Use Alt+Enter to switch FSX between windowed mode and full screen, then fix focus, shortcut, resolution or black-screen problems.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator X (FSX and FSX: Steam Edition), press Alt+Enter while the simulator window has focus to toggle between windowed and full-screen mode. Use the main Enter key if necessary. Save your flight first: changing display mode can briefly blank the screen on some Windows and graphics-driver combinations.
How to switch FSX display modes
- Give FSX keyboard focus. Click inside the simulator window rather than the desktop, Steam overlay or another application.
- Press the shortcut. Hold the left
Altkey, tapEnter, then release both keys. - Allow the display to change. The screen may go black for a few seconds while Windows changes resolution or refreshes the display.
- Repeat to switch back. The same
Alt+Entershortcut moves FSX from windowed to full screen and from full screen to windowed mode.
In windowed mode, drag the window edges or use the Windows maximise button to enlarge it. Our reference sheet covering FSX keyboard commands includes this shortcut and other useful simulator controls.
Why does Alt+Enter not work in FSX?
Alt+Enter usually fails because FSX lacks keyboard focus or another program is intercepting the combination.
- Click inside FSX first: overlays, browser windows and add-on utilities can retain focus even though the simulator remains visible.
- Use left Alt and the main Enter key:
AltGr, compact-keyboard layers and remapped numeric keypads may produce a different input. - Close hotkey utilities temporarily: screen recorders, graphics overlays and remote-desktop software can capture the shortcut before FSX receives it.
- Check altered controls: if the installation has customised assignments, follow our explanation of where FSX keyboard controls are viewed and changed.
If the menu bar appears instead of the mode changing, release the keys and try again while holding Alt before tapping Enter. Do not press the two keys separately.
Should I run FSX windowed or full screen?
Choose windowed mode for easier access to charts and utilities; choose full screen when you want FSX to occupy the display without window borders.
| Mode | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Windowed | Frequent task switching, multiple monitors and external flight-planning tools | Borders and the desktop may remain visible; a large window can perform much like full screen |
| Full screen | An uncluttered single-display view and use of FSX's selected full-screen resolution | Switching applications can trigger a delay, resolution change or temporary black screen |
For the sharpest full-screen image, select the monitor's native resolution in FSX's display settings. Windowed mode follows the window size instead. Standard FSX does not provide a dedicated borderless-window mode; maximising its window is the closest built-in alternative.
Why does FSX show a black screen after switching?
A short black screen is normal while the display mode changes, but a screen that does not recover usually points to an unsupported resolution, graphics-driver problem or overlay conflict.
Wait several seconds, then press Alt+Enter once to return to the previous mode. If FSX remains black, use our FSX black-screen troubleshooting steps rather than repeatedly toggling the shortcut.
Will FSX remember windowed mode?
FSX normally reopens in the display mode used when it was closed properly. Switch to the mode you want, then exit through the simulator rather than ending its process in Task Manager.
If the choice is forgotten every time, FSX may be crashing during shutdown or unable to save its configuration. Check that its configuration files are not read-only and that Windows security software is not blocking changes; avoid editing the configuration manually until you have made a backup.