Reset Microsoft Flight Simulator settings safely, including graphics, assists and controls, and learn why reinstalling may not clear cloud-synced options.
To reset Microsoft Flight Simulator settings, open Settings or Options, enter the relevant category, choose Restore Defaults or Reset to Default, then apply and save the change. Reset controls separately for each connected device. Reinstalling the simulator is not a reliable factory reset because cloud synchronisation may restore your old configuration.
Which type of reset should you use?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 do not provide one harmless button that resets absolutely everything. The safest method depends on what needs fixing.
| What you want to reset | Best method | What it leaves alone |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics, sound, traffic or data options | Restore defaults inside that settings category | Controls, add-ons and pilot data |
| Assistance options | Select a standard assistance preset or reset that section | Graphics and controller profiles |
| Keyboard, joystick, yoke or throttle bindings | Restore the built-in preset for each device | Other devices and general settings |
| All locally stored preferences | Remove the simulator's saved configuration through the platform | Installed content in most cases, but progress may be at risk |
How do I restore default settings from the menus?
- Open Settings or Options. Start from the main menu, or use the pause menu when that category is available during a flight.
- Select the affected category. Graphics, audio, assistance, traffic, online services and accessibility settings are managed in separate sections.
- Choose the displayed default command. Look for wording such as Restore Defaults or Reset to Default. On consoles, this may appear as a controller button prompt along the bottom of the screen.
- Apply and save. Use the displayed Apply or Save command before leaving the page, then reopen it to confirm the change remained in place.
The names and positions differ between MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024 and their PC or console interfaces, but the category-by-category principle is the same. If graphics options reset again after restarting, that is usually a persistence or permissions problem rather than an unsuccessful button press; use our guide to fix graphics settings that keep reverting.
How do I reset controller bindings to default?
Controller settings must be restored separately for every connected device. Select the keyboard, mouse, joystick, yoke, throttle or pedals, then choose that device's built-in default preset rather than an old custom profile.
A mistake we see constantly is using Clear when the intention is to restore defaults. Clear creates an empty set of bindings; it does not load the factory layout. Our controller reset and clearing instructions explain the difference and cover per-device profiles.
After resetting, check axes for duplicated assignments, especially throttle, rudder and brakes. If you want to rebuild the layout cleanly, follow our PC control setup workflow rather than editing the default preset directly.
Why does reinstalling MSFS not reset the settings?
Reinstalling Microsoft Flight Simulator often leaves preferences unchanged because settings are stored separately from the main aircraft and scenery packages. Platform cloud synchronisation may also download the old configuration when the simulator starts again.
Deleting the rolling cache does not reset preferences, and Safe Mode mainly prevents incompatible community content from loading. Neither is a factory reset. Avoid deleting the Official or installed-packages directory, because that can trigger a large content download without solving the settings problem.
How do I perform a complete factory reset?
A complete reset means removing the simulator's saved configuration, and it should be reserved for corrupted settings or a simulator that cannot reach its options menus. It can remove custom controls and may affect logbook, career or other progress stored with the platform save.
- Record anything you need. Photograph unusual bindings or note custom sensitivity values. On PC, keep the Community folder backed up or temporarily moved, but do not treat it as the settings folder.
- Close Microsoft Flight Simulator fully. Confirm that it is not still running or updating in the background.
- Open the platform's saved-data management. Remove the saved configuration for Microsoft Flight Simulator only. The exact menus differ between the Xbox app, Steam, Xbox consoles and PlayStation 5.
- Account for cloud synchronisation. Deleting only the local copy may cause the old settings to return. If the platform offers local-only and everywhere or cloud deletion, read the warning carefully before choosing: deleting the synchronised copy can also erase associated progress.
- Restart with a fresh configuration. Let the simulator create its standard settings, then reconnect and configure control devices one at a time.
A full save reset does not normally remove purchased entitlements, and it may not erase records held separately by Microsoft's services. It is therefore a configuration reset, not a guaranteed deletion of every account-related item.