Do FSX aircraft and add-ons work in MSFS 2020 or 2024?
FSX aircraft and add-ons do not natively work in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or 2024. The simulators use different package formats, cockpit systems, materials and SDKs. A few simple assets can be converted by experienced modders, but most aircraft, gauges, sounds and installers need a native MSFS release.
Why FSX add-ons are not directly compatible with MSFS
Flight Simulator X and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020/2024 are different platforms. FSX add-ons were built for the older FSX-style aircraft, panel and scenery system, while MSFS uses a package-based structure, different rendering materials, different cockpit technology and a different SDK.
A mistake we see constantly is assuming that anything labelled simply as 'Microsoft Flight Simulator' will install into any Microsoft simulator. It will not. An FSX installer often looks for the FSX folder or registry entry, and even if you manually copy files across, that rarely produces a usable aircraft. That is also why an FSX add-on may sometimes run in Prepar3D with tweaks, yet still fail in MSFS.
| Add-on type | Directly compatible with MSFS? | What usually happens |
|---|---|---|
| FSX aircraft | No | Models, panels, gauges, sounds and systems need an MSFS-specific rebuild. |
| FSX liveries | No | They only match the FSX aircraft they were painted for. |
| FSX scenery | Not as a simple install | Some assets can be converted, but materials, lighting, ground layers and autogen often need rework. |
| FSX sound packs | No | Sound packaging and triggering differ. |
| FSX utilities | Only if the developer supports MSFS | Some external tools work in both sims, but a true FSX-only utility will not. |
Can any FSX aircraft or scenery be converted?
Yes, but conversion is a modding project, not a normal installation. Simple visual models or scenery assets may be brought across by a developer who has the source files, knows the MSFS SDK and is willing to rebuild materials, animations, flight model data and package structure.
Without that work, most users hit the same failures:
- Blank or dead instruments because FSX gauges and avionics do not run natively in MSFS.
- Missing cockpit switches or broken animations because the behaviour system is different.
- Black textures, shiny surfaces or invisible parts because materials and model definitions need reworking.
- No sound or wrong sound triggers because the sound system is packaged differently.
- An installer that refuses to run because it only knows how to target FSX.
Even when conversion is technically possible, you still need permission. Repacking an FSX aircraft for MSFS, especially payware, may breach the licence if the developer has not approved that use or redistribution.
What about liveries, sounds and utilities?
Liveries and sound packs are not easy exceptions. A repaint made for an FSX aircraft fits that aircraft's texture mapping and folder structure, not the MSFS version of the same real-world aircraft. External utilities are the only partial exception: if a tool connects through supported interfaces and the developer offers MSFS support, it may work in both sims, but that is not the same thing as an FSX aircraft or scenery package being compatible.
What should you use instead?
If you want something to fly in Microsoft Flight Simulator, use a native MSFS release. If you want to keep using the older add-on exactly as sold, keep it in FSX or another legacy platform that supports it.
For native replacements, browse our MSFS 2020 and 2024 add-ons and mods. If you are trying to find the original legacy package, our FSX downloads section keeps FSX-built aircraft and scenery separate so you do not end up installing the wrong format. If you are not sure what a proper MSFS package looks like, our guide to installing add-on aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator shows the normal workflow.
Does MSFS 2024 change anything for FSX add-ons?
No, MSFS 2024 does not make FSX aircraft and add-ons compatible. MSFS 2024 is closely related to MSFS 2020, but both are still a different generation from FSX.
Keep the two compatibility questions separate. 'FSX to MSFS' is usually no. 'MSFS 2020 to MSFS 2024' is sometimes yes, depending on the add-on and whether the developer has updated it. We cover that second question in our explanation of whether MSFS 2020 add-ons are compatible with MSFS 2024.
How do I check before I buy or install?
You can usually tell in under a minute whether an add-on is meant for FSX or for MSFS.
- Read the simulator label. Look for an explicit mention of MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024 or Microsoft Flight Simulator. If it only says FSX or FSX/P3D, treat it as incompatible with MSFS.
- Check the install method. A real MSFS package is normally installed through the sim's package system or placed in the Community folder. A legacy
.exeinstaller searching for FSX is a warning sign. - Check the cockpit and avionics. If the screenshots show an old FSX-style panel and there is no mention of MSFS support, you are looking at a legacy build.
- Match the exact aircraft. An FSX repaint, sound pack or panel mod only fits the FSX aircraft it was made for. It does not automatically fit the MSFS version of that aircraft.
The short answer is simple: use FSX add-ons in FSX, and use MSFS add-ons in MSFS. That saves you the dead panels, missing textures and failed installers that catch most people out.