Download and install IVAO for MSFS 2020 on PC, set up Altitude and MTL traffic models, then fix simulator detection and duplicate traffic.
To download and install IVAO for MSFS 2020, use a Windows PC, create an IVAO account, download the official Altitude pilot client, and install its Microsoft Flight Simulator connector plus IVAO MTL traffic models. Start MSFS 2020 first, launch Altitude, configure your credentials and audio, then connect only after loading at a parking stand.
What does IVAO install for MSFS 2020?
IVAO uses several components rather than a single MSFS Community-folder mod.
| Component | Purpose | Where it belongs |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | Connects you to the IVAO network and handles callsigns, flight plans, radio and nearby traffic | A normal Windows application outside the Community folder |
| MSFS connector | Exchanges aircraft position and simulator data with MSFS 2020 | Installed or configured by the official installer |
| IVAO MTL | Provides model matching so other pilots appear as suitable aircraft and liveries | The MSFS package location selected or detected by the MTL installer |
A mistake we see constantly is placing the entire Altitude download in Community. Altitude is an external program; only simulator packages placed there by the connector or MTL installer belong in that folder. You do not need the MSFS SDK, and MSFS 2020 normally already provides the SimConnect support Altitude needs.
How do I download and install IVAO Altitude?
Install the official Altitude client and its MSFS components while the simulator is closed.
- Create or confirm your IVAO account. You need an active account and the credentials or authentication method shown in your member profile before Altitude can connect.
- Download Altitude for Windows. Use the package offered in the IVAO member download area and select Microsoft Flight Simulator support where requested. Do not install the old IvAp client intended for earlier simulators.
- Close MSFS 2020 and run the installer. Install Altitude as a normal Windows program. Leave the MSFS connector selected if the installer presents a component list, and accept any genuine Microsoft runtime prerequisite it requests.
- Install the IVAO MTL models. Some distributions include an MTL option; others provide a separate MTL installer. Point it at the active MSFS 2020 package or Community location when asked, especially if MSFS is on another drive or installed alongside MSFS 2024.
- Restart MSFS after installing the packages. The simulator scans Community content during startup, so models added while it is running may not appear until the next launch.
- Configure Altitude. Enter your account details, select the correct microphone and headset, assign a push-to-talk control, and allow the program through Windows Firewall when prompted.
- Load at a parking stand before connecting. Start MSFS 2020, place the aircraft at a gate or parking position, open Altitude and confirm that it reports a simulator connection. Do not connect while sitting on a runway.
Which MSFS 2020 traffic settings should I use?
Disable MSFS-generated aircraft so they do not overlap with traffic injected by IVAO.
- Turn off multiplayer traffic.
- Set built-in live or offline AI aircraft traffic to Off.
- Set ground-aircraft density to zero if static aircraft occupy stands or appear inside IVAO traffic.
- Keep online functionality enabled if you use streamed scenery or weather; that setting is separate from multiplayer aircraft.
Altitude should be the only source of moving online traffic during an IVAO session. Our MSFS online-network setup checklist covers traffic, audio, push-to-talk and flight-plan configuration in more detail.
Why will Altitude not detect MSFS 2020?
Detection failures usually come from launch order, mismatched Windows permissions or an incorrect package path.
| Symptom | Likely cause and fix |
|---|---|
| Altitude says the simulator is disconnected | Load fully into an MSFS flight before opening Altitude. Run both programs with the same privilege level, preferably as normal applications rather than forcing one to run as administrator. |
| Connected, but no IVAO aircraft are visible | Repair or reinstall MTL and confirm it targets the Community folder used by this MSFS 2020 installation. A custom package location or a second simulator installation often sends models to the wrong folder. |
| Aircraft appear as generic models | The network connection works, but model matching cannot find an appropriate MTL model. Confirm the complete model package is installed and active, then restart MSFS. |
| Connection stopped after an update | Re-run the official Altitude installer and repair its MSFS components. Avoid downloading replacement DLL files from unofficial packages. |
| Altitude cannot sign in | Re-enter the credentials required by the client without copied spaces and confirm the IVAO account is active. Simulator detection and account authentication are separate problems. |
If MSFS was moved to another drive, its active package path may differ from the folder the installer found. Check the InstalledPackagesPath entry in MSFS 2020's UserCfg.opt, then direct the MTL installer to the corresponding package location.
Can I install IVAO for MSFS 2020 on Xbox?
No supported IVAO installation is available for the Xbox version of MSFS 2020 because Altitude is an external Windows application. The pilot client, audio system and traffic-model packages require the PC edition; they cannot be copied into or run on an Xbox console.
What should I do after IVAO is installed?
After installation, check the network rules, prepare a valid callsign and flight plan, test push-to-talk, and connect from a stand rather than a runway. Follow our first IVAO flight workflow for the account-to-disconnection sequence without duplicating the installation steps above.