Can you play Microsoft Flight Simulator on Ubuntu or Linux?
Microsoft Flight Simulator has no native Ubuntu or Linux release. The Steam editions of MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 can sometimes run through Proton, but this is unofficial and updates can break launching, sign-in, downloads, peripherals or add-ons. For dependable local use, install Windows in dual boot; cloud streaming is the simpler Linux-only option where available.
What works on Ubuntu and Linux?
Neither Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 nor Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has an official Linux binary or Linux support. Choosing Ubuntu, another desktop distribution or a handheld Linux system does not change that position.
| Method | Compatibility | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Native Linux installation | Not available | No direct option |
| Steam edition through Proton | Possible but unofficial | Experienced Linux users willing to troubleshoot |
| Windows dual boot | Supported Windows route | Reliable local flying, add-ons, VR and specialist controls |
| Cloud streaming | Available subject to title, region, browser and subscription | Linux-only systems with a strong internet connection |
| Windows virtual machine | Generally impractical | Specialist GPU-passthrough setups only |
Proton translates the simulator's Windows graphics and system calls for Linux; it does not make the game a supported Linux application. A simulator update, Xbox sign-in change, graphics-driver update or Proton change can turn a working installation into one that no longer starts.
How do you run Microsoft Flight Simulator with Proton?
A local Proton attempt is practical only with the Steam edition and suitable Vulkan graphics support. The Microsoft Store and Xbox app builds depend on Windows services that do not provide an equivalent Linux installation route.
- Check the hardware first. Proton does not reduce the simulator's CPU, GPU, memory or storage demands. Compare the machine with our guide to MSFS hardware and storage requirements before treating poor performance as a Linux fault.
- Install a maintained graphics driver. Confirm that Vulkan works correctly for the discrete GPU. Outdated or incorrectly selected drivers commonly produce a black window, immediate crash or very poor frame rates.
- Use a Linux-native Steam library. Install on a filesystem such as ext4 or Btrfs where possible. Shared NTFS libraries frequently introduce permissions, symbolic-link and filename-handling problems, while the simulator also needs substantial free space for packages, caches and updates.
- Enable a Proton compatibility tool. Start with a maintained Proton branch rather than copying an old version recommendation from a dated guide. Avoid custom launch arguments until the unmodified game has been tested.
- Complete Microsoft account sign-in. The Steam release still requires a Microsoft account. Let the first-run setup finish without repeatedly closing the launcher; MSFS 2020 may spend a long time downloading packages, while MSFS 2024 relies more heavily on online content delivery.
- Test a clean simulator. Confirm that a stock aircraft, one airport and basic controls work before installing scenery, liveries, companion programmes or specialist hardware.
Why does Microsoft Flight Simulator fail under Linux?
Most Linux failures come from the graphics translation layer, Microsoft account services, the content downloader or Windows-only add-on components. These checks deal with the common cases without risking a working content installation.
- Black screen or immediate crash: update the graphics driver, confirm Vulkan is using the intended GPU, remove custom launch options and verify the installed files. If needed, test one other maintained Proton branch.
- Microsoft sign-in loop: check the system clock, use the correct Microsoft account and complete any sign-in window that opens behind the simulator. Do not delete
steamapps/compatdatablindly; the Proton prefix may contain settings and downloaded packages. - Download or update loop: check free space on both the game library and the location holding the Proton prefix. An interrupted MSFS 2020 package download can appear to restart even when Steam itself reports the game as installed.
- Failure after an update: test without add-ons and try the other maintained Proton branch. If the simulator itself changed, there may be no immediate Linux-side fix.
- Crash after adding scenery or aircraft: empty the Community folder and restore add-ons individually. Windows installers, licence managers and external companion processes are less likely to work than add-ons copied directly into the simulator.
Does the Game Pass or Microsoft Store version work on Linux?
The PC Game Pass and Microsoft Store versions are not viable local Proton installations because the Xbox app and supporting Windows gaming services are required. Owning one of those editions does not grant a separate Steam copy.
Cloud play may be available through a compatible browser if the Flight Simulator title, subscription and region are supported. Our explanation of the PC and cloud routes provided through Xbox Game Pass clarifies the entitlement differences, while the cloud-streaming connection and controller limitations are relevant before relying on it from Linux.
Cloud streaming avoids Proton and local hardware demands, but it introduces input latency and video compression. Local add-ons are unavailable, and many flight sticks, throttles, pedals and specialist panels cannot be passed through like a conventional PC installation.
Can you use add-ons, HOTAS controls or VR on Linux?
Simple add-ons and USB controllers may work, but every extra Windows component increases the chance of failure. Linux-recognised joysticks can usually be mapped inside the simulator, while manufacturer configuration software, force-feedback drivers, head tracking and external SimConnect utilities may need Windows.
Manually installed scenery and liveries have the best chance once the correct Community folder inside the Proton installation has been located. Add-ons requiring an executable installer, background service, external launcher or licence manager are less predictable.
VR adds the headset runtime, OpenXR translation and graphics overhead to an already unsupported setup. If VR is central to the plan, Windows dual boot is the sensible choice; our MSFS VR hardware and PC setup guidance covers the underlying requirements.
What is the best way to play MSFS on Ubuntu?
Choose Proton only if you own the Steam edition and accept that compatibility may regress. Choose Windows dual boot for dependable local performance, modifications, VR and full peripheral support. Choose cloud streaming when keeping the computer Linux-only matters more than add-ons, image quality and specialist controls.