Download and install IVAO for MSFS 2024 on PC, set up Altitude and MTL, connect with SimConnect, and fix common login, traffic and voice issues.
To download and install IVAO for MSFS 2024, use a Windows PC, create an IVAO account, download the current Altitude pilot client from IVAO's member area, install the MSFS MTL models into the correct Community folder, then launch the simulator and connect Altitude through SimConnect. IVAO cannot be installed on consoles.
Requirements for IVAO in MSFS 2024
An MSFS 2024 IVAO installation has two parts: the Altitude desktop client, which connects you to the network, and MTL model matching, which displays other pilots' aircraft. Altitude runs outside the simulator and communicates with Microsoft Flight Simulator through its built-in SimConnect interface.
- A Windows PC installation of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
- An active IVAO account, including your VID and network credentials
- Enough storage for the MTL aircraft library
- A microphone, headphones and an available push-to-talk button
- The location of the Community folder used by MSFS 2024
Altitude is the normal choice for IVAO pilots. If you specifically want the multipurpose swift client instead, use our MSFS 2024 swift configuration instructions; do not connect Altitude and swift at the same time.
How do I install IVAO Altitude in MSFS 2024?
- Create or access your IVAO account. Sign in to the IVAO member area and keep your VID and network password available. If IVAO distinguishes between website and network passwords, Altitude requires the network credential.
- Download Altitude for Windows. Select the current Altitude build that IVAO identifies as compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator. Avoid legacy packages intended only for FSX or Prepar3D.
- Run the Altitude installer. Close MSFS 2024 first, open the downloaded installer and retain its default application location unless you have a specific reason to change it. Altitude is a Windows program; it must not be copied into the Community folder.
- Install IVAO MTL. Use the MSFS-compatible MTL package and direct it to the active MSFS 2024 Community location, not the folder belonging to MSFS 2020. Our MSFS 2024 MTL installation and model-matching steps cover the separate model library in detail.
- Configure Altitude. Enter your IVAO identity and credentials, select the correct microphone and playback device, and assign push-to-talk to a button that does not conflict with another simulator command. Permit Altitude through the Windows firewall on the network profile you use.
- Disable competing simulator traffic. Turn off MSFS multiplayer aircraft, live or real-time AI traffic and offline AI traffic while using IVAO. Reduce static ground aircraft if you see models occupying the same stands as online traffic.
- Make the first connection. Start MSFS 2024, load fully into the cockpit at a parking stand, and then open Altitude. Enter a callsign matching your flight plan and connect only when parked, never on an active runway.
Installing the client is only the first part of flying online. For callsigns, flight plans, radios, transponders and the connection sequence, follow our complete PC online-network connection workflow.
Where should the IVAO files be installed?
Altitude and MTL belong in different locations, a distinction that prevents many failed installations.
| Component | Correct location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | The Windows application location selected by its installer | Network, voice and simulator connection |
| IVAO MTL | The active MSFS 2024 Community location, or a package location linked to it | Aircraft models, liveries and model matching |
| Altitude settings | The client-managed Windows user profile location | Credentials, audio and client preferences |
Do not place Altitude itself in Community, and do not install MTL into the simulator's protected core or streamed-content folders. If both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 are installed, confirm the MTL installer has not selected the older simulator's Community folder.
Do I need IVAO MTL in MSFS 2024?
MTL is not required merely to log in, but it is needed for useful aircraft model matching. Without it, nearby pilots may be missing, represented by generic models or displayed with incorrect aircraft and liveries.
MTL cannot guarantee an exact match for every type and paint scheme. Altitude uses the aircraft information transmitted by the other pilot and chooses the closest installed model; incorrect flight-plan type codes can therefore produce the wrong aircraft even when MTL is installed correctly.
Why will IVAO Altitude not connect to MSFS 2024?
Most Altitude connection failures come from launching before a flight has loaded, blocked network access, incorrect credentials or an outdated client rather than from a missing simulator plug-in.
| Problem | Likely cause and fix |
|---|---|
| Simulator not connected | Load into an aircraft rather than remaining on the main menu, then restart Altitude. SimConnect is built into MSFS 2024, so a separate installation is not normally required. If detection still fails, use our SimConnect diagnosis and repair guide. |
| IVAO login rejected | Re-enter the VID and network password, checking for copied spaces. Reset the network credential if the account has separate website and network passwords. |
| No online aircraft visible | Confirm that MTL is in the active MSFS 2024 Community location, restart the simulator after installation and check that the package is enabled. |
| Duplicate or overlapping traffic | Disable the simulator's multiplayer, live AI and offline AI traffic. Ensure only one online pilot client is connected. |
| No radio audio | Check Windows microphone permission, Altitude's selected input and output devices, and the push-to-talk assignment. Headphones prevent transmitted audio from feeding back into the microphone. |
| Altitude blocked or offline | Allow the application through the firewall rather than disabling security software. Update or reinstall Altitude from the signed-in IVAO software area if its files have been quarantined. |
IVAO through Altitude requires Windows applications and SimConnect access. It cannot be installed directly on Xbox Series X or S, PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 5 Pro, even though MSFS 2024 itself is available on those consoles.