Change the Microsoft Flight Simulator download and install location safely on PC, including Packages, Steam/Xbox app files and redownload fixes.
On PC, change Microsoft Flight Simulator's app location through Steam or the Xbox app, but move its large downloaded Packages content separately. Close the simulator, move the active Packages folder, then update the InstalledPackagesPath entry in UserCfg.opt. Do not manually drag protected app files out of WindowsApps.
What does “install location” mean in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Microsoft Flight Simulator normally uses separate locations for the launcher application, downloaded simulator content and rolling cache. Moving one does not automatically move the others.
| Component | What it contains | How it is moved |
|---|---|---|
| Application | The Steam, Xbox app or Microsoft Store installation | Use the platform's move or reinstall function |
| Packages | Downloaded aircraft, scenery, official content and the active Community folder | Move the contents and change InstalledPackagesPath |
| Rolling cache | Temporary streamed scenery data | Change or recreate it through the simulator's data settings |
A mistake we see constantly is moving only the small application while leaving the much larger Packages directory on the original drive. Our breakdown of MSFS application and content locations will help if you are unsure which folder is consuming the space.
How do I move the MSFS Packages folder?
The safest method is to copy the complete active Packages content, point UserCfg.opt to the destination, test it, and only then remove the original.
- Close Microsoft Flight Simulator completely. Also close Steam or the Xbox app so neither can start an update while files are moving.
- Find the active Packages path. Open
UserCfg.optand read itsInstalledPackagesPathentry. File locations differ between MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024, Steam and Microsoft Store installations, so use our UserCfg.opt location and purpose guide rather than editing a similarly named file from another installation. - Create the destination folder. A simple path such as
D:\MSFS\Packagesavoids permissions trouble. Use a local drive with enough room for the existing content, future updates and temporary installation files. - Copy all existing content. Copy every folder beneath the active location, not only
Community. Keep the original files until the simulator has successfully loaded from the new drive. - Change the configured path. Back up
UserCfg.opt, then replace only the path in itsInstalledPackagesPathentry. For example:InstalledPackagesPath "D:\MSFS\Packages". Preserve the quotation marks and save the file as plain text. - Start the simulator and verify the location. If an installation screen appears, select the same destination folder rather than an empty parent or subfolder. Confirm that installed aircraft and Community add-ons are present before deleting the old copy.
A fixed internal drive is preferable. Removable drives can acquire a different drive letter, while network and cloud-synchronised folders can cause slow loading, locked files or incomplete updates.
Does this work with MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024?
The split between the application and InstalledPackagesPath applies to both PC generations, but Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 streams more content instead of keeping every asset locally. Moving its Packages folder therefore does not eliminate later streaming or update downloads. For that version, follow our MSFS 2024 app and Packages moving procedure for its specific folder choices.
How do I move the Steam or Xbox app installation?
Move the application with the launcher that installed it; do not cut and paste its programme files in File Explorer.
- Steam: add or select a Steam library on the destination drive, open the game's properties, find the installed-files controls and use Move install folder. This moves the Steam application but may leave
InstalledPackagesPathunchanged. - Xbox app or Microsoft Store: open the game's management or file options and use the available drive-change control. Depending on the Windows and Xbox app version, the wording may differ. If no move option is offered, back up the Packages content and reinstall the application to the required drive.
Changing Windows' default drive for new apps normally affects future installations; it does not relocate an existing MSFS application or its downloaded Packages automatically.
Why is Microsoft Flight Simulator downloading everything again?
A full redownload usually means MSFS cannot find valid content at the path recorded in UserCfg.opt.
- The path is one level out: point it to the folder that actually contains the package subfolders, not merely to the drive or an empty parent directory.
- The wrong configuration file was edited: Steam, Store and separate simulator generations can each retain their own files.
- Only part of the content was moved: copying
Communitywithout the official package content causes the installer to fetch the missing files. - The destination is unavailable: reconnect the drive and restore its expected drive letter before launching MSFS.
- Windows denied access: use a normal user-controlled folder rather than manually placing Packages inside
WindowsAppsor another protected directory.
The rolling cache is independent of the Packages path and can continue occupying the original drive. It should be moved or deleted through the simulator rather than dragged manually; our rolling-cache location and management instructions cover that separately.
Can I choose a custom MSFS folder on Xbox or PlayStation?
Consoles do not expose UserCfg.opt or allow an arbitrary folder path. Use the console's storage-management controls to move the game when the selected storage device supports it. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is available on Xbox but not PlayStation; Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 also runs on PS5 and PS5 Pro.