Install MSFS 2020 from physical discs correctly, with DVD order, storage choices, account activation, updates and Disc 1 licence fixes.
To install the boxed PC edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, insert Disc 1, run the disc installer, choose the package location, and change discs when prompted. Then launch the simulator online, sign in with the Microsoft account you intend to keep, and let it authenticate the licence and download every mandatory update.
What do I need before installing the boxed edition?
A working DVD drive, ample storage, administrator access and a reliable internet connection are the practical requirements. The common boxed PC release contains ten numbered DVDs, but they hold the original retail data rather than an up-to-date, completely offline installation.
- Use an internal or USB DVD drive that can read dual-layer DVDs reliably.
- Keep every disc clean and available in numerical order.
- Install the large package data on an SSD where possible.
- Leave additional free space for downloads, decompression and later world or aircraft packages.
- Have access to the Microsoft account that will hold your profile and purchases.
The multi-DVD release is a Windows PC product. Its DVDs cannot be used to install the Xbox edition.
How do I install Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 from the DVDs?
Install the discs in sequence, then complete the account authentication and online updater before attempting a normal flight.
- Insert Disc 1. Allow AutoPlay to start the installer. If nothing appears, open the DVD drive in File Explorer and run the setup application from the disc.
- Approve the Windows prompt. Let the installer make the required changes; do not manually copy the files from each DVD.
- Choose the installation destination. Put the large Packages data on the drive where you want to keep the simulator. Microsoft Flight Simulator separates its application files from its Packages folder, as explained in our guide to finding and choosing the MSFS installation locations.
- Change discs only when prompted. Eject the completed disc, insert the next numbered one in the same drive and wait for it to spin up. The installer should continue automatically.
- Finish the DVD installation. Insert Disc 1 again if requested, then start Microsoft Flight Simulator from the shortcut or Windows menu.
- Sign in online. Use the Microsoft account you intend to retain. Changing accounts later is a common cause of missing ownership, edition content and Marketplace purchases.
- Confirm the Packages folder. If the simulator asks for a content location, select the package root populated by the DVD installer rather than a new empty folder. The correct root may contain folders named
OfficialandCommunity. - Install the mandatory update. Let the updater download and decompress all required data. After reaching the main menu, check Content Manager for edition-specific aircraft, airports and optional packages.
- Keep Disc 1 available. The boxed licence normally requires Disc 1 in the drive when the simulator starts, unless the account also owns a separate valid digital entitlement.
Why is MSFS downloading files after the DVDs finish?
Microsoft Flight Simulator still downloads data because the physical discs contain the original release build, not all subsequent simulator, world and aircraft updates.
| Component | Source | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Original simulator packages | Numbered DVDs | Installed locally from the boxed set |
| Mandatory core updates | Internet | Required before the installed build can run normally |
| Owned and optional content | Content Manager | May require separate downloads after reaching the main menu |
| Streaming scenery and live services | Internet | Downloaded or streamed while the relevant online features are enabled |
If the updater wants to download virtually the entire simulator, check the selected Packages location before proceeding. Pointing it at an empty default folder instead of the directory filled by the DVD installer makes MSFS treat the content as absent.
What if the disc installer stops or rejects the next DVD?
Most disc-installation failures come from an unreadable DVD, the wrong disc, insufficient free space or the optical drive not refreshing after a swap.
- Check that the requested disc number is inserted, not merely the next disc you expected.
- Wait for the drive activity to settle before pressing the installer's retry button.
- Close File Explorer windows accessing the DVD, then eject and reinsert it.
- Clean fingerprints from the disc using straight strokes from the centre outwards.
- Keep a USB DVD drive connected directly and prevent the PC from sleeping during installation.
- Do not skip a failed disc or combine its contents manually with files from another DVD.
Why does it say “Please insert game disc” after installation?
The boxed licence uses Disc 1 as a physical ownership check, so Disc 2 or another installation DVD will not satisfy it. Insert Disc 1 before launching, confirm Windows can read it, and leave it in the drive while starting the simulator.
If the message remains despite using the correct disc, follow our disc-recognition and unreadable-media checks.
What if installation completes but MSFS will not launch?
A completed DVD copy does not guarantee that account authentication, Windows gaming components and mandatory packages are working. Restart Windows, insert Disc 1, confirm the intended Microsoft account is signed in and allow any pending update to finish.
For failures beyond the disc check, work through our sign-in, Gaming Services and damaged-package troubleshooting.
Can I install the disc edition without internet?
No, a fresh physical-disc installation cannot be completed entirely offline. The DVDs reduce the initial download, but first-run authentication and mandatory updates require an internet connection.
Limited offline flying is possible after installation and authentication have been completed, provided Offline Mode and local scenery data are prepared first. Disc 1 is still normally required; our guide explains how to prepare offline use and resolve licence errors.