GSX is for FSX and Prepar3D; GSX Pro is the PC MSFS edition. Compare simulator support, features, licences and profiles before choosing.
GSX is the original ground-services add-on for FSX and supported Prepar3D versions, while GSX Pro is the separate, newer edition for Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC. GSX Pro is not a universal upgrade tier or licence: the installers and licences are separate, and profiles must match the simulator, aircraft and airport scenery in use.
GSX vs GSX Pro compatibility
The simulator you use decides which GSX product you need.
| Product | Intended simulator | Feature structure |
|---|---|---|
| GSX | FSX, FSX: Steam Edition and supported Prepar3D versions | Core ground handling; legacy passenger and enhanced-jetway functions are associated with GSX Level 2, historically a separate expansion |
| GSX Pro | Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on Windows PC | Ground handling, animated passengers and MSFS jetway functionality within one MSFS product |
GSX Pro is not a console add-on. It cannot be installed on the Xbox editions of MSFS 2020 or 2024, or the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro editions of MSFS 2024, because it depends on external software and locally installed packages that consoles do not support.
For the older simulator, our legacy GSX installation and operating guide for FSX explains the correct product and setup process.
Does GSX Pro include GSX Level 2 features?
For MSFS, GSX Pro combines the original ground-service concept with the main passenger and jetway functions associated with GSX Level 2.
It is not GSX Level 2 installed on top of the original product. GSX Pro has its own MSFS integration, airport handling, jetway replacement system and aircraft profiles. Our breakdown of how GSX Pro uses aircraft and airport profiles covers that system without confusing it with the FSX and Prepar3D editions.
Can I share a GSX licence or profile with GSX Pro?
A GSX licence does not automatically become a GSX Pro licence, and profiles should not be assumed to transfer cleanly between simulator families.
An airport profile contains parking positions, stopping points and pushback instructions tied to particular scenery. An aircraft profile defines doors, cargo holds and service positions. Even within the same simulator, a profile made for a default airport or one developer's scenery can place vehicles incorrectly when used with another rendition.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator, the practical GSX Pro turnaround procedure starts with confirming the correct aircraft and airport profiles before requesting boarding, catering or pushback.
What common GSX mix-ups cause problems?
Most installation and alignment faults come from using the wrong edition or mismatched profile data.
- Nothing appears in the simulator: confirm that GSX was installed for FSX or Prepar3D, or GSX Pro for MSFS. One edition cannot be made compatible by copying its folders into another simulator.
- Stairs or loaders miss the aircraft doors: select or calibrate a profile for that exact aircraft model rather than a similarly named variant.
- Marshaller and pushback positions are wrong: use a profile built for the installed airport scenery and remove conflicting duplicate profiles.
- Two jetways overlap in MSFS: allow the airport scenery's own jetways to take precedence and exclude that airport from GSX Pro's replacement system where necessary.
- The GSX menu or services stop responding: check that the Couatl background component is running and has not been blocked by security software.
Which GSX version should I choose?
Choose by simulator platform first and by features second.
- FSX or FSX: Steam Edition: use the original GSX. Check whether the passenger and enhanced-jetway functions you want require GSX Level 2 under your legacy package.
- Prepar3D: use the original GSX branch, but verify that your exact Prepar3D generation is supported before installing it.
- MSFS 2020 or MSFS 2024 on PC: use GSX Pro.
- MSFS on Xbox or PlayStation: neither desktop product can be installed; use built-in services or a console-compatible in-sim add-on.
If you only want reliable pushback rather than a complete boarding, baggage, catering and ground-handling sequence, GSX Pro may provide more than you need. Our comparison of MSFS ground-service add-ons explains when a simpler option makes more sense.