What is the Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace, and should you use it?
The Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace is the in-sim shop for aircraft, airports, scenery and other add-ons. It is convenient and generally safe for one-click installs, especially on Xbox. On PC, we use it selectively because manual add-ons often give you faster updates, easier file access and simpler troubleshooting.
What is the Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace?
The Marketplace is Microsoft Flight Simulator’s built-in storefront. You open it inside the sim and browse add-on content without leaving the simulator. That includes aircraft, liveries, airports, scenery packs and some utility-style products, depending on what is available for your platform and sim version.
Once you buy something, the sim handles the download and installation for you. In practice, that means fewer manual steps, fewer folder mistakes and a single place to manage owned content.
For many users, that is the whole appeal. You do not need to unpack ZIP files, find the Community folder or keep a separate library of installers.
Should you use the Marketplace in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Yes, but not blindly.
If you are on Xbox, the Marketplace is usually the main way to get add-ons, so it is close to essential. If you are on PC, it is best treated as one option rather than the default for every purchase.
We generally recommend the Marketplace when convenience matters more than flexibility. We are more cautious with it for complex aircraft and any add-on that you may need to troubleshoot, modify or update quickly.
When we would use it
- You want a simple one-click install.
- You are on Xbox, where manual add-on installation is not the normal route.
- You prefer a centralised library managed inside the sim.
- You do not want to handle folders, archives or manual updates.
- You are buying a straightforward product such as an airport, scenery pack or livery set.
When we would think twice on PC
- You want the fastest updates after a bug fix or simulator patch.
- You may need manual access to files for troubleshooting or tweaks.
- You use add-ons that depend on external tools, installers or companion apps.
- You prefer to back up, organise or temporarily remove packages yourself.
- You want the widest possible choice, including freeware from places such as our downloads library.
Marketplace vs Community folder installs
| Factor | Marketplace | Manual PC install |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Handled inside the sim | You copy files into the correct folder yourself |
| Xbox support | Yes | No normal manual route |
| Updates | Convenient, but can arrive later | Often available sooner |
| File access on PC | Can be limited, especially for some paid products | Usually much easier to inspect, remove or replace |
| Troubleshooting | Simpler to install, less flexible to diagnose | More control, but more user responsibility |
| Choice of add-ons | Curated catalogue only | Broader range, including freeware |
Why PC simmers sometimes avoid the Marketplace
The biggest issue is not installation. It is control.
On PC, many add-ons work best when we can see exactly where they are, remove them quickly, compare versions and test whether one package is causing conflicts. Marketplace purchases can make that harder, especially where files are packaged in a way that is less open to user access.
There is also the update cycle. A developer may release a fix quickly, but Marketplace publication can take longer. That does not matter much for a static scenery pack. It matters a lot more for a study-level airliner that breaks after a sim update.
Another point is product design. Some advanced PC add-ons rely on external executables, separate configuration tools or support files outside the usual add-on structure. Those products may be limited in the Marketplace version or not offered there at all.
Why the Marketplace is still useful
Convenience is not a small thing. For a lot of simmers, it is the difference between flying and spending the evening sorting files.
The Marketplace also reduces the chances of a bad manual install. If you have ever copied an airport into the wrong folder, left an old version behind or created duplicate package folders, you will understand why one-click delivery appeals.
It is also easier for households or casual users. If the sim manages ownership, downloads and updates in one place, there is less admin to do later.
How to decide before buying from the MSFS Marketplace
- Check your platform. If you are on Xbox, the Marketplace is usually the practical route. If you are on PC, remember that you have other installation options for many add-ons.
- Check the type of add-on. Airports and simple scenery are usually lower risk purchases. Complex aircraft and utility-heavy products deserve more caution.
- Check update expectations. If you are buying something that may need frequent fixes, decide whether you are happy to wait for Marketplace update delivery.
- Check file-access needs. If you like editing, inspecting or temporarily removing files on PC, manual packages are often easier to live with.
- Check compatibility notes. In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, not every add-on behaves the same way, and some products may have separate compatibility or entitlement notes.
- Check for freeware alternatives. On PC, it is often worth seeing whether a good free option exists in our Fly Away Simulation downloads library before spending money.
Is the Marketplace different in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024?
The basic idea is the same in both sims: browse content in the simulator, buy it there, then let the sim handle installation. What changes is the catalogue, the compatibility notes and how individual products are labelled for each sim.
Do not assume that ownership and compatibility work identically for every product across both versions. Some add-ons are sold or delivered with specific version support in mind. We always advise reading the product notes carefully before buying.
So, should you use the Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace?
Our short answer is this:
- Xbox: yes, in most cases.
- PC beginners and casual users: yes, if you value convenience.
- PC enthusiasts using advanced aircraft and lots of mods: use it selectively, not automatically.
If you want the easiest buying and installation experience, the Marketplace does its job well. If you want maximum control over add-ons, quicker access to updates and easier troubleshooting, manual PC installs are often the better fit.