Microsoft Flight Simulator is not permanently free. See how Game Pass access, trials, purchases and freeware add-ons differ before you install.
No. Microsoft Flight Simulator is not permanently free to play. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and the older 2020 release are paid products, although an eligible Xbox Game Pass subscription may provide access while the game remains included and your membership is active. Free add-ons do not include the base simulator.
How can you play Microsoft Flight Simulator?
| Access method | What you pay for | Do you keep the simulator? |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase | The selected edition | Yes, through the account and platform used to buy it |
| Xbox Game Pass | An eligible recurring subscription | No; access depends on the membership and catalogue |
| Trial or promotion | Nothing during the promotional period | No; access ends with the offer |
| Freeware add-ons | The base simulator | The add-ons are free, but they cannot run independently |
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator free with Xbox Game Pass?
Microsoft Flight Simulator can be included with eligible Xbox Game Pass plans, but that does not make it a free-to-play game. You are paying for subscription access rather than purchasing a permanent licence.
If the membership expires, the relevant Game Pass plan changes or the simulator leaves its catalogue, access may stop unless you buy it. Our explanation of how Microsoft Flight Simulator works with Game Pass covers the difference between subscription access and ownership.
Does Microsoft Flight Simulator have a free demo?
There is no permanent free edition or unrestricted demo that everyone can download. Limited promotions may occasionally provide temporary access, but their availability, platform and duration can vary.
A Game Pass membership is not a free trial unless the subscription itself is being offered under a specific trial promotion. See our guide to Microsoft Flight Simulator demos and trial options before treating a subscription offer as free access.
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 free for 2020 owners?
No. Owning Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 does not provide a free licence for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. They are separate releases, and access to one does not automatically grant the other.
If you intend to purchase the newer simulator, compare the included aircraft and airports rather than assuming the most expensive package is required. Our MSFS 2024 edition comparison explains which package suits different buyers.
What can you download for free?
Aircraft, scenery, liveries and utilities are available as freeware, but these are add-ons rather than replacements for Microsoft Flight Simulator. They require a compatible installed version of the base simulator, and an add-on made for one generation may not work correctly in another.
Once the simulator is installed, our free Microsoft Flight Simulator add-ons library provides community aircraft, scenery and other enhancements. Check each download's stated simulator version and installation instructions; copying an incompatible package into the Community folder is a common cause of missing content and loading problems.