Find the default MSFS 2020 Xbox controls for pitch, throttle, rudder, brakes, flaps, trim, cameras and cursor mode, plus reset fixes.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020’s default Xbox controller profile, the left stick controls pitch and roll, the triggers operate the rudder, A/B change throttle, X applies wheel brakes, the bumpers move the flaps, and the right stick looks around. Button combinations handle trim, parking brake and other secondary functions.
Default MSFS 2020 Xbox controller layout
These are the core bindings supplied with the standard Xbox controller preset in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
| Xbox control | Default action |
|---|---|
| Left stick up/down | Pitch the aircraft down/up |
| Left stick left/right | Roll left/right using the ailerons |
| Left trigger | Apply left rudder |
| Right trigger | Apply right rudder |
| A | Increase throttle |
| B | Decrease throttle |
| X | Apply wheel brakes while held |
| Hold Y and press B | Toggle the parking brake |
| Left bumper | Decrease or retract the flaps by one stage |
| Right bumper | Increase or extend the flaps by one stage |
| Hold Y and use D-pad up/down | Adjust elevator trim |
| Right stick | Look around the cockpit or external view |
| Press right stick | Reset the camera view |
| D-pad | Select cockpit quick views when no modifier is held |
| View button | Switch between cockpit and external cameras |
| Press left stick | Toggle cockpit cursor mode |
| Menu button | Open the pause menu |
Camera commands change with the active cockpit, external or fixed-camera mode. Our breakdown of cockpit and external camera controls explains those context-sensitive bindings without duplicating them here.
Are all aircraft functions mapped to the Xbox controller?
No: the default gamepad profile covers basic flying, but it cannot give every cockpit function its own button.
Landing gear, spoilers, lights, engine controls and autopilot functions may use combinations, cockpit cursor interaction or aircraft-specific controls. Check the assigned commands before assuming a familiar button from another flying game performs the same action. The Xbox button itself remains a console-level control rather than an aircraft command.
Why do my Xbox controls not match this list?
Your controls will differ if MSFS 2020 is using a customised profile, another device is sending the same input, or the controller is in a different interaction context.
- Wrong preset: Confirm that the selected Xbox controller profile is the factory default rather than a copied or customised preset.
- Cursor mode: With the cockpit cursor active, the sticks and buttons can operate the pointer or selected control instead of the aircraft.
- Autopilot or assistance: Automated control can oppose or override manual pitch, trim and throttle inputs.
- Duplicate bindings: A connected yoke, throttle quadrant, keyboard or second controller may have the same axis or command assigned.
- Aircraft differences: Flap stages, braking behaviour and throttle response vary between aircraft even when the physical binding is unchanged.
A mistake we see constantly is changing bindings on the keyboard profile while expecting the controller to change. Our Xbox controller configuration walkthrough shows how to select the correct device and locate conflicting assignments.
How do I restore the default Xbox controls?
Select the Xbox controller in Controls Options, then switch its active preset back to the factory default.
- Open Controls Options: Enter the controls screen from the main options menu or pause menu.
- Select the controller: Choose the Xbox controller device, not the keyboard, mouse or another flight controller.
- Choose the default preset: Use the profile or preset selector to return to
Default. Preserve a customised profile first if you may want it again. - Show assigned commands: Set the filter to
Assignedto inspect what the active profile actually uses. - Search by input: Activate input search and press the suspect button or move the stick. This reveals duplicate or unexpected assignments.
Should I change the default sensitivity settings?
Keep the bindings initially, but adjust sensitivity and dead zones if the aircraft feels twitchy or the axes drift when released.
Add only enough dead zone to stop unwanted movement; excessive dead zone creates a numb centre and makes small corrections harder. Reduce sensitivity if pitch and roll react too sharply, then test changes in a stable, familiar aircraft. Our recommended controller sensitivity and dead-zone adjustments explain what each setting changes and when to use it.