Learn which default MSFS scenery can be disabled safely, what must stay installed, and how to prevent duplicate airports without deleting core files.
Most default scenery in Microsoft Flight Simulator cannot be safely removed or globally disabled. Leave core and streamed scenery alone. Uninstall only optional Microsoft airport or World Update packages exposed in the simulator’s content library; for add-on airports, rely on the replacement’s exclusions rather than deleting files from the Official folder.
Which MSFS scenery can be disabled?
| Scenery type | Can it be disabled? | Correct approach |
|---|---|---|
| Generic airports, terrain, autogen and core world scenery | No | Leave these managed files installed. A replacement add-on must exclude the stock objects it supersedes. |
| Optional handcrafted Microsoft airport | Sometimes | Disable or uninstall it only when it appears as a separate package in the simulator’s content library. |
| World Update scenery | Usually | Remove it through content management, but first check whether the package also contains other airports, landmarks or regional improvements you want. |
| Manually installed add-on | Yes | Move its complete package out of Community, or disable its link if using an add-on manager. |
| Marketplace add-on | Usually | Use the simulator’s library controls rather than deleting its files manually. |
The Official folder is not a reliable indication that scenery is part of the base simulator: it can also contain managed Marketplace packages. Identify a package by its name and publisher before changing anything.
How do I disable removable default scenery safely?
- Identify the exact airport or package. Search by the airport’s ICAO code, location and package name. Establish whether it is generic scenery, a separate handcrafted airport or part of a larger regional package.
- Open the simulator’s content management. In MSFS 2020 this is handled through Content Manager. MSFS 2024 uses its library and content-management controls, although the actions available depend on the package and platform.
- Use Disable or Uninstall if offered. A disabled package remains associated with your account, while an uninstalled package must be downloaded again before reuse. If neither action appears, treat the content as managed core scenery.
- Restart Microsoft Flight Simulator. Reload the same airport and check the terminal, runways, taxi signs, ground markings and nearby landmarks.
- Restore the package if the result is incomplete. Missing buildings or textures usually mean the removed package supplied more content than expected.
On Xbox and PlayStation 5, the in-simulator library is the only supported method. On PC, do not work around a missing disable option by deleting files from Official\OneStore or Official\Steam; updates and integrity checks may restore them, while partial deletion can break dependencies.
Should I disable the default airport before installing an add-on?
Usually not: a properly made airport add-on includes exclusions that suppress the generic airport beneath it. Some handcrafted Microsoft airports are separate packages, however, and a replacement developer may require that specific package to be disabled.
Follow package-specific instructions only when they identify the exact stock component involved. Our explanation of when a stock airport should remain enabled in MSFS 2024 covers that decision in more detail.
Why is default scenery still showing through?
Duplicate terminals, windsocks, control towers or ground markings normally indicate a missing exclusion, two active versions of the same add-on, or an incompatible older package. Clearing the rolling cache rarely fixes duplicated airport objects because the conflicting package remains installed.
- Temporarily remove every third-party package for that airport, then restore one version at a time.
- Check both managed content and
Community; having Marketplace and manually installed copies active together is a common cause. - If
Communityappears blank, confirm that you are looking at the simulator’s active Community folder rather than an old installation path. - For a large mod collection, disable scenery safely with MSFS Addons Linker instead of repeatedly moving or deleting the source files.
If the problem remains after isolating the airport, use our package-by-package process for diagnosing MSFS scenery conflicts. Do not delete core scenery to compensate for a faulty exclusion in an add-on.
Can I turn off all default MSFS scenery?
No supported switch removes the entire stock world while leaving only add-ons. Disabling online world data or photogrammetry changes which terrain and building data Microsoft Flight Simulator uses, but it does not create an empty world or remove generic airports.
For scenery development, suppress only the required area with exclusion tools in the SDK. For normal flying, keep core scenery installed and disable only clearly identified optional packages or conflicting third-party add-ons.