MSFS HOTAS Setup Checklist: 2024 & 2020

Quick answerChoose the menu path for your simulator version, select the connected controller, check its profile, then bind and inspect the axes you use. Microsoft’s MSFS 2024 profile export is in the profile menu; import requires the same controller and profile category.

Before you connect

Make room for the hardware first.Place the stick and throttle where you can reach their full movement. Check the desk and cable path, and keep a keyboard or gamepad available for menus.

If you need more ports for the controls, see the powered USB hub guide. It starts with a direct connection check so a hub does not hide the cause of a dropout.

Desk and platform

Set the stick and throttle on a stable surface with room to move.

Check desk thickness and underside clearance before using a clamp.

Identify whether you are using MSFS 2024 or MSFS 2020 before following a menu guide.

Keep a keyboard or gamepad available while changing controller settings.

Choose the right profile

Use the profile category that matches the change. In MSFS 2024, the Controller Settings menu separates General Controls, Aircraft Category Controls, and Specific Aircraft Controls. Duplicate or rename a profile from the gear menu when you want a separate setup. In MSFS 2020, open Options → Controls Options and select the controller preset you want to edit.

Profile setup

MSFS 2024: open Settings → Controls and select the connected controller.

MSFS 2024: choose General, Aircraft Category, or Specific Aircraft controls for the task.

Duplicate or rename a profile before making changes you may want to separate.

MSFS 2020: open Options → Controls Options and select the device preset.

See Microsoft’s MSFS 2024 Controller Settings FAQ and MSFS 2020 controls troubleshooting guide for their respective menus.

Bind the controls you use

Assign one clear input to each main axis. Start with pitch, roll, yaw, and throttle. Add brakes, trim, gear, flaps, and a view command only when you need them.

Essential binds

Move the pitch axis through its full range and assign it to pitch.

Move the roll axis through its full range and assign it to roll.

Choose one yaw input: twist, rocker, or rudder pedals.

Assign the throttle and check which direction increases power.

Add brakes, trim, gear, flaps, and a view command if the controller has a reachable input.

For tactile autopilot controls or programmable cockpit buttons, see the MSFS autopilot panel and Stream Deck guide.

Check direction and conflicts

Move each control and watch its on-screen response. Search for the same input on MSFS 2024 to find duplicate bindings. Open Hardware settings to adjust sensitivity or dead zone if an axis needs it.

Input check

Move each axis slowly and confirm the on-screen input follows it.

MSFS 2024: use Search by Input to check for duplicate assignments.

Adjust sensitivity or dead zone only if the axis response needs it.

On the T.Flight Hotas One MSFS Edition for Xbox, check the default pitch and throttle mapping against Thrustmaster’s mapping guide.

Before checking simulator bindings, you can use the browser flight stick axis test to see which inputs your PC browser reports.

Save the profile and check it in the sim

Save the final changes and test them before takeoff. Microsoft documents exporting a profile from the MSFS 2024 Controls menu to a file. An import must use the same controller and profile category.

First flight

Save the profile after the last binding change.

On PC, use the profile gear menu to export a file outside the simulator install folder; follow Microsoft’s export and import instructions.

On the runway, check neutral axes, throttle, rudder, brakes, trim, gear, flaps, and camera.

Add aircraft-specific bindings after the general profile behaves as expected.

For rudder pedal connections, see the rudder pedals setup guide. For a first flight-stick or throttle choice, start at the MSFS controls hub.

Common questions

Do MSFS 2024 and MSFS 2020 use the same controls menu?

No. MSFS 2024 uses Settings → Controls. MSFS 2020 uses Options → Controls Options.

How are controller profiles organized in MSFS 2024?

MSFS 2024 separates profiles into General Controls, Aircraft Category Controls, and Specific Aircraft Controls. The Controller Settings FAQ explains what each category applies to.

Can I export a controller profile in MSFS 2024?

Microsoft documents exporting a profile to a file from the Controls menu. An imported profile must match the controller and profile category it was made for.

Set up a HOTAS in MSFS 2024 or 2020