How do I increase sim rate in MSFS 2024?

To increase sim rate in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, use the standard keyboard sequence: tap R, then press Ctrl + plus (+). Each press raises time acceleration by one step. Use Ctrl + minus (-) to step back down, and avoid high rates near the ground or during manoeuvres.

How do I speed up time with the keyboard?

The R key selects the sim-rate function; it does not accelerate the flight by itself.

1. Stabilise the aircraft. Level off or let the autopilot settle before increasing the rate.
2. Tap R once. Do not hold the key down.
3. Press Ctrl + plus (+). Press it again for each additional increase.
4. Press Ctrl + minus (-) to slow down. Reduce the rate before descending, turning sharply or disconnecting the autopilot.

On compact keyboards, the plus key may share another key or require a different physical chord. MSFS follows the assignment stored in the active keyboard profile, so consult our reference for finding and changing MSFS 2024 keyboard commands if the standard sequence does nothing.

What does a higher sim rate change?

Increasing sim rate accelerates the simulation clock, aircraft movement and systems driven by simulated time; it is not simply a faster cockpit-clock display.

High rates can make an autopilot oscillate, overshoot an altitude or miss a programmed turn, especially in complex aircraft or turbulent conditions. Modest acceleration is the safer choice during a stable cruise. Return towards normal speed well before the top of descent, an ATC restriction or any manual flying.

How do I change sim rate on Xbox or PS5?

On Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, assign the sim-rate commands to a spare button combination because controller presets do not provide one universal shortcut we can safely quote.

1. Open Controls from the simulator settings and select the controller profile you use for flying.
2. Set the filter to show all commands, including unassigned ones.
3. Search for sim rate.
4. Assign both Increase Sim Rate and Decrease Sim Rate to memorable combinations.
5. Check for conflicts, save the profile and test the controls in a stable flight.

Our controller-binding and profile-saving instructions cover the process when MSFS creates a duplicate profile or fails to retain an assignment.

Why is the sim-rate shortcut not working?

A failed shortcut usually means the active control profile, keyboard layout or input focus differs from the standard setup.

• Wrong profile: confirm that MSFS has selected the keyboard or controller preset you edited.
• Hidden unassigned commands: change the Controls filter from assigned commands to all commands, then search for sim rate.
• Plus key mismatch: try the numeric-keypad plus key if available, or bind the command directly to another key.
• Input focus: close any control-search box or text field and return focus to the cockpit before retrying.
• Conflicting assignment: remove duplicate bindings if one press increases and then immediately decreases the rate. Unexpected changes can also come from stuck keys, macros or another device, covered in our guide to controls triggering without deliberate input.

How do I return to normal 1x speed?

Reduce sim rate before precision flying, and do not assume that pausing the simulator resets it. If you lose count of the rate steps, use our reliable procedure for restoring normal 1x sim rate rather than trying to judge the speed from aircraft motion alone.