Find out why V-Sync is greyed out in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and unlock it by changing Frame Generation, display, VR or driver settings.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, V-Sync is usually greyed out because Frame Generation is enabled, the sim is using its VR graphics profile, or the active display mode leaves synchronisation to the operating system. Disable Frame Generation, return to the monitor profile, use full-screen mode, apply the change, then enable V-Sync.
What makes V-Sync unavailable in MSFS 2024?
Frame Generation is the most common cause. MSFS 2024 locks its own V-Sync control when NVIDIA DLSS Frame Generation or AMD FSR Frame Generation is managing frame delivery. This is intentional rather than a monitor fault.
The mistake we see most often is disabling DLSS or FSR upscaling instead of Frame Generation. They are separate controls: DLSS Super Resolution or FSR upscaling can remain enabled while the option specifically labelled Frame Generation is switched off.
| Situation | Why V-Sync is greyed out | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Generation enabled | The generated-frame pipeline controls presentation | Turn off Frame Generation, apply the setting and reopen the graphics menu |
| VR mode active | The headset runtime controls refresh timing and reprojection | Return to 2D monitor mode to change desktop V-Sync |
| Windowed display mode | Windows may handle composition instead of the simulator | Try the full-screen display mode |
| Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5 | Console editions do not expose the same PC graphics control | Use the console's VRR and video-output settings where supported |
| Stuck graphics profile | The menu has not refreshed after a rendering change | Apply, restart the sim or reset the active graphics profile |
How do I enable V-Sync in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
- Leave VR mode. Make sure you are editing the normal monitor graphics profile rather than the separate VR profile.
- Open the Graphics settings. Select the profile for the display and graphics adaptor actually running the simulator.
- Disable Frame Generation. Turn off NVIDIA DLSS Frame Generation or AMD FSR Frame Generation. You do not normally need to disable DLSS Super Resolution, FSR upscaling or change the DirectX mode.
- Switch from Windowed mode if necessary. Select the full-screen display mode when V-Sync remains unavailable only in a window.
- Apply the changes. Close and reopen the graphics menu. Restart MSFS 2024 if the dependency has not refreshed.
- Enable V-Sync. Set it to On and select an offered refresh-rate target or divisor that suits the monitor, then apply the settings again.
V-Sync cannot increase performance. If the simulator cannot sustain the selected target, it may fall to a lower cadence and feel less smooth; our CPU, GPU, VRAM and frame-pacing checks address that separate problem.
Can I keep Frame Generation on and still prevent tearing?
Yes, but the synchronisation may need to be controlled outside the simulator. Leave MSFS 2024's locked V-Sync option alone, enable G-SYNC or FreeSync where supported, and keep the final displayed frame rate within the monitor's variable-refresh range.
On NVIDIA hardware, V-Sync can be assigned specifically to Microsoft Flight Simulator through the driver's Program Settings rather than globally. Our MSFS-specific NVIDIA Control Panel configuration explains the correct combination of G-SYNC, driver-level V-Sync and frame limiting.
Use one deliberate frame limiter while diagnosing the problem. Stacking the simulator's target, a driver cap and another limiter can create uneven pacing that looks like a V-Sync fault.
Why is V-Sync still greyed out after disabling Frame Generation?
The graphics profile usually needs to be reloaded, or another display path is still active. Work through these checks in order:
- Confirm that every option containing Frame Generation is off; changing only the anti-aliasing or upscaling mode is not enough.
- Apply the change before leaving the menu, then reopen the graphics settings.
- Exit VR completely rather than merely removing the headset.
- Try full-screen mode and confirm that the correct monitor is selected.
- Restart the simulator after changing Frame Generation, display mode or graphics adaptor.
- If the control remains stuck, follow our procedure to rebuild the MSFS 2024 graphics configuration. This resets other customised graphics options as well.
Do not start by removing aircraft or scenery add-ons, and do not force the value through a configuration file. Community packages do not normally control this menu item, while a forced value may be ignored or rewritten when Frame Generation is active.
Should V-Sync be enabled once it is unlocked?
Enable it when visible tearing is the problem; leave it off when minimum input latency matters more. A fixed-refresh monitor generally benefits most when MSFS can maintain its chosen refresh target. A variable-refresh display is usually better served by G-SYNC or FreeSync, a sensible ceiling and the appropriate driver setting.
For the exact choice based on fixed refresh, VRR, VR and frame caps, use our V-Sync decision guide for Microsoft Flight Simulator.