How do I record and replay flights in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
To record a replay in Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC, enable Developer Mode, open Tools > Replay, start recording, fly, stop, then play the track and move the camera. This stores aircraft-state data, not video. For a shareable recording—or on Xbox or PlayStation—use the platform’s screen-capture feature instead.
What is the difference between replay and video recording?
Replay and video capture solve different jobs in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. A replay track lets the simulator reconstruct the aircraft’s movement so you can inspect a landing, change camera angles or film the flight afterwards; video capture records only what appeared on screen.
| Method | Best for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in replay | Reviewing landings and filming new camera angles | PC Developer Mode tool; it may not reproduce every aircraft system or world event |
| Screen capture | Shareable video with the original view | You cannot change the camera afterwards |
| Third-party replay utility | Long recordings and more cinematic control | Compatibility varies by simulator version and aircraft |
| Flight-data logging | Analysing speeds, altitude and control inputs | Produces telemetry rather than a visual replay |
How do you use the built-in MSFS replay tool?
On PC, the built-in method is the Replay tool found through Developer Mode. Menu wording can differ between Microsoft Flight Simulator builds, but the basic process is the same.
- Enable Developer Mode. Open General Options, find the Developers section and switch Developer Mode on. A developer menu bar should appear at the top of the simulator.
- Load the flight. Choose the aircraft, airport, weather and time, then allow complex aircraft systems and scenery to finish loading.
- Open the Replay panel. Use the developer menu’s Tools section and select Replay.
- Start recording. Press the panel’s Record command before beginning the manoeuvre you want to review.
- Stop the track. End the recording before returning to the main menu, restarting the flight or changing aircraft.
- Play and film it. Start playback, scrub through the timeline where supported, and select a cockpit, external or drone-camera view. Keep flight controls centred so live inputs do not interfere.
- Save the recording if required. Use the replay panel’s save function before leaving the session. A stopped track should not be assumed to survive a restart unless it has been saved.
For a polished clip, first record the replay data, then run the replay from an external camera while using a screen recorder. That gives you a video file which can be edited and shared.
Why is the Replay tool missing or not working?
Most failed replays come from platform restrictions, Developer Mode being disabled or aircraft systems the recorder cannot capture.
Why does the Replay menu not appear?
The Replay tool is accessed through Developer Mode on PC rather than the normal in-flight toolbar. If the developer bar is missing, confirm Developer Mode is enabled and restart the simulator after changing the setting.
Xbox and PlayStation editions do not provide the PC Developer Mode workflow. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 has no PlayStation version; on PS5 and PS5 Pro, this applies only to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Why does the aircraft jump or behave incorrectly?
Jumps, incorrect control surfaces and unsynchronised cockpit displays usually mean the recording did not capture every variable used by that aircraft. Complex add-ons often run custom systems outside the basic aircraft-state data recorded by the simulator.
- Test a short replay before recording a complete flight.
- Use normal simulation rate; accelerated time can produce rough playback.
- Do not change aircraft, livery or add-on configuration between recording and playback.
- Leave the controls centred and stop autopilot or assistance features from issuing new commands during playback.
- Expect recordings made before a major simulator or aircraft update to behave differently afterwards.
The replay also does not freeze the entire simulated world. Live weather, ATC, multiplayer aircraft, AI traffic and radio audio may be missing or differ during playback. If those elements matter, capture video and audio during the original flight.
How do I record MSFS video on PC or console?
Use the platform recorder when you need a normal video rather than an editable flight track.
- Windows PC: Xbox Game Bar can start and stop recording with
Win+Alt+R. Check its audio and microphone settings before departure. - Xbox Series X|S: Open the Xbox guide and use the capture controls to record or save recent gameplay.
- PS5 or PS5 Pro: In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, press the Create button and choose to begin a recording or save recent gameplay.
Platform capture records the active viewpoint, menus and any visible overlays. Hide the Developer Mode bar, replay panel and cursor before filming the playback if you want clean footage.
Should I use a third-party flight recorder?
A third-party recorder is the better choice when the built-in tool cannot reproduce your aircraft, you need longer sessions or you want easier timeline and camera controls. Our MSFS utilities and add-ons library is the appropriate place to check for compatible recording tools.
Confirm that a utility explicitly supports Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or 2024 and the aircraft you intend to fly. PC utilities are not automatically interchangeable between simulator generations, and Community-folder tools cannot be installed on consoles.
For telemetry rather than pictures, our FSUIPC package and setup information can provide flight data to compatible logging or analysis tools. It does not replace a visual replay recorder.