MSFS 2020 Marketplace not working? Fix greyed-out access, failed purchases and missing owned content on PC or Xbox without reinstalling the sim.
The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Marketplace usually stops working because Online Functionality is disabled, Xbox network authentication has expired, the simulator or store client needs updating, or Microsoft’s Marketplace service is unavailable. Re-enable data services, confirm every app uses the purchasing account, update and restart, then troubleshoot purchases separately from missing installations.
The symptom matters. A greyed-out Marketplace, a rejected payment and purchased content that does not appear are three different faults, so reinstalling the entire simulator is rarely the right first response.
What does each Marketplace symptom mean?
| Symptom | Likely cause | First action |
|---|---|---|
| Marketplace is greyed out | Online Functionality is off, authentication has expired, or online services are unavailable | Check Data settings, then restart and sign in again |
| Marketplace opens but will not load | Service interruption, network filtering, stale session or outdated client | Fully close the simulator, update it and test the connection again |
| Purchase fails or remains pending | Store authentication, payment authorisation or an unavailable billing service | Do not submit repeated purchases; verify the transaction first |
| Item says Owned but is missing | The entitlement exists, but the package is not installed or enabled | Install it through Content Manager |
| Download repeatedly fails | Insufficient storage, interrupted connectivity or a damaged partial package | Free space, restart and retry the package from Content Manager |
How do I restore a greyed-out or unavailable Marketplace?
- Quit Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 completely. On Xbox, use the console’s Quit command rather than resuming an old Quick Resume session. On PC, close the simulator and its store or launcher before reopening them.
- Enable Online Functionality. In MSFS 2020, open General Options, select Data and make sure Online Functionality is on. If Data Limitation is enabled and its allowance has been reached, raise or disable that limit. Apply the changes before returning to the main menu.
- Check the signed-in profile. The Microsoft/Xbox profile displayed inside the simulator must be the profile associated with the purchase. On a Microsoft Store installation, also inspect the Microsoft Store and Xbox app sign-ins; mismatched accounts can allow the simulator to launch while Marketplace billing fails. Steam users should keep Steam running and allow its purchase window or overlay to open.
- Install pending updates. Update MSFS 2020 and the platform client used to launch it. Microsoft Store users should also update the Xbox app and Gaming Services. A client that is behind the required simulator build may connect to some online features but fail to open the Marketplace correctly.
- Rule out a connection problem. Restart the router, set the device’s date and time automatically, and temporarily disable a VPN or proxy. Make sure security software is not blocking the simulator, Xbox services or the store client.
- Test without add-ons. Temporarily rename or empty the
Communityfolder, then relaunch. Do not delete theOfficialfolder: that is where managed simulator and Marketplace packages reside. - Clear only the relevant cache. Delete and rebuild the rolling cache through the simulator’s Data settings if menus or online data remain stuck. For a Microsoft Store billing window that will not open, close the simulator and run
wsreset.exein Windows. Neither action removes an account entitlement.
If the Marketplace alone reports that it is unavailable after these checks, the fault may be on the service side. Repeated account changes, package deletion and a complete reinstall will not repair an outage. Wait and retry after a fresh launch.
Xbox users who also have launch, entitlement or add-on problems should use our Xbox-specific checks for sign-in, services and installed content.
Why does Buy & Download fail or remain pending?
A Marketplace purchase can fail even while browsing works because the catalogue, payment authorisation and package download are separate services. First check whether the platform recorded a completed, pending, cancelled or failed transaction.
- Pending: do not buy the item again. Fully close MSFS 2020, allow the transaction time to resolve, then reopen the Marketplace with the same account.
- Cancelled or failed: confirm the payment method, account region and store authentication. Steam users should verify that its payment overlay can open; Microsoft Store and Xbox users should check the account used by the store.
- Charged but not owned: restart the simulator and inspect the item and Content Manager again. If the transaction is complete but the entitlement remains absent, retain the order details and raise the issue with the platform that processed the payment.
For a transaction that is specifically being suspended or cancelled, follow our focused Marketplace purchase and account checks. Our explanation of Marketplace purchasing and platform restrictions also helps when deciding whether content can be installed where you intend to use it.
Why is purchased Marketplace content missing?
An Owned label confirms the entitlement, not necessarily the installation. Open Profile, enter Content Manager, search for the product and remove filters that could hide uninstalled packages. Select the item or its individual components and start the download if its status is Not Installed.
Check available storage before retrying. Large aircraft and scenery packages may contain several components, and an interrupted download can leave only part of the product installed. Restart MSFS 2020 after installation if the aircraft, livery or scenery still does not appear.
Marketplace packages are managed inside the simulator and should not be copied manually into Community. For the installation and visibility checks that apply specifically to aircraft, see our guide to installing and finding add-on aircraft.
Should I reinstall Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020?
Reinstall only after account, service, update and Content Manager checks have failed and the core simulator installation is demonstrably damaged. A reinstall does not repair a server outage, rejected payment or missing account entitlement, and it can force a very large package download.
Before reinstalling, use the platform’s repair or file-verification option where available and keep a record of the active account and installed add-ons. Never delete the Official package tree merely to refresh the Marketplace; doing so removes managed content rather than fixing the catalogue or billing connection.