Learn how to enter FSHost commands in multiplayer chat, check supported syntax, use admin controls safely and fix commands that get no response.
To use FSHost commands, connect to an FSHost multiplayer session, open the simulator’s multiplayer text-chat box and send a command beginning with ?, usually starting with ?help. FSHost processes recognised commands and returns information in chat; server-control commands work only for authorised administrators.
FSHost is a third-party multiplayer server for supported legacy Microsoft Flight Simulator releases, principally FS2002, FS2004 and FSX. Its chat commands are not a universal feature of every flight simulator.
Where do you enter FSHost commands?
FSHost commands go into the connected simulator’s multiplayer chat box, not the ATC window, Windows command prompt or FSHostSpy.
- Join an actual FSHost session. FSX pilots can follow our FSHost and direct-IP connection procedure if the server does not appear in the simulator.
- Open multiplayer text chat. The assigned key depends on the simulator and control profile; our FSX chat and multiplayer key reference covers the relevant FSX controls.
- Send
?helpby itself. Place the question mark at the beginning of the message rather than after a pilot name or ordinary chat text. - Read the server’s returned command list. Enter the required command exactly as displayed, including its spaces and arguments.
- Check the response in chat. A recognised command normally produces a private informational reply rather than broadcasting ordinary conversation to every pilot.
The general form is ?<command> [argument]. Square brackets in documentation usually indicate a replaceable value; they are not normally typed. When targeting another pilot, use the name and argument format shown by that server’s help output.
Which FSHost commands are available?
The reliable command list is the one reported by the connected server and documented for that exact FSHost release.
| Task | Correct method |
|---|---|
| Display available pilot commands | Send ?help in multiplayer chat |
| Run an informational command | Copy its spelling and argument order from the returned help |
| Refer to another player | Use the displayed player name and the server’s stated syntax |
| Control the server | Authenticate through the documented administrator method first |
| Manage the host remotely | Use the remote-administration facility supplied with that FSHost version |
Depending on the release and server permissions, the list may include session or player information, position-related queries, messaging tools and administrator actions. Do not assume that a command copied from a different server will exist or accept the same parameters.
For the definitive syntax, use the documentation included with the FSHost package and server utilities. The installed host’s documentation takes precedence over old command lists because features and administrator permissions can differ between releases.
How do administrator commands work?
Administrator commands work only after FSHost recognises the user as authorised; merely hosting or joining a flight inside FSX does not grant FSHost administrator rights.
Use only the authentication and remote-control procedure documented for the installed release. Never paste an administrator password into ordinary public conversation, and do not expose a remote-administration port unless it is required and protected by appropriate firewall rules.
Why is an FSHost command not responding?
A silent command usually means it was entered in the wrong window, sent to a non-FSHost session or rejected because its syntax or permission level does not match the server.
- No question mark: FSHost treats the text as ordinary multiplayer chat.
- Wrong chat channel: ATC text, radio voice and private simulator messages may not reach FSHost’s command parser.
- Hidden chat display: reopen or expand the multiplayer chat window so the server’s reply is visible.
- Incorrect arguments: repeat
?helpand preserve the command’s spacing, player name and argument order. - Administrator-only action: ask the server operator for permission rather than repeatedly submitting the command.
- Different server version: use that server’s own help and matching documentation instead of a command list from another release.
- Not connected to FSHost: finding a session in a browser for active FSHost servers does not itself connect the simulator; commands work only after joining the session.
Do FSHost commands work in MSFS 2020 or 2024?
FSHost commands do not work in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 because those simulators use a different multiplayer architecture.
Typing ?help into their interfaces will not create an FSHost connection. Use FSHost only with a simulator and host release explicitly supported by its documentation; modern MSFS multiplayer uses the simulator’s native systems instead.