Adjusting to a new simulator always comes with a learning curve, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is no exception. Released just last week, the simulator introduces a reimagined control configuration system—offering powerful new tools to tailor your setup, but also bringing a few challenges along the way.
If you’ve been staring at the settings screen, wondering why nothing is mapped the way you’d like, you’re not alone. Many simmers have found themselves grappling with the changes since the simulator launched last week, spending hours figuring it all out.
However, beneath the slightly intimidating interface lies a system designed to be more powerful and adaptable than ever. Once you understand how it works, configuring your setup can feel almost satisfying—almost!
Thankfully, Jonathan Beckett’s recent YouTube video offers a clear and practical guide to the new system. It’s a highly recommended watch for getting familiar with the revamped control settings interface in MSFS 2024.
What’s different in MSFS 2024?
As Jonathan explains in the video, the control configuration system has undergone a major overhaul. Instead of the old single-profile setup, MSFS 2024 introduces three profiles per device:
- General controls handle simulator-wide functions like menu navigation and view adjustments.
- Airplane controls cover the standard flight controls: throttle, ailerons, rudder, and the like.
- Specific controls cater to unique aircraft features, such as winches for helicopters or afterburners for jets.
This structure allows for greater customization, especially for complex setups or aircraft with unique features. While the new system might seem daunting at first, it will start to make sense once you get familiar with it.
Finding your way around the controls menu
To access the controls menu, you can go straight to the Control options from the Main Menu, hit Esc mid-flight and select Controls, or activate the Controls pop-up window in-flight from the top toolbar. Here, you’ll see your aircraft displayed at the top and a list of connected devices on the left. Clicking on a device lets you check its configurations, where you can filter mappings to show either assigned controls or the entire list of options.
A good way to begin setting up your controls in this panel is to start with the Assigned filter to view only the controls already mapped to your device. It’s a quick way to see what’s working and what needs adjustment without getting lost in endless lists of unmapped options.
Creating and managing profiles
Every device starts with a default profile, which can’t be renamed or altered. Instead, any changes prompt the simulator to create a new custom profile. This is where descriptive naming becomes essential—think “Basic Throttle and Mixture” for a Cessna 172 or “Twin Engine Jet” for more complex setups.
Beckett also highlights the ability to duplicate profiles, rename them, and apply them across multiple aircraft. This flexibility is especially valuable for those who frequently switch between different planes and want tailored setups for each.
Fine-tuning sensitivity curves
One of the most useful tools in MSFS’s configuration system is the ability to adjust sensitivity curves for individual controls. To do this, click on Hardware Settings on the right, below the controller image, and you’ll see an interface where you adjust sliders or input numeric values to modify the response curve.
Flattening the middle of the curve can make throttle inputs smoother, while a steeper curve can add precision to control surfaces. Beckett demonstrates how to use these adjustments to achieve the desired responsiveness for different aircraft types.
Automatic profile selection
One standout feature of the new system is its ability to remember which profiles you’ve assigned to specific aircraft. For instance, if you set up a profile for the Cessna 172, the simulator will automatically apply it the next time you fly that aircraft. This eliminates the need to manually reconfigure settings every time you switch planes.
In the end, while the control customization interface may seem daunting at first, once you get the hang of it, setting things up the way you want becomes much easier.
If you’re still having trouble, we highly recommend Jonathan Beckett’s video. It provides a detailed yet accessible walkthrough of the new system, making it easier to understand the nuances of profiles and mappings. A practical guide is also available on the MSFS Support page and is highly recommended reading.
By the time you’re done, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to configure your controls—and perhaps even appreciate the flexibility MSFS 2024 offers to tailor your hardware setup to your liking!
