Sim Rate advances the flight and simulation clock together. If the aim is only to change daylight or weather conditions, use the date and time controls instead.

Live time, live weather and some structured activities can lock the date or time setting. Select a mode that permits custom conditions instead of using an extreme Sim Rate to reach the desired daylight.