See how much storage Microsoft Flight Simulator needs on PC and Xbox, with realistic totals for MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024, updates and add-ons.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 has a published 150 GB PC requirement and typically occupies more than 100 GB on Xbox Series X|S; reserve about 200 GB for updates and optional scenery. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 lists 50 GB on PC and uses a smaller, streaming-led Xbox installation, though downloaded content still increases it.
How much space do MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 need?
The practical requirement depends on the version, installed World Updates, cache settings and add-ons. These planning figures leave room for normal updates rather than describing the smallest possible clean installation.
| Version | PC storage | Xbox Series X|S storage | Space we recommend reserving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 | Published requirement: 150 GB. The installed total changes with patches and optional packages. | Commonly more than 100 GB, with the exact total depending on the build and installed content. | About 200 GB; more for a large add-on collection. |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 | Published requirement: 50 GB. Its core installation is smaller because much of the world content is streamed. | Usually measured in tens of GB, but there is no permanent figure across every update and content configuration. | At least 50 GB; 80–100 GB provides better update and cache headroom. |
The 50 GB figure for MSFS 2024 is the official PC baseline, not a guarantee that the simulator will never use more. Our summary of the wider MSFS PC hardware requirements explains how storage fits alongside memory, graphics and processor demands.
On Xbox, open the console's storage management screen and inspect the simulator under its game and add-on management options. That displayed total is more reliable than a quoted download size because it reflects your installed build, optional packages and reserved data.
Why can Microsoft Flight Simulator use more than the listed size?
The published storage requirement covers the simulator's expected base files, while several separate types of content can increase the real total.
- World and content updates: MSFS 2020 offers optional regional scenery packages, airports and other downloadable content.
- Aircraft and scenery add-ons: On PC, the
Communityfolder can eventually become larger than the simulator itself. Marketplace content is normally stored with the managed packages. - Rolling and manual caches: A rolling cache reserves the amount selected in the simulator's data settings. Manual cached regions consume additional space.
- Update working space: An update may need room to download, unpack and replace files. Having exactly 50 or 150 GB free can therefore be insufficient during installation.
- Duplicate package folders: A failed or incomplete drive move can leave old and new copies of the large
OfficialandCommunityfolders.
A common mistake on PC is checking only the small launcher entry in Windows or a game client. Most of the data is held in the simulator's Packages location; our guide shows how to find the active Packages folder and move it safely.
How do I reduce the MSFS installation size?
Remove optional content and unused caches before touching core package files manually.
- Check the real total. On PC, inspect the active Packages folder, including
OfficialandCommunity. On Xbox, use the console's game and add-on storage screen and include reserved data. - Uninstall optional packages from inside the simulator. Remove World Updates, aircraft, airports or other content you no longer use through the relevant content or library manager. Menu wording differs between MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024.
- Review the cache. Delete an unwanted manual cache or reduce the rolling-cache allocation from the simulator's data settings. This does not remove the core installation.
- Move rather than delete. If another SSD has more room, relocate the Packages folder using the simulator or platform's supported process. For the older simulator, follow our MSFS 2020 drive-move procedure to avoid triggering a complete redownload.
Do not delete random files from Official while the simulator or its launcher is running. Missing package manifests or partially removed folders can cause update loops, mandatory downloads or a simulator that starts with content unavailable.
Does MSFS 2024's smaller install use less internet data?
No: lower local storage does not necessarily mean lower data usage. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 streams more scenery and asset data as required, trading disk capacity for a stronger dependence on a stable internet connection.
A rolling cache can retain recently streamed data and reduce repeat downloads, but increasing that cache directly consumes more storage. Users with capped or slow connections may prefer a larger cache or locally downloaded content, so the practical installation can grow well beyond the 50 GB baseline.
Should Microsoft Flight Simulator be installed on an SSD?
An SSD is the right storage device for both versions and should be treated as a requirement for MSFS 2024. It improves package loading and reduces delays when dense airports, detailed aircraft and cached scenery are read from disk.
MSFS 2020 can run from a hard drive on PC, but loading and scenery access are slower; our explanation of the SSD and HDD trade-offs for MSFS 2020 covers when that compromise is reasonable. On Xbox Series X|S, a locally installed Series-optimised version must run from internal storage or compatible expansion storage rather than an ordinary USB hard drive.
If the simulator is being launched through Xbox Cloud Gaming instead of installed locally, the full game is running on remote hardware. In that case, the console does not need space for the complete 100-plus-GB simulator installation.