Can you install mods on Xbox in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Yes, but on Xbox, Microsoft Flight Simulator can use only add-ons released through the in-sim Marketplace and listed as Xbox-compatible. You cannot copy third-party freeware, Community-folder mods, aircraft or liveries onto the console by USB or browser. Those manually installed packages require the PC version.
Which Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons work on Xbox?
Both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 restrict Xbox add-ons to content supplied through the simulator’s Marketplace. The listing must explicitly support Xbox; appearing in the PC Marketplace does not guarantee console compatibility.
| Content type | Works on Xbox? | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Marketplace aircraft, scenery and liveries | Yes | The product must list Xbox compatibility. |
| Free Marketplace content | Yes | It must be released for Xbox, even if no payment is required. |
| Downloaded ZIP or package files | No | Xbox has no user-accessible Community folder. |
| External utilities and companion programs | No | Programs requiring Windows, SimConnect or a separate executable need a PC. |
| USB or external-drive mods | No | Xbox storage cannot be used to copy arbitrary add-on packages into the simulator. |
A common mistake we see is buying the PC edition of an add-on outside the simulator and expecting it to appear on Xbox. External and Marketplace licences are separate; owning one does not normally unlock the other.
How do you install an add-on on Xbox?
Xbox add-ons are acquired and managed from inside Microsoft Flight Simulator rather than through a manually created folder.
- Update the simulator. Install any mandatory base-simulator and content updates before adding a new product.
- Use the correct account. Start the simulator with the Microsoft/Xbox profile that owns or will acquire the add-on.
- Open the in-sim Marketplace. Check the product page for Xbox support and compatibility with MSFS 2020 or MSFS 2024.
- Acquire the add-on. Purchase it or add it to your library if it is free.
- Check its content status. In MSFS 2020, use Content Manager to confirm that downloaded content is installed. In MSFS 2024, use My Library and the available content-management controls; eligible content may be streamed rather than stored permanently.
- Test it by itself. Load the relevant aircraft or airport before installing several more products, making faults easier to identify.
Our Xbox Series X|S set-up checklist covers account, storage and content-library basics. For aircraft specifically, our platform-specific aircraft installation guidance explains how Marketplace and PC packages differ.
Can you transfer downloaded MSFS mods to Xbox by USB?
No. Xbox does not expose the simulator’s package directories or provide a Community folder, and Developer Mode does not turn the console into a Windows modding platform. An external drive can hold Xbox-managed game data, but it cannot inject downloaded aircraft, scenery or liveries into Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The same restriction applies to cloud play: a streamed Xbox session does not provide file-system access. If you want independently distributed freeware or packages requiring manual editing, you need the PC version and its Community folder; our PC mod installation instructions show that process.
Why is an Xbox add-on owned but not appearing?
An owned add-on usually disappears because it is not installed, is filtered out of the library, uses the wrong account or is not compatible with the active simulator and platform.
- Confirm that the Marketplace page lists Xbox, not PC alone.
- Check that the signed-in Microsoft/Xbox profile is the one that acquired the content.
- Look under owned content in Content Manager or My Library and clear filters hiding uninstalled or disabled packages.
- Verify compatibility with MSFS 2020 or MSFS 2024. Ownership of an older package does not guarantee that its developer has enabled it for the other simulator.
- Install any pending simulator or add-on update, then restart the simulator.
- Check available console storage where a package requires a local download.
What should you do if an Xbox add-on causes crashes?
Disable or uninstall the newest add-on first, restart Microsoft Flight Simulator and test the same flight without it. Re-enable products one at a time rather than deleting every package; this identifies the faulty or conflicting item without forcing a complete content redownload.
If the simulator starts in Safe Mode after a crash, third-party content may be bypassed temporarily. Return to normal mode only after removing or updating the suspected package.