You have to program it. There is a program that comes with it that allows you to program a different profile for each sim/game you use it for. And the knob on the top right gives you three mini profiles for each. Mine worked for a while, but since the unit came back from the factory for repair, I have been unable to get the profiler to work properly. If you don't want a sophisticated profile, you can just program it in game. Go to settings, then controls under other settings on the right, and then click on the button keys tab. Scroll down until you find something you want to program a button to, click new assignment, press the button you want to use for that function and click ok. On the throttle, I use button E for gear, D for dropping tanks, bombs, etc., and 24, 25, & 26, for elevator trim and water rudder. On the stick, I use B for engaging flaps, A for return, C for cycling view. Fire for spoiler, and the pinkie switch for smoke. But these are just examples, you can set them any way you want.