How do I enable and use Developer Mode in MSFS 2024?
To enable Developer Mode in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, open Settings, enter Advanced Options, switch Developer Mode on, then return to the simulator. The DevMode menu bar appears across the top of the screen, giving access to FPS diagnostics, project tools, cameras, aircraft loading, the console and replay utilities.
How do I turn on Developer Mode in MSFS 2024?
The setting is under Settings > Advanced Options in the standard PC interface.
- Open Settings: Do this from the home screen or from the pause menu during a Free Flight session.
- Select Advanced Options: Find the section containing developer and debugging settings.
- Enable Developer Mode: Change the Developer Mode switch to On and confirm the change if prompted.
- Return to the simulator: A narrow DevMode menu bar should appear along the top edge of the screen.
- Open the required tool: Use the menus for diagnostics, project editing, cameras, replay or aircraft testing.
The full authoring workflow is a Windows PC feature. Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation players do not have the PC SDK editors, and the operating-system developer modes offered by consoles are unrelated to MSFS DevMode.
What can Developer Mode do?
Developer Mode exposes the diagnostic and content-authoring tools used to inspect the simulator, test packages and build add-ons.
| Task | Tool to use | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnose performance | Display FPS | Shows frame rate, frame time and whether the main thread or GPU is the limiting component. |
| Create or edit content | Project Editor | Opens valid source projects for aircraft, scenery and other package types. |
| Find package errors | Console | Reports missing assets, invalid references, script errors and package-loading problems. |
| Test aircraft and locations | Aircraft Selector and teleport tools | Changes the test aircraft or position without rebuilding an ordinary flight plan. |
| Inspect a flight | Replay | Records simulator state for development checks, camera work and reviewing aircraft behaviour. |
| Position the viewpoint | Developer Camera | Provides a free camera useful for scenery placement and close inspection. |
Several tools have their own input commands. Our reference to DevMode commands, camera controls and custom key bindings explains how those controls interact with normal aircraft bindings. For a practical use of the Tools menu, see how to record and replay a flight with the built-in utility.
How do I use the Developer Mode FPS counter?
Display FPS identifies whether the simulator is being constrained mainly by CPU work or graphics rendering.
- Open the DevMode Options menu and enable Display FPS.
- Load a repeatable test flight using the same aircraft, airport, weather and camera position.
- Read the limiting label: “Limited by MainThread” points towards CPU-side simulation or draw-call pressure, while a GPU limit points towards rendering settings, resolution or supersampling.
- Change one setting at a time and repeat the same view. Changing several options together makes the result difficult to interpret.
The overlay contains more information than the headline frame rate. We explain the relevant timings and remedies in our guide to interpreting and fixing a “Limited by main thread” result.
Does Developer Mode install the MSFS 2024 SDK?
No. Developer Mode exposes the simulator-side editors and debugging tools, but it does not turn an installed add-on into an editable source project.
The Project Editor needs a valid project structure and source assets. A compiled package in the Community folder is intended for loading, not for recovering the original editable project. Keep source projects outside the Community folder and build or export their packages into the simulator’s package system.
Why is the Developer Mode toolbar missing?
A missing toolbar usually means the setting was not retained, the simulator is running on a console, or the bar or one of its windows is outside the visible display area.
- Return to Settings > Advanced Options and confirm that Developer Mode still shows as on.
- Leave the settings screen and move the pointer to the top edge; modal menus can cover the DevMode bar.
- Restart Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 if the switch changed but the interface did not initialise.
- If a tool opens but its window is invisible, check a second monitor or temporarily use windowed mode. DevMode windows can retain positions from an earlier multi-monitor layout.
- Load a Free Flight session before assuming a tool is broken. Some functions require an active flight or an open project.
- Do not enable Windows Developer Mode or a console’s system developer mode; neither controls the in-simulator toolbar.
Should I leave Developer Mode enabled?
No; leave Developer Mode off for ordinary flying and enable it only when testing, creating content or diagnosing a fault.
Open editors, console logging and diagnostic overlays can affect performance or capture keyboard and mouse input. Developer features can also interfere with normal achievement, mission or Career tracking, so we recommend turning DevMode off before starting any flight for which progression matters.