Setup Guide ✈️


Please follow the steps below to set up your Desktop Cockpit for home flight simulation.

 

 

1. Unboxing & Placement


Carefully unbox your Desktop Cockpit - do not pick it up from the panels, instead, pick it up from either end with your hands placed under the wood.

Once it’s safely out of the box, place it on a stable desk or workstation where you normally use your PC, then remove the packaging. Please ensure your cockpit is not in direct sunlight.

Unscrew the packing supports (big squares), and carefully slide these off:

2. Check Contents

Confirm that all items are included by referring to the Packaging Contents List provided in the box.

 

 

3. Inspect for Damage

Before connecting anything, inspect the cockpit and cables for damage.
If any issues are found, please contact us via Etsy Messages before proceeding.

 

 

4. Install any add-ons

If you have purchased the "Extended Captain" Version for the WinCTRL AGP32 panel, please add the AGP Back Supports, and then install the WinCTRL AGP32 unit into the cockpit:

If you have purchased the Glareshield Support, you should now slide the Glareshield into Back Supports and then add the provided screws to secure it (they do not tighten, but they just slide in to hold it in place):

 

 

5. Power On Your PC

Turn on your PC and remain on the Windows desktop/home screen.

 

 

6. Connect USB Cables

Plug in the two USB cables from the Desktop Cockpit into your PC.

 

 

7. Connect Display Cables

Connect the two HDMI cables to your PC.
If your PC does not have enough HDMI ports, HDMI-to-DisplayPort adapters may be used.

 

 

8. Disable Windows Snap (Important)

Before configuring your displays, disable Windows Snap to prevent popped-out instruments from resizing automatically.

  1. Go to Windows → Settings

  2. Search for “Multitasking”

  3. Ensure Snap Windows is set to OFF

 

9. Configure Windows Display Settings

  1. Right-click anywhere on the Windows desktop

  2. Select Display Settings

  3. Confirm that Windows has detected two additional monitors

  4. Arrange the displays so they appear below your main monitor
    (use the Identify button to determine which screen is which):

Click Apply to save the layout.

 

 

10. Download MSFS Pop-Out Panel Manager

Download MSFS Pop-Out Panel Manager (Free) from the following link:
https://flightsim.to/file/85158/msfs-pop-out-panel-manager-2024

Once downloaded, the program will open automatically.
You can leave it open in the background for now — we will come back to this later.

Tip: there is a video on our YouTube channel @DesktopCockpitsUK explaining how to use Pop Out Manager

 

 

11. Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Open Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, then navigate to:

Settings → Graphics → Display Mode → Full Screen

 

 

12. Load Your Flight

Select Free Flight and load your desired aircraft and flight.

 

 

13. Use Pop-Out Manager to Display Instruments

Once inside the virtual cockpit, you will need to pop out the instrument displays (e.g. PFD, ND, Standby, ECAM). To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Open MSFS Pop-Out Panel Manager (if it is not already open)

  2. Click Add New Aircraft Profile

  3. Name the profile A320
    (or A319 / A321 depending on the aircraft type)

  4. Click the + icon to add panels

  5. In the Panel Name field, add the following panels:

    • PFD

    • ND

    • Standby

    • ECAM

 

 

Identify Each Instrument

For each panel you have added, you will need to set a marker so the software knows which instrument to pop out.

  1. Click Identify for the panel

  2. When prompted, click on the corresponding instrument inside the virtual cockpit
    (TIP: click in the centre of the instrument display to ensure correct detection)

Repeat this process for PFD, ND, Standby, and ECAM.

 

 

Start Pop-Out & Position Displays

  1. Click Start Pop-Out

  2. Once the pop-out windows appear on screen:

    • Click the padlock icon to unlock the positions

    • Drag each pop-out window to the desired screen on your Desktop Cockpit

    • Resize and position each display as required

    • When you are happy with the layout, click the padlock icon again to lock the positions

Locking the layout ensures it is saved to your aircraft profile and automatically recalled for future flights.

If you are unsure, please check out this video:

 

Troubleshooting Tip

If Pop-Out Manager fails to execute and displays an error message such as “FAILED”, re-adjust the marker position for the affected panel by repeating the Identify step.
Accurate marker placement is essential for successful pop-outs.

 

 

14. Alternative Method – Manual Instrument Pop-Out

(Use this method if you do not want to use, or cannot use, MSFS Pop-Out Panel Manager)

Once inside the virtual cockpit, you can manually pop out the instrument displays (e.g. PFD, ND, ECAM).

To pop out an instrument:

  1. Hover your mouse over the instrument

  2. Hold Right ALT

  3. Left-click the instrument

The popped-out window will appear on one of your screens — check all displays to locate it.

 

 

15. Arrange Instruments on the Cockpit Screens

Drag each popped-out instrument from your main monitor to the corresponding screen on the Desktop Cockpit.
Resize each window to fit the display.

Repeat this process for all required instruments.

 

 

16. Enjoy Your Flight

Your Desktop Cockpit is now set up and ready to use.

Happy Flying! 🛫