What is Microsoft Train Simulator, and does it still work on modern Windows?

Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) is the 2001 Windows railway simulator developed by Kuju and published by Microsoft, built around six routes, scripted activities and expandable rolling stock. It can still run on Windows 10 and 11, but the original engine usually needs its official update and compatibility fixes; Open Rails is generally more dependable.

What exactly is Microsoft Train Simulator?

MSTS is a stand-alone railway simulator from 2001, not the later Train Simulator Classic or Train Sim World. Its original package covers American, British, Austrian and Japanese railways, with passenger and freight activities, signalling, cab controls and editing tools.

The accessible file structure helped MSTS become a major add-on platform: routes, locomotives, consists, cab views, sounds and activities can all be added. Our background piece on the original MSTS release covers its stock routes and core simulation in more detail.

If you meant the later Steam-era simulator formerly called RailWorks, see our guide to the separate Train Simulator Classic. The two products use different engines and add-on formats.

Does Microsoft Train Simulator run on Windows 10 and 11?

Yes, the original MSTS executable can run on Windows 10 and Windows 11, although Microsoft did not design or support it for those systems. Success depends on the installation path, the official update, graphics-driver behaviour and the condition of the original installation media.

How do I install MSTS on a modern Windows PC?

The most reliable original-engine installation uses a short folder outside Windows' protected application directories, followed immediately by the official update.

1. Run the original installer as an administrator. Choose a full installation so the routes and supporting files are copied from both discs.
2. Use a simple custom folder. A path such as C:\MSTS avoids the write restrictions and VirtualStore redirection associated with Program Files. Those restrictions commonly break editors, saved activities and older add-on installers.
3. Apply the official update. Install our archived official-era version 1.2 update before adding third-party content. It supplies legacy fixes, improves stability and removes the routine need for the play disc at startup.
4. Test an original activity first. Start train.exe and load stock rolling stock on a default route. If that works, the base installation is sound.
5. Add compatibility options only when needed. If the program closes immediately or displays incorrectly, try an older Windows compatibility mode, disabling fullscreen optimisations or letting the application control high-DPI scaling. Change one setting at a time.
6. Back up the working folder. MSTS add-ons frequently overwrite shared files, so a clean copy is much faster to restore than a complete two-disc installation.

Why does MSTS fail to start on Windows 11?

Most Windows 11 failures come from obsolete disc checks, restricted folders, display handling or damaged add-on dependencies rather than insufficient PC performance.

• The installer does not open: run the first disc's setup program as an administrator and try an older Windows compatibility mode. No compatibility setting can repair unreadable or damaged media.
• The game requests a disc or closes at startup: confirm that the 1.2 update was installed over the correct MSTS folder. Avoid unknown replacement executables.
• Settings or activities will not save: reinstall outside Program Files, or correct the existing folder's write permissions.
• The screen is black, stretched or unstable: begin with a conservative resolution and test fullscreen optimisation and high-DPI options. The original renderer does not handle every modern GPU and widescreen configuration cleanly.
• A specific activity crashes: check for missing locomotives, consists, cab files, sounds and route dependencies. A working menu does not prove that every downloaded activity has all its required assets.

Should I use Open Rails instead of the original MSTS engine?

For most modern PCs, Open Rails is the better choice for regular driving because it is a separate engine designed to interpret MSTS-format content without relying on the ageing train.exe renderer. It generally handles modern resolutions, memory and graphics hardware more effectively.

• Choose original MSTS when exact activity timing, original physics or historical authenticity matters.
• Choose Open Rails when reliability, modern display support and heavier routes matter more.
• Keep both when possible. A route or activity that misbehaves in one engine may work correctly in the other.

Open Rails does not include Microsoft's copyrighted routes and rolling stock. It must be pointed towards legally obtained MSTS content or compatible stand-alone content, and it does not patch or modernise the original MSTS executable itself.

Can old MSTS trains and routes still be installed?

Yes, a large amount of MSTS freeware remains usable in the original simulator and Open Rails. Our MSTS locomotives and add-ons library provides compatible content, but each package's instructions and dependencies still matter.

Preserve the supplied folder structure: locomotives normally belong under TRAINS\TRAINSET, consists under TRAINS\CONSISTS, and routes under ROUTES. Some routes also require a particular GLOBAL\tsection.dat; replace that shared file only when the route's instructions require it, and back up the existing copy first.