Learn how to download the Cessna 172 Skyhawk for MSFS 2020, choose the right cockpit version, and fix a missing aircraft.
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk G1000 is included with every MSFS 2020 edition, so there is usually no separate aircraft download. Install Microsoft Flight Simulator, open Profile > Content Manager, search for Cessna 172 or Skyhawk, then download any owned package shown as uninstalled. The classic-cockpit version requires Deluxe or Premium Deluxe.
If you are checking what the base simulator contains, our overview of MSFS 2020's stock Garmin G1000 aircraft includes the standard Cessna 172 Skyhawk.
How do I install the included Cessna 172?
Use Content Manager to install or update the official aircraft package attached to your edition.
- Update MSFS 2020: install any mandatory simulator update and reach the main menu before looking for aircraft content.
- Open Content Manager: select Profile, then Content Manager.
- Search for the aircraft: enter
Cessna 172orSkyhawkand clear any filters that might hide installed or uninstalled packages. - Install the package: select the Cessna 172 package if it is marked uninstalled or has an update available, then start the download.
- Select the aeroplane: return to the World Map, open the aircraft selector and choose the Cessna 172 Skyhawk.
If Content Manager marks it as installed, there is nothing else to download. Restart MSFS 2020 if the aircraft selector has not refreshed.
Which Cessna 172 version comes with my edition?
The G1000 model comes with every MSFS 2020 edition, while the traditional instrument-panel model is an edition-specific extra.
| Version | Availability | Best choice for |
|---|---|---|
| Cessna 172 Skyhawk G1000 | Standard, Deluxe and Premium Deluxe | Glass-cockpit flying, GPS navigation and modern instrument training |
| Cessna 172 Skyhawk classic cockpit | Deluxe and Premium Deluxe | Traditional analogue instruments and six-pack training |
Seeing only the G1000 aircraft with the Standard edition is normal. A repaint or cockpit enhancement cannot unlock the classic model because its base aircraft requires the appropriate edition entitlement.
Why is the Cessna 172 missing?
A missing Skyhawk is usually caused by an uninstalled content package, the wrong edition entitlement or a conflicting Community add-on.
- No result in Content Manager: finish all mandatory simulator updates, restart the simulator and confirm that you are signed into the account which owns MSFS 2020.
- G1000 present but classic model absent: confirm that the account owns Deluxe or Premium Deluxe rather than Standard.
- Installed but absent from aircraft selection: temporarily move Cessna 172 modifications out of the Community folder and relaunch the simulator.
- A downloaded paint does not create an aircraft: liveries depend on the official base model. Use our Cessna 172 livery download guidance if a different colour scheme is what you need.
Can I install a separate Cessna 172 download?
PC users can install a compatible third-party Cessna 172, but they should first determine whether the package is a complete aircraft, a modification or merely a livery.
A complete aircraft should explicitly state that it supports MSFS 2020 and does not require another payware or stock model. Our guide to identifying complete freeware aircraft for MSFS 2020 explains the distinction. Aircraft made for FSX, Prepar3D or X-Plane cannot simply be copied into MSFS 2020.
For a compatible PC package, extract the archive and place its package folder in the MSFS 2020 Community folder. The common mistake is leaving the actual package one folder too deep; manifest.json and layout.json should sit at the package root. See our aircraft installation and Community-folder instructions for the full procedure.
Xbox does not permit Community-folder side-loading. On Xbox, use the included Cessna 172 packages or compatible aircraft distributed through the simulator's Marketplace.