Best weather add-ons for MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024?

The best weather add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC is ActiveSky FS, provided its release explicitly supports MSFS 2020 or MSFS 2024. REX Weather Force 2020 is the main MSFS 2020 alternative. Choose presets for repeatable conditions, or built-in Live Weather for free real-world weather on PC and console.

Which MSFS weather add-on should I choose?

Choose the weather tool according to whether you need evolving real-world conditions, operational control or a repeatable scenario.

For narrower recommendations, see our comparison of MSFS 2020 weather engines and presets or the MSFS 2024-specific choices and console restrictions.

Is ActiveSky FS better than MSFS Live Weather?

ActiveSky FS is better when a PC pilot wants an external weather interface, briefings, planning functions and more deliberate control over supplied conditions. That makes it the stronger fit for structured IFR flying and inspecting the expected weather before departure.

Live Weather is the better choice when cost, simplicity and route-wide changing conditions matter more than detailed control. It is integrated into Microsoft Flight Simulator, requires no companion application and works on supported PC and console editions, although an online service problem can leave conditions delayed or unavailable.

When is REX Weather Force 2020 the better choice?

REX Weather Force 2020 suits MSFS 2020 pilots who prioritise matching reported surface wind, pressure and conditions around airports. Its METAR-centred approach can also make transitions more noticeable where observing stations are sparse or reports describe different locations and times.

Do not run REX Weather Force and ActiveSky FS together. Two injectors attempting to control the atmosphere can cause resets, abrupt changes or one application repeatedly overriding the other.

Are weather presets better than Live Weather?

Weather presets are better for repeatable situations; Live Weather is better for reproducing changing real-world conditions.

Use a preset to practise the same crosswind landing, reproduce low visibility, learn de-icing procedures or compare aircraft in identical weather. Weather Preset Pro offers more than 40 selectable scenarios, while our freeware downloads library includes a pack covering fog, snow, gusts, thunderstorms and other planned conditions for compatible PC installations.

A preset does not download observations or track an actual weather system along the route. Clouds still move and the simulator continues modelling atmospheric effects, but the selected scenario remains separate from real-world changes.

Do weather add-ons improve MSFS clouds?

Weather engines change the conditions used to generate clouds, but they do not replace Microsoft Flight Simulator’s volumetric cloud renderer. They can control or influence cloud layers, coverage, visibility, precipitation, wind and pressure; the simulator still draws the result.

This distinction matters when assessing screenshots or troubleshooting performance. An injector may create a more convincing weather situation, but it cannot install an entirely new traditional cloud-texture system. If dense cloud causes stuttering or a large frame-rate loss, adjust the simulator’s Volumetric Clouds graphics setting rather than changing injectors.

Do MSFS 2020 weather add-ons work in MSFS 2024?

Only use an MSFS 2020 weather add-on in MSFS 2024 when its documentation explicitly identifies MSFS 2024 support. Appearing in the content library does not prove that weather definitions, connectors or external applications work correctly.

External engines require version-aware software capable of communicating with the installed simulator. Preset packages are simpler and may transfer more easily, but package and weather-definition changes can still produce missing presets or incorrect conditions. Our MSFS 2020-to-2024 compatibility guidance explains why ownership, installation and technical compatibility are separate issues.

Platform support is equally strict. ActiveSky FS and REX Weather Force are Windows applications, so they cannot run on Xbox or PlayStation. MSFS 2020 was never released for PlayStation; MSFS 2024 is available on PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, but console pilots must use built-in weather or content officially distributed for their platform. Consoles do not expose a Community folder for manually copied freeware.

How do I install a weather add-on without conflicts?

On PC, install the package according to its type and allow only one source to control the simulator’s weather.

1. Confirm the simulator and platform. A listing that says only “Microsoft Flight Simulator” is insufficient; look for explicit MSFS 2020 or MSFS 2024 support and check the installed build.
2. Install presets at the correct folder level. For a manual installation, the package folder containing manifest.json and layout.json should sit directly inside the active Community folder. An extra identically named folder is a common reason presets disappear from the menu.
3. Use the supplied installer for external engines. These products may need a separate Windows application and simulator connector rather than a simple Community-folder copy.
4. Select one weather source. Disable Live Weather and close other injectors when an add-on is supplying conditions. Use the preset or weather mode required by its documentation; competing sources usually cause clouds and winds to snap back.
5. Confirm the connection. The companion application must report a simulator connection before it can inject weather. Follow its required startup order and check that Windows security software has not blocked the application or connector.
6. Test with an obvious condition. Dense fog or a thunderstorm at a familiar airport is easier to verify than a subtle pressure or wind change.
7. Retest after simulator updates. Update the weather engine and connector first. If the fault remains, temporarily remove unrelated Community packages to identify a conflict or test with a clean installation.