Microsoft Flight Simulator runs at 1× by default. Learn what real time means for flight duration, the clock, weather, pauses and sim-rate changes.
Yes. Microsoft Flight Simulator runs at a 1× simulation rate by default, so one hour in flight takes about one real hour. It can depart from real time if you change the sim rate, pause, skip ahead, or alter the date and clock. Live weather and traffic are separate options.
What does “real time” mean in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
At 1×, the simulation clock and aircraft physics advance at the same pace as ordinary wall-clock time. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 both work this way.
A two-hour airborne leg therefore takes roughly two real hours at normal speed. The flight planner's estimated duration may still differ because of winds, routing, aircraft performance, taxi time and delays; that estimate is not a measurement of simulation rate.
| Setting | What it controls | Relationship to real time |
|---|---|---|
| Simulation rate | How quickly the whole simulation advances | 1× matches normal elapsed time |
| Date and clock | The simulated starting date and time of day | Can be live or set manually |
| Live weather | Online weather conditions | Independent of simulation rate |
| Live traffic | Traffic based on external data | Optional and may involve delays |
Does real time mean the current date and live weather?
No—simulation speed is independent of the selected date, clock, weather and traffic. If you start at a manually selected 10:00 and remain at 1×, the simulator will reach 10:30 after 30 real minutes even if your local time is completely different.
You can follow our instructions for choosing a custom date and clock in MSFS. Live weather must also be enabled separately; our explanation of setting up real-time weather covers the distinction. A mistake we see constantly is treating live weather or daylight as proof that the simulator is running at 1×.
How do I check that MSFS is running at 1×?
Compare 60 seconds on a cockpit clock or chronometer with 60 seconds on an external stopwatch. If they match closely while the aircraft is unpaused, Microsoft Flight Simulator is running at normal speed.
The most common cause of a mismatch is an accidental sim-rate command. A full pause stops elapsed simulation time, while Active Pause can hold the aircraft's position even though some systems continue operating. Flight-skipping and slew features also break the normal relationship between distance flown and elapsed time.
- Check the pause state. Release Active Pause or any full-pause mode before testing.
- Find the rate controls. Search your active keyboard or controller profile for “sim rate”; bindings vary between platforms and customised profiles.
- Time the cockpit clock. Measure a full minute rather than judging speed from scenery movement.
- Restore normal speed. Use the assigned rate controls and test again. MSFS 2024 users can follow our procedure for returning the simulator to 1×.
Can I complete a long MSFS flight faster?
Yes—simulation-rate controls can accelerate the aircraft, clock and systems together. Our guide to using MSFS time acceleration safely explains how the controls work.
Higher rates are best reserved for stable cruise. They can make an autopilot oscillate, cause a fast aircraft to overshoot descent constraints and leave scenery streaming behind. We recommend returning to 1× before major turns, descent, approach and landing, and keeping normal speed when flying with other people or online ATC.