How do I get free MSFS aircraft on PC and Xbox?
On PC, get free Microsoft Flight Simulator aircraft from a trusted freeware library or a zero-cost Marketplace listing, then install external downloads in the Community folder. On Xbox, you cannot sideload aircraft: they must be included with the simulator, supplied through an official update, or offered free in the in-sim Marketplace.
Free aircraft options on PC and Xbox
| Source | PC | Xbox Series X|S |
|---|---|---|
| External freeware download | Yes, through the Community folder | No |
| Free in-sim Marketplace listing | Yes | Yes |
| Aircraft included with an official update | Yes | Yes |
A Windows installation obtained through the Xbox app still counts as the PC version, so it can use Community-folder aircraft. The restriction applies to the simulator running on an Xbox console.
How do I install free aircraft on PC?
PC users have the widest choice because Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 can load third-party packages from the Community folder.
- Check the supported simulator. Confirm that the download supports MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024 or both. Do not assume every 2020 aircraft works correctly in 2024.
- Choose an actual aircraft package. Browse our Microsoft Flight Simulator freeware library, but read the description carefully: a livery changes paintwork, while an enhancement mod may require a specific default aircraft.
- Download and extract the archive. Do not place the compressed ZIP or RAR file directly in the Community folder.
- Copy the package into Community. The folder containing the package manifest must not be buried inside unnecessary nested directories. Our full aircraft installation instructions cover the folder structure and different PC installation types.
- Restart the simulator and test in Free Flight. Free Flight avoids the aircraft restrictions that Career Mode and some activities can impose.
Freeware ranges from simple conversions to detailed airliners. The free A32NX Airbus package and installation details provide a useful example of a substantial PC aircraft download.
How do I get free aircraft on Xbox?
Xbox aircraft must be distributed through Microsoft Flight Simulator itself; downloaded PC packages cannot be copied to the console.
- Open the in-sim Marketplace while signed into the account used for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
- Look for aircraft listed at no charge. Marketplace categories and filters differ between MSFS 2020 and 2024, so verify the displayed price rather than relying on a particular menu path.
- Acquire and install the package. Some content is added to the account first and then downloaded or enabled through the simulator's content library or manager.
- Confirm that installation has finished before looking for the aircraft in Free Flight.
Our explanation of Marketplace access and platform restrictions covers when the in-sim route is necessary. A freeware ZIP from a PC library will not work on Xbox, even if copied to USB storage or downloaded under the same Microsoft account.
Are the same free aircraft available on PC and Xbox?
No. PC can use both external freeware and Marketplace aircraft, while Xbox is limited to content approved and distributed through the simulator.
This means many community-built aircraft remain PC-only. Marketplace availability also does not make a similarly named external package interchangeable with the console version; they are separate distributions with separate installation methods.
Why is my free aircraft not showing up?
A missing aircraft usually points to installation, compatibility or dependency trouble rather than the download being paid content.
- Wrong simulator version: a package built for MSFS 2020 may be incompatible with MSFS 2024, or vice versa.
- It is only a livery: repaints appear under the required base aircraft rather than as a separate model.
- A dependency is missing: some modifications require a default aircraft, another package or content from a particular simulator edition.
- The PC folder is nested incorrectly: the simulator cannot find package files hidden several folders below the Community folder.
- The Marketplace package is owned but not installed: check the content library or manager and allow the download to complete.
- The selected mode restricts aircraft: test in Free Flight before diagnosing Career Mode or activity eligibility.
- An old package conflicts with another add-on: update the aircraft where an updated build is supplied, or temporarily remove other Community packages to isolate the conflict.