Where is Microsoft Flight Simulator installed on PC?

On PC, Microsoft Flight Simulator is split between application files and a separate Packages folder. MSFS 2020 Steam commonly uses C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\MicrosoftFlightSimulator; Microsoft Store content commonly uses %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Packages. MSFS 2024 uses different package paths and streams much of its content, while custom libraries can change any default.

Default Microsoft Flight Simulator install locations

The location depends on the simulator version, where it was purchased and the library selected during installation.

Paste a path containing %LOCALAPPDATA% or %APPDATA% directly into File Explorer's address bar; Windows expands it to your user profile. This also avoids having to make the hidden AppData folder visible.

MSFS 2020 stores most downloaded simulator content below Packages. MSFS 2024 streams much more of its aircraft and scenery, so its local folder does not represent the complete simulator catalogue or total data used while flying.

How do I find the exact MSFS installation folder?

The platform client's Browse command finds the application, while UserCfg.opt identifies a custom Packages location.

1. Decide which location you need. The application folder contains the executable; the Packages folder contains installed simulator packages and the Community folder.
2. Reveal the application files. In Steam, open the game's properties and select Installed Files > Browse. In the Xbox app, open the game's management page and use Files > Browse when that option is available.
3. Open the appropriate configuration file. Check %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\UserCfg.opt for MSFS 2020 Store/Xbox, or %APPDATA%\Microsoft Flight Simulator\UserCfg.opt for MSFS 2020 Steam. For MSFS 2024, use the equivalent Microsoft.Limitless_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\UserCfg.opt or %APPDATA%\Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024\UserCfg.opt file.
4. Find InstalledPackagesPath. The quoted location on that line, such as InstalledPackagesPath "D:\MSFS\Packages", overrides the usual default. Copy that location into File Explorer.

If UserCfg.opt is absent, run Microsoft Flight Simulator once and close it normally so the simulator can create its configuration files.

Which Microsoft Flight Simulator folder is used for mods?

Manually installed aircraft, liveries and scenery belong in Packages\Community, not beside FlightSimulator.exe and not inside Official.

A mistake we see constantly is copying an add-on into the Steam application directory because that is where Steam's Browse command opens. Microsoft Flight Simulator will not scan that location for normal package-format add-ons. Our guide to version-specific Community-folder paths and troubleshooting checks covers custom locations and add-ons that fail to appear.

In MSFS 2020, Microsoft Store content is normally below Official\OneStore, while Steam content uses its corresponding Steam-managed Official folder. Do not modify either one: updates can replace files, and a damaged package may trigger another download. MSFS 2024's streamed and library-managed content should likewise be left under simulator control.

Why does the WindowsApps folder say access denied?

WindowsApps is protected because Microsoft Store and Xbox app packages are managed by Windows.

Do not take ownership merely to inspect or modify Microsoft Flight Simulator. Changing its permissions can break updating, verification or removal. Use the Xbox app's Browse or management controls for the application, and use InstalledPackagesPath when looking for downloadable content or add-ons.

Can I move Microsoft Flight Simulator to another drive?

Yes, but the application and Packages folder may need to be moved separately.

• Steam application: use Steam's storage-management move function so its library records remain correct.
• Xbox or Microsoft Store application: use the Xbox app's drive or file-management controls where offered.
• Packages and Community content: back up the folder, use the simulator's package-location option where available, then confirm that InstalledPackagesPath points to the intended directory.

Moving only the launcher does not necessarily move downloaded packages, rolling-cache data or community add-ons. For a replacement computer rather than another drive, follow our clean reinstall process for a new PC so licences and locally stored add-ons are handled separately.