What are the default keyboard controls in MSFS 2020?

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020’s stock Keyboard Default profile uses the numeric keypad for primary flight controls, F1–F8 for throttle and flaps, G for landing gear, and Z for the autopilot. The tables below list the most useful bindings; the in-sim Controls Options screen remains authoritative if a profile has been changed.

MSFS 2020 default flight-control keys

The default profile assigns pitch, roll and rudder to the numeric keypad rather than the number row above the letters.

Keyboard inputs move the controls in steps, so short taps work better than holding a key. A joystick or yoke gives much finer pitch and roll control, particularly during the flare.

Which keys control the engine, flaps and aircraft systems?

The function keys operate the throttle and flaps, while landing gear, brakes and several common systems have single-key shortcuts.

On an aircraft with reverse thrust, reduce the throttle to idle and continue using F2 to enter reverse. Complex add-on aircraft may ignore generic auto-start or system commands because their custom systems expect the cockpit procedure instead.

What are the default view and autopilot shortcuts?

The stock view commands switch between the cockpit, external camera and drone, while the autopilot shortcuts request modes supported by the loaded aircraft.

Changing the reference altitude does not by itself guarantee that altitude hold is engaged. Autothrottle, yaw damper and individual autopilot modes also work only when the aircraft is equipped for them.

For radio tuning, detailed camera movement and less frequently used systems, consult our complete stock MSFS 2020 keyboard-command list. Our reference to the original bindings and printable formats is useful when keeping the commands beside the simulator.

How do I check or restore the default keyboard bindings?

The Controls Options screen shows the bindings actually active on your installation and lets you return to the stock keyboard preset.

1. Open Controls Options. From the main menu, go to Options and then Controls Options.
2. Select Keyboard. Make sure you are editing the keyboard device, not a controller, mouse or flight-control peripheral.
3. Choose the stock preset. Select Keyboard Default instead of an edited custom profile.
4. Search for a command. Search by its name, or use input search and press the key you want to inspect. Set the filter to show all commands if an unassigned action is hidden.
5. Check for conflicts. If the same key has incompatible assignments, remove the unwanted binding or create a custom profile before saving.

Reinstalling the simulator is not a dependable way to reset controls because profile data may be synchronised with the account. For remapping advice across keyboards, gamepads, yokes and throttles, use our control configuration and troubleshooting instructions.

Why do the default keyboard controls not work?

Unresponsive stock controls are usually caused by the wrong preset, numeric-keypad handling or another device continuously overriding the keyboard input.

• Numeric keypad confusion: NUM 4 means the keypad key, not the 4 above the letters. Check Num Lock, and create replacement bindings on a laptop without a keypad.
• Function-key mode: Some laptops require Fn or Fn Lock before F1–F8 reach the simulator.
• Wrong control profile: Confirm that Keyboard Default, rather than an old custom preset, is active.
• Search or text-field focus: Press Esc or click back into the simulator before trying the command again.
• Controller interference: A noisy throttle, stick or brake axis can repeatedly override a keyboard command. Check the assignments for every connected device.
• Aircraft-specific systems: A shortcut cannot engage equipment the aircraft lacks, and some add-ons replace stock systems with custom logic.
• Assistance control: AI piloting or assistance features can counteract manual inputs. Disable the relevant assistance before diagnosing the binding.

Are MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 keyboard controls identical?

No. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 retains some familiar commands, but its control profiles and interface should not be assumed to match MSFS 2020 exactly. Use this list for the 2020 release and verify any migrated or recreated profile inside the simulator’s Controls Options screen.