Set up FSX multiplayer voice chat, use Caps Lock push-to-talk and Shift+Caps Lock broadcast, then fix microphone, radio and session issues.
In FSX multiplayer, join a voice-enabled session, set your microphone as the Windows default recording device, then hold Caps Lock while speaking and release it when finished. The normal key uses FSX’s session radio rules; hold Shift+Caps Lock to broadcast to every player when the session permits it.
How do I set up my microphone for FSX voice chat?
The safest setup is to connect and select your microphone before launching FSX or FSX: Steam Edition.
- Select the input device: Make the intended microphone the default Windows recording device, then confirm that its level meter responds when you speak.
- Check microphone access: If your Windows version has microphone privacy controls, allow desktop applications to use the device. Check any hardware mute switch as well.
- Use headphones: A headset prevents other players’ voices from feeding back through your microphone.
- Join the session: Voice chat operates only between players in the same functioning multiplayer session. Boxed FSX and Steam Edition use different multiplayer arrangements, explained in our guide to FSX multiplayer connection methods.
- Hold push-to-talk: Keep the key held while speaking and release it afterwards. Tapping Caps Lock and then talking will not leave the microphone open.
If you change the default recording device while FSX is running, close and reopen the simulator. This prevents the legacy audio system from continuing to use the device detected at launch.
What do Caps Lock and Shift+Caps Lock do?
Caps Lock is the normal FSX multiplayer push-to-talk control, while Shift+Caps Lock sends a session-wide transmission.
| Default command | Recipients | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
Caps Lock | The normal voice channel, which may be limited by the tuned radio frequency or session rules | Routine radio communication |
Shift+Caps Lock | All players in the session when broadcast voice is available | Testing your microphone or making a necessary session-wide call |
Shift+Caps Lock is not a louder transmission; it changes who receives it. Avoid using the broadcast command for ordinary radio calls. If either assignment has been changed, inspect FSX’s Controls assignment screen or consult our complete FSX keyboard-command reference.
Why can nobody hear me in FSX multiplayer?
If nobody can hear you, test Shift+Caps Lock first and then check the microphone, key assignment and multiplayer connection in that order.
- Broadcast works but Caps Lock does not: You are probably on a different radio frequency or voice channel from the other players. Match the appropriate COM frequency and try normal push-to-talk again.
- Neither command works: Record a short Windows microphone test. If Windows receives no audio, FSX cannot receive it either.
- The wrong microphone is active: Disable or disconnect unused webcam and controller microphones, select the intended input as default, and restart FSX.
- The key does nothing: Check that the multiplayer voice commands remain assigned and that another utility is not intercepting Caps Lock.
- You can transmit but hear nothing: Check the default playback device, headset volume, FSX sound levels and any player or session mute controls.
- No players can communicate: Confirm that voice is enabled for the session and that everyone is actually connected through the same multiplayer system. Work through our FSX session and network troubleshooting checklist before treating it as a microphone fault.
Does FSX voice chat work with online ATC?
Built-in FSX voice chat reaches players in the same multiplayer session; it does not connect you automatically to a third-party online ATC network.
If by “voice chat” you mean speaking with online controllers, use the network’s approved pilot client and audio system instead. Our FSX-to-VATSIM connection setup covers that separate process.