Find the Microsoft Flight Simulator keyboard controls overlay, learn its limits in flight, and get a practical printable command reference.
Microsoft Flight Simulator includes a visual keyboard map in its Controls settings, but it does not provide a persistent, full keyboard-controls overlay while you fly. For an on-screen second-monitor reference or printable sheet, use a keyboard-command chart, then check it against your active control profile and simulator version.
Where is the built-in MSFS keyboard map?
The built-in keyboard map is in the simulator's Controls screen. Menu names and layouts differ between MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024, but the basic process is the same.
- Open Controls. From the main menu, enter Options or Settings and select Controls or Controls Options. You can also reach the settings while a flight is paused.
- Select Keyboard. Check that you are editing the keyboard rather than a controller, joystick or throttle.
- Check the active profile. The diagram and assignment list reflect the selected profile or preset, which may not be the default one.
- Search for a command or key. Search by command name to find a function, or use input search and press a key to discover what is assigned to it.
For edition-specific instructions, see our guide to finding and checking MSFS 2020 key assignments or our explanation of the MSFS 2024 keyboard diagram and controls list. The simulator's own screen is authoritative because it reflects the profile loaded on your system.
Can the keyboard overlay remain visible while flying?
Microsoft Flight Simulator has no native option to pin its complete keyboard map over the cockpit or external view. Opening the Controls screen interrupts or obscures the flight, while contextual prompts show only selected actions rather than every assignment.
A practical substitute is to keep our printable MSFS keyboard-command reference on paper, a tablet or a second monitor. If you use only one display, a short personal list is less intrusive than repeatedly opening the full controls menu.
The simulator also does not include a universal physical keyboard skin. Such an overlay would become inaccurate whenever you changed profiles, switched simulator editions or reassigned a command.
Why does a keyboard chart not match my controls?
A keyboard chart usually fails to match because the active profile is not the default profile documented by the chart. Edition differences, command conflicts and aircraft-specific systems can also explain an apparent mismatch.
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| A documented key does nothing | The command is unassigned in the active profile, or the selected aircraft does not use that function | Search for the command in Controls and inspect its assignment |
| One key triggers two actions | The input has been assigned to multiple commands | Search by input and remove the unwanted assignment |
| The chart shows different commands | It covers another MSFS edition, profile or keyboard layout | Use the reference for your edition and compare it with the in-simulator list |
| A shortcut works only in one view | The command is specific to cockpit, external, drone or menu context | Check the command category and bind separate controls if needed |
| A modified shortcut fails | The complete key combination is not being pressed together | Confirm every modifier, such as Ctrl, Shift or Alt |
Should you customise the keyboard overlay?
Keep the default layout while learning, but make a personal reference once you regularly change assignments. Include only frequently used controls such as trim, brakes, landing gear, flaps, camera reset and the autopilot functions relevant to the aircraft you fly.
Update that reference whenever you change profiles. A mistake we see constantly is saving a customised preset while continuing to consult a default chart; our guide to editing and checking MSFS 2024 keyboard bindings explains how to keep those assignments organised.