Do MSFS 2020 liveries work in MSFS 2024?
Some MSFS 2020 liveries work in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but compatibility is not automatic. A livery is most likely to work when MSFS 2024 uses the same aircraft package, model and texture mapping. Liveries for rebuilt aircraft, different variants or outdated add-ons usually need an author-supplied update.
Which MSFS 2020 liveries are most likely to work?
Compatibility depends on the underlying aircraft package rather than the aircraft name shown in the selection screen. Two aircraft can share the same type and airline paint scheme while using different internal package names, models and texture layouts.
| 2020 livery situation | Likely result in MSFS 2024 |
|---|---|
| Same third-party aircraft and exact variant | Often works if that aircraft itself supports MSFS 2024 |
| Same aircraft name but a rebuilt 2024 model | Usually needs a new livery |
| Different engine, fuselage or cabin variant | May not appear or may display misaligned textures |
| Livery supplied through an installer | May require an updated installer or package |
| Author explicitly lists MSFS 2024 support | Best choice, provided the stated aircraft variant matches |
A traditional MSFS 2020 Community livery can reference its base aircraft through files such as aircraft.cfg and texture.cfg. If the expected aircraft path changed in MSFS 2024, the livery may be ignored even though all its texture files are present.
The same principle affects more than repaints. Our explanation of how MSFS 2020 add-on compatibility carries into MSFS 2024 covers aircraft, scenery and other package types, while the aircraft and package changes between the two simulators explain why support must be checked product by product.
How should I test a 2020 livery in MSFS 2024?
Install and test one livery at a time in MSFS 2024's active Community folder rather than copying your complete 2020 add-on collection.
- Confirm the aircraft and variant. Match the developer, aircraft model, engine option and any passenger, cargo or special variant named by the livery author.
- Extract the package correctly. The folder containing package files such as
manifest.jsonandlayout.jsonshould not be buried inside an extra duplicate folder. - Use the MSFS 2024 Community folder. Do not assume the MSFS 2020 folder is also read by the newer simulator. Our installation and Community-folder checks for liveries cover the different PC installations.
- Start the simulator and select the exact aircraft. Check whether the repaint appears among that aircraft's available liveries.
- Inspect the whole model. Look at the fuselage, wings, tail, engines, cockpit exterior and registration markings before starting a normal flight.
- Remove the package if it causes trouble. A livery should not be left installed if it produces missing textures, unusually long loading or instability.
On Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, loose PC Community-folder packages cannot be copied into the simulator. Console users need a compatible version distributed through the simulator's supported in-sim content system.
Why does the livery not appear or look broken?
The failure symptom usually identifies whether the problem is installation, an aircraft dependency or changed texture mapping.
The livery does not appear
A missing livery commonly points to the wrong Community folder, an extra nested folder, an unavailable base aircraft or an internal aircraft reference that changed in MSFS 2024. Also check for two packages using the same package identity or duplicate livery title, because one can mask the other.
The aircraft is pink, blank or partly untextured
Pink, blank or missing surfaces mean the model cannot find one or more required texture files or fallback textures. Reinstall a clean copy first; if that fails, treat the package as incompatible rather than renaming files at random.
Logos and stripes are distorted
Distorted artwork means the 2024 aircraft uses different geometry or UV mapping. Configuration edits cannot repair artwork painted for a different texture layout; the repaint must be recreated with the correct 2024 model and paint kit.
The wrong aircraft variant receives the livery
This happens when a package references a related model rather than the intended variant. A livery made for one engine, fuselage length or equipment configuration should not be assumed to fit another, even when both appear under the same aircraft family.
Can I convert an incompatible MSFS 2020 livery?
A simple package correction can sometimes restore a livery, but model or texture-layout changes require a proper repaint. Updating a base-aircraft reference or rebuilding a package index may help when the textures already match; changing only the simulator version in a manifest will not convert incompatible artwork.
The safest solution is an author-supplied MSFS 2024 release. If no update exists, conversion requires the correct paint kit, knowledge of the target aircraft's package structure and permission before distributing another creator's textures. Keep the original 2020 package untouched so it can be restored if an attempted personal conversion fails.