Do you need FS Real Time for Microsoft Flight Simulator? Learn what the older clock-sync utility does and why MSFS 2020 and 2024 do not need it.
FS Real Time is an external utility built for older Microsoft Flight Simulator generations, chiefly to synchronise the simulator’s UTC clock with real-world time or a chosen offset. You do not need it for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or 2024; both already include date, time and live-time controls.
What does FS Real Time actually do?
FS Real Time synchronises a legacy simulator’s internal UTC clock; it is not a weather, traffic or scenery add-on. Its main purpose is to stop the simulated clock drifting away from real-world Zulu time, or to maintain a deliberate time offset selected by the user.
This was useful with older simulators whose saved flights, startup settings or long sessions did not always match the desired real-world time. The utility runs outside the simulator and communicates with a supported legacy installation. It is not a modern Community-folder mod.
| Task | FS Real Time | MSFS 2020 and 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Keep simulator UTC aligned | Its core function | Built into the live-time setting |
| Use a chosen time offset | Supported by the utility | Use the built-in custom date and time controls |
| Load real-world weather | No | Handled by Live Weather |
| Add real-world aircraft traffic | No | Handled by online traffic or a separate injector |
Do MSFS 2020 and 2024 need FS Real Time?
No, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 do not require FS Real Time on PC or console. Select live time before loading the flight when you want the simulated date and clock to follow real time, or choose a custom value for a daytime, historical or seasonal flight.
On Xbox and PlayStation, an old Windows utility cannot be installed in the normal supported manner anyway. On PC, copying FS Real Time files into the Community folder will not make the legacy programme compatible with modern MSFS.
Our steps for setting the date and time in Microsoft Flight Simulator cover the built-in controls without adding an external clock utility.
Why does the time in Microsoft Flight Simulator look wrong?
An apparent time error is usually caused by a custom flight setting, UTC being mistaken for local time or a changed simulation rate. Check these points before installing anything:
- Check the pre-flight time setting. Select the live or real-time option rather than leaving the flight on a custom date and time. Menu wording can differ between simulator versions.
- Compare UTC with UTC. Airliner displays and flight plans commonly use UTC or Zulu time, while the computer clock usually shows local time. A difference matching the local time-zone offset is normal.
- Return simulation rate to normal. Time acceleration deliberately moves the simulator clock ahead. Returning to normal speed does not necessarily undo the time already gained, so reset the in-sim time afterwards.
- Inspect the aircraft clock mode. Some cockpit clocks can switch between UTC, local time and elapsed time. This is separate from the simulator’s underlying clock.
- Remove conflicting legacy tools. A utility configured to force a particular time can repeatedly overwrite the value selected inside the simulator.
When is FS Real Time still useful?
FS Real Time may still be useful for a supported FSX-era installation when automatic UTC synchronisation is specifically required. Compatibility depends on the utility release, simulator edition and any interface components it expects, so its documented requirements should be checked rather than assuming it works with every Microsoft simulator.
Our archive of miscellaneous FSX utilities containing the older FS Real Time listing is relevant to those legacy installations. For MSFS 2020 or 2024, use the simulator’s own controls instead.
Does FS Real Time provide live weather or traffic?
No, FS Real Time does not download weather reports or inject real aircraft. The similar terminology causes frequent confusion, but these are separate systems.
Modern MSFS already has built-in weather services; see how to enable and troubleshoot real-time simulator weather. Aircraft movements come from the simulator’s online traffic option or an injector, covered separately in our guide to adding real-world AI traffic in MSFS 2020.