How do I set up keyboard shortcuts in MSFS 2024 VR?

In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PC, select the Keyboard device in Controls Options, copy the default preset, then bind or confirm Toggle VR Mode, Reset VR View and Toggle Toolbar. The factory preset normally uses Ctrl+Tab, Space and Tab. Save the profile, focus the simulator window and test each command in the cockpit.

Which MSFS 2024 VR keyboard shortcuts do I need?

Three commands cover the essential VR workflow: entering or leaving VR, centring the view and opening the in-flight toolbar.

A migrated, edited or aircraft-specific profile may not match those defaults, so the active Controls profile is authoritative. Our reference for the remaining factory keyboard commands covers non-VR controls without duplicating them here.

The toolbar shortcut only displays the toolbar; a mouse or motion controller is still needed to point at many of its panels. See our toolbar controls and rebinding steps for VR if Tab does not provide reliable access.

How do I create a VR keyboard profile?

Create a separate keyboard preset so that VR changes do not disturb the standard desktop layout.

1. Open Controls before entering VR. From Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's Settings or Options screen, open Controls and select the Keyboard device.
2. Copy the built-in preset. Duplicate or create a profile and give it an obvious name such as VR Keyboard. Built-in presets may be protected from direct editing.
3. Show unassigned commands. Clear category filters or select the option that displays all commands, then search for VR, Reset VR View and Toolbar.
4. Record each shortcut. Select the command's binding box and press the desired key or combination. Keep Toggle VR Mode on a two-key chord to prevent an accidental exit from VR; Reset VR View benefits from a single key that is easy to find by touch.
5. Resolve genuine conflicts. Search by key input and remove an old assignment only when it would operate at the same time. Do not clear every reported conflict blindly, since some bindings apply in different control contexts.
6. Apply and verify the profile. Save the changes, leave the Controls screen, return once and confirm that the new Keyboard preset is still selected.

For the full binding interface, including input searches and conflict removal, follow our keyboard profile customisation procedure. Keyboard, mouse, HOTAS and motion-controller profiles can remain active together; changing the keyboard profile does not erase mappings on another device.

How do I use the keyboard while wearing the headset?

The physical keyboard continues to work in VR even though Microsoft Flight Simulator does not display the keyboard inside the headset.

1. Prepare the VR system. Start the headset and its active OpenXR runtime, then load a flight on the monitor.
2. Give MSFS keyboard focus. Click the simulator window once before putting on the headset. An overlay or headset utility with focus can intercept every shortcut.
3. Enter VR. Press Ctrl+Tab, or the replacement chord saved in the active profile.
4. Set the eyepoint. Sit naturally, face straight ahead and press Space. Recentring while leaning forward produces an incorrect cockpit position when you relax.
5. Open the toolbar when needed. Press Tab, then use the mouse or a motion controller to interact with its panels.
6. Return to the monitor. Press Ctrl+Tab again rather than closing the headset software while the simulator is still in VR mode.

Keep the keyboard in a fixed position and use the raised marks on the F and J keys as tactile references. If the headset does not enter VR at all, work through our PC VR connection and startup checklist before changing more key assignments.

Why are my VR keyboard shortcuts not working?

Most failed VR shortcuts are caused by lost window focus, the wrong keyboard profile or a conflicting assignment rather than a faulty keyboard.

• Ctrl+Tab affects another application: Microsoft Flight Simulator is not the focused window. Return focus to the simulator and try again.
• The command is missing from search: clear the Assigned-only or category filter. VR commands can be hidden when the controls screen displays only existing bindings.
• Space moves the camera but does not centre VR: confirm that the key is assigned specifically to Reset VR View, not only to a general camera command.
• A key performs two actions: search by that input and inspect duplicate keyboard mappings, macros and controller assignments. Remove only the unwanted action.
• The shortcut stops after opening a menu: close the menu or leave its search field. Text boxes consume keys such as Space and Tab.
• The profile changes between aircraft: if aircraft-specific presets are in use, reselect or associate the intended Keyboard profile before entering VR.
• A laptop function key fails: check whether the keyboard requires Fn or has remapped that key to a media function.