Download free aircraft for MSFS 2020, identify complete models, install them in the Community folder, and fix add-ons that fail to appear.
You can download free aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 from our MSFS freeware aircraft and add-ons library. Choose packages explicitly marked for MSFS 2020, check that they contain a complete aircraft rather than only a livery, and install them in the PC version’s Community folder. Xbox cannot use externally downloaded aircraft.
Which free MSFS 2020 aircraft download should I choose?
Choose a package described as a complete aircraft, standalone model or base model included if you want a new flyable aircraft. Our curated selection of worthwhile MSFS 2020 freeware is useful when you want recommendations rather than the full library.
A common mistake we see is downloading an attractive livery and expecting a new aircraft. Liveries only repaint an aircraft you must already own or have installed.
| Package type | What it provides | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Complete aircraft | A selectable, flyable aircraft | The description says the model or base aircraft is included |
| Aircraft enhancement | Improved systems, cockpit or flight behaviour | It may require a named default or third-party aircraft |
| Livery | A new paint scheme | The required aircraft must already be installed |
| Legacy FSX or Prepar3D aircraft | Files built for an older simulator | These cannot simply be copied into MSFS 2020 |
The complete freeware FlyByWire A32NX package is one prominent airliner option. Whatever you choose, read its compatibility and dependency notes before downloading; an aircraft made only for MSFS 2024, FSX or another simulator is not automatically compatible with MSFS 2020.
How do I install a downloaded aircraft in MSFS 2020?
Most manually installed MSFS 2020 aircraft must be extracted into the active Community folder rather than left inside a ZIP archive.
- Read the included instructions. Some complex aircraft use their own installer, while ordinary packages are copied manually.
- Extract the archive. Do not place the unopened ZIP, RAR or 7z file in
Community. - Locate the package root. The aircraft’s main folder normally contains files such as
manifest.jsonandlayout.json. - Copy that folder into Community. The active folder sits alongside the simulator’s installed package content, but its exact location varies with the Microsoft Store, Steam and custom installation choices.
- Restart the simulator. Look for the aircraft in the aircraft-selection menu, using its model or developer name rather than the archive’s filename.
If you select the A32NX, follow our installer and manual-installation directions for that aircraft; its dedicated installation method can differ from a simple drag-and-drop package.
Why does my downloaded aircraft not appear?
A missing aircraft is usually caused by the wrong Community folder, an extra nested directory or an unmet dependency.
- Wrong package path: Custom and moved installations can leave more than one
Communityfolder on the computer. Only the folder belonging to the active packages location is loaded. - Double-nested folder: If the structure is
Community/Aircraft/Aircraft/manifest.json, move the inner package folder up one level. - Archive not extracted: MSFS does not load an aircraft directly from its compressed download file.
- Livery or enhancement only: Install the required base aircraft named on the download page.
- Wrong simulator version: FSX, Prepar3D and X-Plane aircraft use different formats. MSFS 2024 compatibility also does not guarantee MSFS 2020 support.
- Duplicate or conflicting package: Remove older copies of the same aircraft and test with unrelated Community add-ons temporarily moved elsewhere.
- Outdated add-on: A simulator update can break older freeware. Check the package description for compatibility notes or a replacement build.
Can I install free aircraft downloads on Xbox?
Xbox editions of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 cannot install aircraft downloaded from websites because users cannot access a PC-style Community folder. Xbox players must obtain compatible aircraft through the simulator’s Marketplace; some Marketplace content may be free, but PC freeware archives cannot be transferred to the console.