Record and replay a flight in FSX with Instant Replay or FS Recorder. Follow the correct steps, understand the limits and fix jerky playback.
In FSX and FSX: Steam Edition, use Options > Instant Replay to watch the last part of a flight; FSX buffers it automatically, so you do not start recording first. To save and replay an entire flight later, use a dedicated trajectory recorder such as FS Recorder rather than the built-in replay.
Which FSX recording method should I use?
Use Instant Replay for checking a landing or other recent manoeuvre, and a recorder add-on when you need a permanent, full-flight recording.
| Method | Best use | Saved permanently? | Creates video? |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSX Instant Replay | Watching the last part of the active flight | No saved replay file | No |
| FS Recorder | Complete flights, formations and AI playback | Yes, as recorder data | No |
| Screen capture | Producing a shareable video | Yes, as a video file | Yes |
How do I use FSX Instant Replay?
FSX's built-in Instant Replay requires no preparation because it keeps a rolling record of the aircraft's recent movement.
- Complete the manoeuvre you want to review without ending or reloading the flight.
- Open the FSX menu bar. Press
Altif it is hidden, then choose Options > Instant Replay. - Choose the replay length and speed. Select enough time to include the approach, landing or other event.
- Start the replay. Normal view commands let you switch between cockpit, spot and tower perspectives during playback.
- Finish or exit the replay. FSX returns to the live aircraft at the point where Instant Replay was opened.
Instant Replay reproduces aircraft movement rather than recording the screen. ATC, sounds, AI traffic, weather transitions and complex add-on systems may not repeat exactly. The rolling buffer also disappears when the session is closed or another flight is loaded.
How can I save and replay a complete FSX flight?
A flight-recorder module is the practical choice for a complete flight that can be loaded again in a later session.
- Obtain the recorder. Our library provides the FS Recorder Module V1.3 download and installation package.
- Extract and install it carefully. Do not run installation files directly from a compressed archive, and make sure the selected folder is the FSX installation actually being used.
- Restart FSX. Approve the module if FSX displays a software trust prompt.
- Start recording before departure from the recorder menu added to FSX. Beginning before pushback or taxi gives you a complete sequence.
- Stop and save the recording after parking or completing the section you need.
- Load it through the recorder menu. Use normal playback for reviewing the recorded aircraft, or AI playback when you want the recorded aircraft flying alongside another aircraft.
FS Recorder V1.3 predates FSX: Steam Edition. It may work with manual configuration, but Steam compatibility should not be assumed on every installation, especially where boxed FSX and Steam Edition coexist. The built-in Instant Replay remains available when an older recorder module will not load.
Why doesn't the FS Recorder menu appear?
A missing recorder menu usually means FSX has not loaded the module, rather than a problem with the recording controls.
- Confirm that the add-on was installed into the active FSX folder, not a similarly named or obsolete installation.
- Restart FSX and check whether a module trust prompt was declined.
- Check that the module has an enabled entry in FSX's
dll.xml. Back up that file before changing it, and do not copy one wholesale from another FSX installation. - With side-by-side boxed and Steam installations, verify the per-user configuration belonging to the edition being launched.
- If Windows has blocked an extracted module file, inspect its file properties rather than downloading replacement DLL files from unrelated sources.
Why is the replay jerky or inaccurate?
Jerky playback is commonly caused by frame-rate pressure, scenery loading or an add-on aircraft whose custom systems are not captured by the recorder.
- Replay at normal speed before trying accelerated playback.
- Reduce AI traffic, autogen or other demanding settings temporarily.
- Let the airport and surrounding scenery finish loading before starting playback.
- Use the same aircraft and add-ons that were installed when the recording was made.
- Avoid accelerated simulation rates while recording if smooth positional playback matters.
A trajectory recorder is reliable for position and attitude, but it is not a complete record of every switch, gauge, weather event or sound. That distinction matters when reviewing procedures in aircraft with complex custom systems.
Can I save Instant Replay or turn it into a video?
No: FSX cannot save its built-in Instant Replay as a permanent replay file or export it directly as video. An ordinary saved flight is also only a snapshot of the aircraft and simulator state, not a recording of the route already flown; use our steps for saving and reopening an FSX flight when that is what you need.
To produce a video, run screen-capture software during the live flight or while playing an Instant Replay or FS Recorder recording. Our comparison of trajectory replay and video-recording methods explains which type of recording fits each purpose.