Learn how to set up a joystick in MSFS 2024 on Xbox, bind the correct axes, fix detection problems and avoid conflicting controller inputs.
Yes. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 supports joysticks, flight sticks and HOTAS controls on Xbox Series X|S, but the hardware must be specifically compatible with Xbox; a generic PC USB joystick will not work. Connect it before launching the simulator, select its control profile, bind the main axes, then adjust sensitivity and dead zones.
Which joysticks work with MSFS 2024 on Xbox?
The joystick must explicitly support Xbox Series X|S or a compatible Xbox generation. PC-only and PlayStation-only USB flight controls cannot be made compatible by installing a driver because Xbox does not install conventional peripheral drivers.
Look for Xbox compatibility on the device or its documentation rather than assuming any USB joystick will work. Our guide to supported Xbox flight sticks and HOTAS systems explains the available hardware categories.
With modular controls, the Xbox-compatible stick or base often handles console authentication. Throttles and pedals may therefore need to connect through that base rather than occupying separate Xbox USB ports; use the connection arrangement specified for the particular hardware.
How do I set up a joystick in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
- Check the device mode. If the joystick has an Xbox/PC selector, set it to Xbox. Install any available device firmware through the manufacturer’s supported method before troubleshooting the simulator.
- Connect the controls before launch. Plug the joystick directly into the console where possible. Connect companion throttles or pedals through the supported base or hub arrangement, then switch on the Xbox.
- Open Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Keep the Xbox controller available because some flight controls cannot operate every menu reliably.
- Select the joystick in Controls. Open the simulator’s control settings and select the flight stick or HOTAS from the detected devices. Start with its default preset if one is supplied.
- Create a custom profile. Save edited assignments under a separate profile so that the default preset remains available for comparison or recovery.
- Test the main axes. Move the stick and confirm that aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle indicators respond smoothly and in the correct direction.
- Save and test in a simple aircraft. Use a parked aircraft or a straightforward training flight before configuring aircraft-specific switches and multi-engine throttles.
The same core workflow is covered in our broader joystick detection, binding and profile guide.
Which joystick controls should I bind first?
Bind the analogue flight axes before assigning secondary buttons, because these determine whether the aircraft is controllable.
- Ailerons Axis for roll
- Elevator Axis for pitch
- Rudder Axis or rudder twist for yaw
- Throttle Axis for a physical throttle lever
- Brakes, including left and right brake axes when pedals support them
- Elevator trim, flaps, landing gear and view reset
Use an assignment containing Axis for an analogue lever. A common mistake we see is binding a throttle lever to Throttle Increase and Throttle Decrease, which are digital commands and can produce all-or-nothing movement. See our analogue throttle assignment guidance if the lever does not track the cockpit throttle correctly.
Why is my Xbox joystick not detected?
An undetected joystick is usually incompatible hardware, the wrong operating mode or a connection made after the simulator started.
- Confirm that the exact model supports Xbox, not merely Windows.
- Set any platform selector to Xbox mode.
- Close the simulator fully, reconnect the joystick and relaunch it.
- Try a direct console USB connection rather than an unpowered hub.
- Update the joystick firmware using the supported procedure.
- Restart the console after changing the connection arrangement.
If the device appears but does nothing, verify that its active profile contains assignments and that you are editing flight controls rather than menu-only commands. Search by input, move the stick, and inspect whichever binding the simulator detects.
Can I use an Xbox controller and joystick together?
Yes; the controller can remain connected for menus, cameras and cockpit interaction while the joystick handles the aircraft. Remove duplicate aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle assignments from whichever device should not control those axes.
Two devices commanding the same axis can make the aircraft twitch, drift or suddenly override the joystick. Genuine centre drift should instead be corrected with a small dead zone; our sensitivity and dead-zone settings advice covers that adjustment without masking too much control movement.
If an axis moves backwards, use the binding’s reverse-axis option. If it jumps only between minimum and maximum, replace the digital command with the corresponding analogue axis assignment.