Learn what MSFS 2024 streams, what you can download locally, and which choice suits limited storage, slow internet, data caps and offline use.
You can stream most Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 content rather than downloading it all. The base simulator and mandatory updates must be installed; many aircraft, airports, liveries and World Updates can either stream or be saved locally. Global imagery and photogrammetry remain cloud-delivered, so local packages do not create full offline mode.
What does Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 stream?
MSFS 2024 streams much of its optional content and world data on demand, which is why its core installation is relatively small. Our explanation of how MSFS 2024 keeps its initial download small covers the underlying cloud-based design.
| Content | How it is delivered |
|---|---|
| Core simulator and mandatory updates | Must be downloaded and installed |
| Aircraft, liveries and handcrafted airports | Many can be streamed or installed locally |
| World Update packages | Can usually be streamed or downloaded where an install option is offered |
| Aerial imagery, photogrammetry and global world data | Streamed from the cloud; the entire planet cannot be installed locally |
| Live weather, traffic and online services | Require an online connection |
| Rolling cache | Stores recently used world data temporarily; it is not a complete scenery download |
A downloaded World Update does not necessarily contain all imagery for its region. It can install airports, landmarks and other package assets locally while surrounding aerial scenery and photogrammetry continue to stream.
Should I stream or download MSFS 2024 content?
A hybrid setup is the best choice for most simmers: install frequently used aircraft and airports, then stream the wider world.
- Stream content if you have a fast, stable, uncapped connection, fly in many different regions and want to minimise disk usage.
- Download content if you repeatedly use the same aircraft or detailed airports, have an inconsistent connection, or want to reduce repeated delivery of those packages.
- Keep seldom-used content streamed when storage is limited. Downloading every eligible aircraft and World Update can consume substantial space and increases the amount of local content that must be maintained.
Downloading packages consumes more data initially but can reduce repeat traffic. World scenery still uses bandwidth, so rolling cache size, photogrammetry and online data settings also matter; see our guide to reducing MSFS 2024 bandwidth and data usage.
How do I download content locally?
Eligible content can be changed from streaming to local installation through the simulator's library or content-management screen.
- Sign in with the owning account. Use the Microsoft or platform account that owns the simulator, edition upgrade or Marketplace item.
- Open My Library or Content Manager. Its exact placement and wording can vary between platforms and simulator builds.
- Select the package. Find the aircraft, airport, livery or regional package you want to keep locally.
- Choose Download or Install. If the only available state is streaming, that item cannot be stored locally through your platform's version of the simulator.
- Check the final status. Confirm that the package shows as installed and retain spare disk space for later updates.
World Update packages can be unusually large and may combine several content types. Our World Update installation instructions explain how to choose between streaming and local storage for those packages.
Does downloading content make MSFS 2024 work offline?
No, downloading optional content does not turn Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 into a fully offline simulator. Locally installed aircraft and airports reduce package streaming, but authentication, streamed world data and online services still depend on Microsoft's servers.
If the connection fails, available behaviour depends on what has already loaded or been cached, but missing streamed data may fall back, lose detail or become unavailable. The practical connection requirements and limitations are covered in our guide to using MSFS 2024 with an internet connection.
Why is downloaded content missing?
Missing local content is usually caused by account entitlement, disabled packages, an incomplete download or an outstanding simulator update.
- Confirm that the package is marked installed, not merely owned, available or streamed.
- Check that it has not been disabled in the content-management screen.
- Use the same account that purchased or unlocked the item; edition-specific aircraft will not appear under an account without that entitlement.
- Install mandatory simulator and package updates before troubleshooting individual aircraft or airports.
- Free additional storage if an installation repeatedly stops or returns to its previous state.
A mistake we see constantly is treating rolling cache as a permanent regional download. It only retains selected world data up to its configured limit and may overwrite older areas; use explicit package installation for aircraft, airports and other content you need kept locally.