Compare MSFS 2024 data usage with MSFS 2020, learn why cloud streaming uses more bandwidth, and reduce it on capped connections.
Yes—under comparable settings, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 generally uses more internet data than MSFS 2020. Both stream world scenery, photogrammetry, weather and traffic, but MSFS 2024 moves a larger share of scenery and some aircraft content through the cloud. Actual consumption varies sharply by route, altitude, cache and enabled online services.
Why does MSFS 2024 use more bandwidth?
MSFS 2024 is built around a smaller local installation and heavier on-demand delivery. MSFS 2020 also streams Bing world data and photogrammetry, but it retains more core simulator, aircraft and content-package data on the local drive.
That design exchanges storage space for network traffic. Our explanation of the storage-versus-bandwidth trade-off in both simulators covers the installation side of that equation.
| Data source | MSFS 2020 | MSFS 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| World scenery | Streams aerial imagery and photogrammetry when enabled | Streams world scenery with greater reliance on cloud delivery |
| Aircraft and supporting assets | More content is normally stored locally | More content may be delivered or updated on demand |
| Repeated flights | A rolling cache can reduce repeat downloads | Caching can help, but uncached content still requires streaming |
| Updates and add-ons | Separate downloads can be substantial | Separate downloads can also outweigh normal flight-session traffic |
Is MSFS 2024 always more data-hungry?
No. There is no reliable multiplier such as “twice as much data” that applies to every flight.
A low-altitude flight over detailed photogrammetry can consume far more than a high-altitude cruise over sparsely modelled terrain. These factors make the largest difference:
- Photogrammetry and world-detail settings: dense cities generate much more traffic than generic terrain.
- Route and altitude: flying low exposes more detailed scenery and textures.
- Rolling cache: revisiting cached areas can reduce repeat downloads.
- Live services: weather, multiplayer and traffic add traffic, although imagery is usually the larger contributor.
- Updates and library downloads: simulator patches and aircraft packages should not be confused with in-flight streaming.
MSFS 2024 with photogrammetry reduced can therefore use less data than MSFS 2020 running maximum online scenery settings. For practical usage ranges and the controls that affect them, see our detailed MSFS 2024 data-use guide.
How can you reduce MSFS 2024 data usage?
- Keep a rolling cache for familiar areas. Give it enough space and avoid clearing it routinely. If scenery begins loading incorrectly or the cache appears corrupted, rebuild it as a troubleshooting step.
- Reduce photogrammetry first. This usually saves more data than disabling lightweight services such as live weather.
- Use bandwidth and data limits. Apply the simulator's available data controls if your broadband plan has a monthly allowance.
- Store content locally where the simulator permits it. This uses more drive space but avoids repeatedly streaming the same eligible packages.
- Measure flights separately from updates. Reset your operating system or router counter after patches and library downloads, then compare the same route, aircraft, weather and scenery settings.
A mistake we see constantly is treating connection speed and monthly data allowance as the same thing. A fast connection improves loading and reduces scenery pop-in, but it does not make a restrictive data cap larger; our comparison of the connection speeds required by MSFS 2020 and 2024 explains that distinction.
Which simulator is better for a limited internet connection?
MSFS 2020 is generally the safer choice when predictable data use, local storage or offline operation matters more than the newer cloud-based design. It still loses streamed scenery and live features without connectivity, but more of its content can remain on the computer or console.
MSFS 2024 makes more sense with stable, uncapped broadband. It can be managed on a capped service by lowering online scenery quality and maintaining a cache, but doing so reduces some of the visual benefits of the newer simulator. If losing connectivity is the main concern, check what remains available when MSFS 2020 is configured for offline use.