Learn how to hide the MSFS 2020 user interface, including the HUD, toolbar, panels, labels, tooltips and notifications, for a clean view.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 does not use one universal switch to hide every interface element. For a clean view, disable the cockpit and chase-camera Instrument Heads-Up Display, close or unpin toolbar panels, move the pointer away from the top edge, and separately switch off tooltips, notifications, markers and traffic nameplates.
How do I get a completely clean MSFS 2020 view?
The reliable method is to clear each interface layer separately because the HUD, toolbar, assistance overlays and world labels have independent settings.
- Disable the camera HUD. Open
Options > General Options > Camera. TurnInstrument Heads-Up Displayoff under bothCockpit CameraandChase Camera; changing one does not necessarily change the other. Our camera-specific HUD instructions explain which overlay each switch controls. - Close the toolbar and its panels. Return to the flight, move the pointer to the top of the screen and close every open panel. Unpin any panel that has been left pinned, retract the toolbar, then move the pointer away from the top edge.
- Turn off assistance overlays. In
Assistance Options, inspect the user-experience, notification and navigation-aid settings. DisableInstrument Name Tooltips, assistance messages, the taxi ribbon, route and waypoint markers, landing guidance and other aids you do not want. - Remove aircraft and world labels. Turn off
Traffic Nameplatesin the traffic settings. Airport, point-of-interest and navigation markers are controlled separately under the relevant assistance options. - Check Developer Mode. If a developer menu remains across the top of the screen, open the developer settings and switch
Developer Modeoff.
Use Apply & Save after changing an options screen. Menu grouping can shift slightly after simulator updates, but the setting names remain the best way to identify the correct controls.
Why is part of the interface still visible?
A remaining overlay usually belongs to a different interface layer rather than indicating that the HUD setting failed.
| What remains visible | Setting or control to check |
|---|---|
| Flight-data tapes or gauges in cockpit or external view | Instrument Heads-Up Display for that camera type |
| Top-centre toolbar or floating ATC, map and checklist windows | Close or unpin the toolbar panels |
| Text appearing over cockpit switches | Instrument Name Tooltips |
| Names above other aircraft | Traffic Nameplates |
| Airport, route, waypoint or taxi guidance | Navigation-aid and user-assistance settings |
| Permanent menu across the top | Developer Mode |
Why does the MSFS toolbar keep reappearing?
The in-flight toolbar is designed to appear when the pointer approaches the top edge, and pinned panels remain visible until they are unpinned or closed. Move the pointer lower on the screen and leave it still when preparing a screenshot.
If a panel will not disappear, open the toolbar and check its pin and close controls rather than waiting for it to time out. Our guide to controlling and customising the in-flight toolbar covers panels that remain open or obstruct the view.
Can I use one keyboard shortcut to hide the UI?
MSFS 2020 has no dependable default shortcut that hides the HUD, toolbar, labels, tooltips and pinned windows together. These elements are controlled by separate systems.
In Controls Options, select the relevant keyboard or controller profile, change the filter to show all commands, and search for UI, HUD and toolbar. If your profile exposes a suitable toggle, assign an unused input to it. A HUD command will still not remove traffic nameplates, cockpit tooltips or pinned panels.
Control assignments can differ between default and custom profiles, so verify the binding rather than relying on a shortcut quoted for somebody else's setup. Our MSFS 2020 keyboard control reference explains how to check and remap commands. The same menu-based settings work on Xbox Series X|S, using the controller cursor to manage toolbar panels.