Install Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on another SSD through the Xbox app or Steam, with fixes for Packages, cache and C: drive issues.
To install Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on a different PC drive, choose the destination in the Xbox app’s install prompt or select a Steam library on that drive. Use an internal SSD where possible, then check the simulator’s separate Packages, Community and rolling-cache locations after its first launch.
Which MSFS 2024 location are you changing?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 can store files in several places, and changing the application drive does not automatically move every content folder.
| File group | What it contains | Where to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Application | The simulator executable and platform-managed game files | Xbox app or Steam |
| Packages and add-ons | Locally installed aircraft, offline content and Community add-ons | Installation manager or simulator storage settings |
| Rolling cache | Cached streamed scenery data | Rolling-cache settings inside MSFS |
| Temporary update files | Files used while downloading or unpacking updates | Controlled partly by Windows and the launcher |
MSFS 2024 streams much of its world data, but local packages, add-ons and cache files can still grow. Leave free space on both the destination SSD and the Windows system drive because updates may use temporary storage on C:.
How do I install the Xbox app version on another drive?
The Xbox app lets Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass users select another supported Windows drive before installation.
- Prepare the destination. Use an internal SSD formatted for Windows, with a permanent drive letter and adequate free space.
- Open the Xbox app’s installation options. Select the preferred drive as the default installation location, or enable the option that asks where to install each game. The wording can vary between Xbox app releases.
- Start the MSFS 2024 installation. Select the required drive when the destination prompt appears and let the Xbox app create its managed game folder.
- Launch the simulator. If its installation manager requests a Packages or content location, select a separate folder such as
D:\MSFS2024\Packages. Do not place this manually insideWindowsApps. - Check local storage settings. Confirm that the rolling cache and any downloaded content are using the intended drive.
Do not drag the installed application out of XboxGames or WindowsApps in File Explorer. Those files are managed by the Xbox app, and manual relocation commonly breaks permissions, updates or Gaming Services registration.
How do I install the Steam version on another drive?
Steam installs MSFS 2024 into the library selected during installation, while the simulator may manage additional content separately.
- Add the destination drive. Open Steam’s Storage settings and create or select a library on the required SSD.
- Install MSFS 2024. Choose that Steam library when the installation window asks for a location.
- Complete the first launch. If the simulator asks where to keep local Packages or content, choose the desired folder rather than accepting C: automatically.
- Verify cache and add-on paths. The Steam library choice alone does not guarantee that rolling-cache or Community content also resides there.
For the remaining download, online-data and control choices, follow our first-launch PC setup checklist.
Why is MSFS 2024 still using space on C:?
C: usually continues filling because one of the simulator’s secondary storage locations was left at its default setting.
- The application and Packages paths are different. Installing the launcher on D: does not necessarily relocate locally downloaded simulator content.
- The rolling cache remained on C:. Change its location inside the simulator, or disable it if your connection and flying habits make a local cache unnecessary.
- Updates need working space. Windows, Steam or the Xbox app may stage downloads and unpack files on the system drive.
- Old simulator files remain. An MSFS 2020 Packages folder is separate from MSFS 2024 and should not be treated as the new simulator’s installation folder.
A mistake we see constantly is moving only the visible game folder and assuming every package followed it. Check each location separately before deleting anything from the old drive.
Can I use an external SSD?
An external SSD can hold MSFS 2024 on PC, but an internal NVMe or SATA SSD is the safer choice for consistent loading and updates.
If external storage is necessary, use a fast connection, assign the drive a permanent letter and connect it before opening the launcher. Avoid a mechanical USB hard drive for the main installation; our external-drive installation guidance explains the performance and drive-letter pitfalls.
What if MSFS 2024 is already installed?
Use the launcher’s built-in move function rather than copying platform-managed files manually.
Steam provides a move option through the game’s installed-file properties. Xbox app builds may offer a change-drive or move control in the game’s management options; if it is unavailable, reinstalling to the required drive is safer than moving protected folders yourself. Packages and cache may still require separate relocation, as covered in our safe SSD migration steps.
Can console installations use another drive?
Console storage rules differ from PC and depend on storage certified for that console generation.
- Xbox Series X|S: MSFS 2024 can run from the internal SSD or compatible expansion storage. A standard USB drive may store or transfer the game, but Series X|S-optimised titles generally cannot run from it.
- PS5 and PS5 Pro: Install the game on console storage or a compatible internal M.2 SSD. USB extended storage can hold a PS5 game, but it must be copied to internal or M.2 storage before play.