Fix a PMDG EFB not showing in Microsoft Flight Simulator by checking UFT settings, updates, install paths, aircraft power and add-on conflicts.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator, the PMDG EFB usually fails to appear because the tablet is disabled for that airframe, the aircraft package is outdated or incomplete, or the wrong product variant is installed. Enable the EFB/UFT in PMDG aircraft options, reload the aircraft, then update or repair it through the original installation channel.
Where should the PMDG EFB appear?
The PMDG EFB—often labelled the Universal Flight Tablet or UFT—is an in-cockpit device rather than an item on the MSFS toolbar. Its position and availability vary between PMDG aircraft, variants and package builds, so use the default cockpit camera and look around the tablet mount or stowed position.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Next check |
|---|---|---|
| Tablet and mount are completely absent | Equipment disabled, outdated package or wrong aircraft variant | PMDG equipment options and aircraft update |
| Tablet appears with one livery only | Airframe-specific setting or old livery package | Enable it for that airframe and test a supplied PMDG livery |
| Tablet is present but black | Power, brightness or application-loading problem | Aircraft electrical state and tablet controls |
| No EFB or UFT option exists | Wrong product, old build or incomplete installation | Update through the correct purchase channel |
How do I make the PMDG EFB appear?
The fastest fix is to check the active airframe's equipment setting before reinstalling anything.
- Confirm the aircraft and simulator version. Make sure the guide or screenshot you are following covers the same PMDG model, variant and MSFS generation. Some variants are separate packages, and updating one does not necessarily update another. Do not manually copy a package from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
- Reset the cockpit view. Load a supplied PMDG livery, select the default pilot camera and pan towards the tablet mount. A custom camera can crop the EFB out of view, while some models allow the tablet to be stowed.
- Enable the installed equipment. Open the CDU's
PMDG SETUPpages and inspect the aircraft equipment or options pages for an entry labelledEFB,UFTorTABLET. Set it to installed or on, including the required crew side if separate choices are offered. Exact page names differ between PMDG products. - Reload the aircraft. Return to the main menu and load the same aircraft again. If you changed or updated package files, close and restart MSFS instead of merely switching liveries.
- Update through the correct channel. A direct PC installation is managed through PMDG Operations Center, while a Marketplace copy must be updated through the simulator's library or package manager. The base simulator being from Steam or the Microsoft Store does not decide this; the place where the PMDG aircraft was obtained does. Our walkthrough explains how to update the aircraft and Operations Center without mixing installation channels.
- Test without cockpit modifications. Temporarily remove tablet replacements, cockpit enhancements and old third-party liveries, but leave the official PMDG core package installed. If the EFB returns with a supplied livery, the removed add-on or its configuration is the cause.
- Check the package location and repair the aircraft. Keep only one managed copy of each PMDG package. If Operations Center targets the wrong simulator or library, use these checks for the simulator selection, package path and account in Operations Center, then repair or reinstall the aircraft through that same channel.
Why is the PMDG EFB missing on only one livery?
A livery change can load a different airframe configuration, including a separate tablet-equipment choice. Enable the EFB again while that registration is loaded, then reload the aircraft.
If the supplied PMDG liveries work but one third-party livery does not, the aircraft installation is probably sound. Remove or replace that livery rather than copying model, panel or tablet files from another variant; those manual substitutions commonly create mismatched package references.
What if the PMDG tablet is visible but black?
A visible tablet frame with a black display is a power or loading fault, not a missing-equipment setting. Turn on the tablet using its own power control, check its brightness, and establish the aircraft's electrical power.
If the rest of the cockpit is also dark, restore battery, external power or APU power as appropriate; our procedure for powering the PMDG 737 from cold and dark covers that sequence. If only the tablet remains black or ignores input in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, use the focused EFB focus, control and reload checks for MSFS 2024.
Should I clear the cache or reinstall MSFS?
Clearing the rolling cache will not repair a missing PMDG tablet because the EFB belongs to the local aircraft package, not streamed scenery. Reinstalling the whole simulator is also unnecessary in almost every case.
Only reinstall the affected PMDG aircraft after checking its equipment option, loading a default livery, applying updates and removing conflicting cockpit add-ons. Use the original installation channel and avoid leaving an older duplicate package in the Community folder.