How do I change the sim rate in Microsoft Flight Simulator?

To speed up or slow down time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, use Sim Rate. With the default PC keyboard controls, press R, then press Ctrl + Numpad + to accelerate or Ctrl + Numpad − to slow down. Repeat the second shortcut to move through the available rate steps; normal speed is 1×.

Sim Rate affects aircraft movement, autopilot timing, fuel burn and most simulation clocks. Pressing R alone does not restore normal speed; it selects the rate control for the following increase or decrease input.

How do I use Sim Rate on a PC keyboard?

1. Give the simulator keyboard focus. Close any search box, toolbar field or other text-entry panel that may capture your keystrokes.
2. Press and release R. This selects the Sim Rate function.
3. Change the rate. Hold Ctrl and tap + on the numeric keypad to accelerate, or − on the numeric keypad to decelerate. Tap repeatedly to move through additional rate steps.
4. Return to 1× before critical phases. Normal rate is best for route turns, descent, approach and landing.

The top-row plus and minus keys are not necessarily treated as the numeric-keypad keys. Laptop users without a keypad should assign alternative buttons in the Controls settings. Our printable MSFS keyboard-command sheet provides a useful reference for the standard commands.

How can I tell when Sim Rate is back to normal?

Microsoft Flight Simulator does not provide a dependable, permanently visible Sim Rate multiplier in the standard interface. If you lose count, do not rely on engine sound or apparent ground speed; use the reliable procedure for restoring normal 1× speed.

How do I change Sim Rate on Xbox or PlayStation?

A controller may not have a convenient default Sim Rate shortcut, so the practical solution is to create a custom binding.

1. Open the Controls settings and select the connected controller and active profile.
2. Show all available controls, including unassigned ones, then search for SIM RATE.
3. Assign the rate controls shown by that profile to unused button combinations. If the profile separates the Sim Rate selector from its increase and decrease actions, bind all required functions.
4. Save the profile and test it during a Free Flight session before relying on it during an approach.

Avoid assigning rate changes to an unmodified stick direction, trigger or flight-control button. PlayStation support applies to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024; Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was not released for PlayStation.

Why are the Sim Rate shortcuts not working?

• The wrong plus or minus key is being used: try the numeric keypad, not the main keyboard row. Remap the controls if your keyboard has no keypad.
• The wrong device profile is active: Microsoft Flight Simulator can retain several presets for one keyboard or controller. Confirm which profile is loaded and check its bindings. Our explanation of checking active keyboard commands in MSFS 2024 covers the relevant profile and filter checks.
• A menu has keyboard focus: close toolbar panels, search fields and chat or text-entry boxes before trying the shortcut again.
• Another command uses the same combination: search by input to find conflicts, then remove or replace the duplicate binding.
• The rate is already at its limit: tapping the same direction will produce no further change. Try the opposite direction and watch the cockpit clock or aircraft movement.

When should I avoid accelerated Sim Rate?

Use acceleration during settled cruise, and choose the lowest rate that keeps the aircraft stable. Higher rates can make an autopilot oscillate, overshoot a waypoint or miss an altitude capture; complex add-on aircraft may also impose their own supported-rate limits.

Reduce to 1× well before top of descent, sharp route turns, configuration changes or manual flying. Accelerating the simulation does not suspend fuel consumption or system timers—they advance 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. In those cases, select a mode that permits custom conditions rather than trying to reach the desired daylight by running at a high Sim Rate.