Learn when MSFS 2024 scenery works in MSFS 2020, why 2024-only packages fail, and how to check compatibility without breaking your install.
Usually not. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 scenery is not reliably backward-compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. A package works in both only when its developer built and tested it for both simulators, or deliberately retained 2020-compatible assets and packaging. Treat anything labelled “MSFS 2024 only” as incompatible with MSFS 2020.
Why does MSFS 2024 scenery fail in MSFS 2020?
MSFS 2024 scenery can use package metadata, object types, materials and simulator services that MSFS 2020 does not understand. Copying the folder into the older simulator cannot add support for those features.
Compatibility is asymmetric: an older package may work in a newer simulator because support for earlier formats has been retained, but MSFS 2020 cannot anticipate features introduced for 2024. Our explanation of how MSFS 2020 add-ons behave in MSFS 2024 covers that forward-compatibility case.
An incompatible package may not appear at all, or it may produce missing buildings, incorrect terrain, broken materials, faulty lighting or a loading crash. Even when an airport opens, elevation, exclusions, parking positions and objects can behave differently because the two simulators do not use identical base scenery and world data.
How can I tell whether scenery supports both simulators?
The developer’s stated compatibility is the deciding factor, not the upload date or a folder name containing “2024”. Look for an explicit reference to MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024, or both.
| Compatibility label | Use in MSFS 2020? |
|---|---|
| MSFS 2024 only | No |
| MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 | Yes; use the supplied 2020 build if separate versions are included |
| MSFS 2020 only | Yes |
| No simulator version stated | Assume it is unsupported until the documentation confirms otherwise |
Some downloads contain separate 2020 and 2024 packages. Install only the 2020 package in MSFS 2020; placing both versions in the Community folder can create duplicate airport definitions and scenery conflicts. We explain the version checks in more detail when discussing how to identify compatible freeware airport scenery.
Can I safely test MSFS 2024 scenery in MSFS 2020?
PC users can test an uncertain freeware package, but this is a compatibility check rather than a conversion method.
- Keep the simulator installations separate. Do not share one Community folder between MSFS 2020 and 2024 through a shortcut or symbolic link.
- Disable competing scenery. Temporarily remove other packages for the same airport or region so they cannot hide the result.
- Install only the uncertain package. Place it in the MSFS 2020 Community folder, checking that extraction has not created an unnecessary extra folder level.
- Inspect more than the terminal. Check runways, terrain, taxi signs, parking positions, lighting and nearby objects during both day and night.
- Remove it after any failure. If MSFS 2020 stalls, crashes while loading the area or shows missing assets, close the simulator and delete the package from Community.
Do not copy packages out of the simulator’s Official folder. Marketplace content may be encrypted, licensed and delivered as a simulator-specific build. If an owned product is offered inside MSFS 2020, install that version through the simulator rather than transplanting its MSFS 2024 files. Consoles do not provide the ordinary PC Community-folder sideloading method.
Can MSFS 2024 scenery be converted to MSFS 2020?
A compiled 2024-only scenery package cannot normally be converted by an end user. Renaming folders or editing package metadata does not replace unsupported assets and features.
A proper conversion requires the original scenery project, removal or replacement of 2024-specific elements, and a new build made with tools and settings suitable for MSFS 2020. The author must then test both versions. Our guide to building one scenery project for both simulators explains why a dual-compatible release needs deliberate development rather than a simple file copy.
Our practical rule is simple: use a dedicated MSFS 2020 download whenever one exists. If the scenery is advertised only for MSFS 2024, wait for an official 2020 build or choose an alternative designed for the older simulator.