How do I completely uninstall MSFS 2020 or 2024?

To completely uninstall Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or 2024, remove the base app through its launcher or console, then delete the simulator’s active Packages folder, Community add-ons, rolling cache and leftover local configuration. A normal uninstall often leaves downloaded content behind; cloud saves, Marketplace purchases and licences remain tied to your account.

What should I back up before uninstalling MSFS?

Back up only the files you intend to reuse before deleting any Microsoft Flight Simulator folders.

• Community add-ons: Copy manually installed aircraft, scenery and liveries elsewhere. If you are reinstalling to diagnose crashes, do not restore everything at once.
• Personal files: Preserve flight plans, screenshots, aircraft configurations and add-on settings stored inside the folders you are about to remove.
• Custom locations: Record the Packages and rolling-cache paths, especially if you placed them on another drive.

The active folder matters because MSFS can leave an unused Community folder beside the one it actually loads. Our explanation of finding the live MSFS 2020 Community folder covers the older simulator, while the MSFS 2024 package-location notes for scenery explain its separate folder structure.

How do I completely uninstall MSFS on PC?

A complete PC removal requires uninstalling the launcher-managed app and deleting the separately downloaded simulator packages.

These are the usual default package roots, but a location chosen during installation overrides them:

You can paste %LOCALAPPDATA% or %APPDATA% into File Explorer’s address bar. For a custom installation, search the simulator’s AppData folder for UserCfg.opt; its InstalledPackagesPath entry identifies the active package root.

1. Close the simulator and related installers. Also close any add-on manager that may be watching or linking files into the Community folder.
2. Uninstall the base app. For the Microsoft Store or Xbox-app edition, use Windows Installed apps or the Xbox app’s uninstall command. For Steam, open the Library, select the simulator and use Manage followed by Uninstall. Choose the exact 2020 or 2024 entry if both are installed.
3. Delete the active Packages folder. Remove its Community folder, Official package folders and cached content. Delete the parent directory only when it belongs exclusively to the simulator being removed; a custom parent may contain other games or both MSFS versions.
4. Remove leftover configuration and caches. After uninstalling, delete the matching version-specific AppData folder shown above if it still exists. Also remove any rolling cache or manual cache stored at a custom location.
5. Check external add-on libraries. Add-ons installed outside Community may survive because an installer or symbolic link points to them. Use that add-on’s own uninstaller where available, and do not erase a shared library used by another simulator.
6. Empty the Recycle Bin and restart Windows. This releases space held by deleted package files and clears processes that may have locked a cache.

Do not take ownership of WindowsApps or delete random folders from it. Windows, the Xbox app or Steam should remove the managed programme files; changing permissions there can damage other Store applications.

How do I uninstall MSFS from Xbox or PlayStation?

Console removal is simpler because package locations are managed by the system, although saved data is handled separately.

Xbox Series X|S

Use My games & apps to manage Microsoft Flight Simulator, then select Uninstall all to remove the base simulator and installed add-ons.

If reserved space or local saved data remains visible afterwards, remove it through the game’s storage management only when you want a full local reset. Do not select Delete everywhere unless you deliberately want to remove synchronised save data as well.

PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 can be removed by highlighting it on the Games home screen, opening the Options menu and selecting Delete.

MSFS 2020 was never released for PlayStation. For MSFS 2024, use the console’s saved-data management separately if you also want to erase its local save; deleting a cloud backup is optional and potentially irreversible.

Will uninstalling delete purchases, controls or my logbook?

No: uninstalling removes local files but does not normally erase Microsoft Flight Simulator account entitlements or server-side profile data.

• Marketplace purchases remain associated with the purchasing account and compatible platform, ready to download again.
• Cloud-synchronised settings, including some control profiles and progress, may return when you reinstall and sign in.
• Manual add-ons are not stored in your account. Once their local files are deleted, they must be restored from your backup or reinstalled.
• Game Pass access still depends on an eligible subscription; uninstalling does not grant permanent ownership.

A local uninstall therefore cannot guarantee a completely blank online profile. If you are troubleshooting corrupt settings, reset synchronised saved data only after making any available backup and understanding that the deletion may affect every device using that save.

Why is disk space still used after uninstalling?

Remaining disk usage almost always comes from a custom Packages location, Community add-ons, an external add-on library, a cache or another MSFS version.

• Check every drive for the package path recorded before uninstalling.
• Look for Community and Official folders belonging specifically to the removed version.
• Check custom rolling-cache and manual-cache locations.
• Confirm the deleted files are not still in the Recycle Bin.
• Remember that MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 use separate local folders and can coexist.

Our breakdown of the MSFS files that consume storage explains where packages, optional content, caches and add-ons commonly remain.

Do I need a registry cleaner before reinstalling?

No: registry cleaners and a Windows reinstall are unnecessary for a clean Microsoft Flight Simulator removal.

Do not remove shared components such as Gaming Services, the Xbox app, Microsoft Store or Steam unless you are repairing a separate launcher problem. If you plan to install the simulator again or move it to another computer, follow the steps for reinstalling MSFS without carrying old packages across.