Reset sim rate to 1x in MSFS 2024 with the reliable bottom-out method, then fix missing, duplicate or self-triggering controls.
To reset sim rate in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, press Sim Rate Decrease repeatedly until the simulator reaches its minimum rate, then press Sim Rate Increase exactly twice. MSFS steps from 0.25x to 0.5x to 1x, so this returns the simulation to normal without an on-screen rate indicator.
How do I reset sim rate to 1x in MSFS 2024?
The reliable method is to force the simulator down to its lowest rate and then move back up two steps.
- Choose a safe point in the flight. Do this at altitude rather than during an approach, flare or complicated descent.
- Press Sim Rate Decrease repeatedly. Continue for several extra presses so you know the simulator has reached its minimum rate of 0.25x. Extra decrease inputs at the minimum do nothing.
- Press Sim Rate Increase twice. The first press changes 0.25x to 0.5x; the second changes 0.5x to the normal 1x rate.
- Check the aircraft and automation. If time still appears fast or slow, repeat the sequence with deliberate individual presses in case an input failed to register.
This bottom-out method also works in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. It is more dependable than pressing decrease until the flight merely feels normal: that can leave you at 2x or take you below 1x.
Where is the Sim Rate control in MSFS 2024?
Open the simulator's control settings, select the device and profile you actually use, and search for sim rate.
Set the search filter to show all commands if the results are empty; an assigned-only filter can hide the control you need. Depending on the profile, the simulator may show separate increase and decrease actions or a Sim Rate input used with other keys. Follow the assignments displayed for your active profile rather than assuming that a shortcut found elsewhere matches your setup.
Bind both Sim Rate Increase and Sim Rate Decrease. A decrease-only binding can take you to 0.25x, but it cannot complete the two upward steps needed to return to 1x. Our reference for MSFS keyboard commands and sim-rate controls lists the relevant inputs, while our guide to finding and restoring keyboard bindings in MSFS 2024 covers profiles and control-search filters in more detail.
MSFS stores assignments separately for the keyboard, gamepad, yoke, throttle and other devices. A mistake we see constantly is editing one profile while a different device is supplying the live input. On a laptop or compact keyboard without the required keypad keys, assign the commands to ordinary keys or spare controller buttons instead.
How can I tell whether sim rate is back to normal?
The bottom-out-and-two-up sequence is the clearest confirmation because MSFS does not always leave a persistent simulation-rate readout visible during normal flying.
- At 1x, cockpit clocks, scenery movement, instrument updates and control responses should advance at an ordinary pace.
- If distance disappears unusually quickly or the aircraft rushes through turns, climbs and descents, the rate is probably still above 1x.
- If clocks, movement and responses appear sluggish, you are probably at 0.25x or 0.5x.
- If there is any doubt, repeat the full reset sequence instead of trying to judge the rate by feel.
Why does sim rate do nothing or keep changing by itself?
A missing, incorrect or repeated control input is usually responsible when sim rate will not reset properly.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The shortcut does nothing | The command is unbound, filtered from view or assigned in another device profile | Select the active device, show all commands and search for sim rate |
| The simulator speeds up again | A duplicate binding, stuck key, repeating switch or macro is sending another increase input | Remove duplicates and test the keyboard and controllers one at a time |
| The simulation is frozen | Pause or Active Pause is engaged | Unpause first; pause and sim rate are separate functions |
| Everything remains very slow | You reached 0.25x but did not register both increase inputs | Press Sim Rate Increase twice with a short gap between presses |
| The shortcut needs a missing keypad key | The keyboard has a compact layout or requires a function layer | Create a custom assignment on an available key or controller button |
If the rate changes without deliberate input, inspect every connected device for duplicate assignments. Our troubleshooting guide for controls that trigger themselves in MSFS 2024 explains how to isolate stuck keys, switches and competing bindings.
Why is the aircraft still unstable after returning to 1x?
Resetting sim rate restores normal simulation speed, but it does not undo an overshoot, trim change or autopilot error that occurred under acceleration.
High rates can make an autopilot miss targets, oscillate or struggle with a complex descent. Some detailed add-on aircraft also simulate systems that tolerate time acceleration poorly. Once back at 1x:
- Check indicated airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, thrust, configuration and trim.
- Confirm the active autopilot lateral and vertical modes rather than assuming they remained unchanged.
- If the aircraft is oscillating, disconnect the automation, stabilise and trim it, then re-engage the appropriate modes.
- Keep accelerated time for settled cruise where possible; avoid it during approaches, holds, sharp turns and configuration changes.
Is sim rate the same as time acceleration?
In practical MSFS usage, sim rate and time acceleration describe the same function: running the whole simulation faster or slower than normal. A rate of 1x is standard real-time operation.