Microsoft Flight Simulator add-on aircraft work on Xbox only through approved Xbox Marketplace releases. See compatibility checks and common fixes.
Yes, but only add-on aircraft distributed through Microsoft Flight Simulator’s in-sim Marketplace or official content system and explicitly supported on Xbox. PC aircraft installed through the Community folder, ZIP downloads, USB storage or external installers do not work on Xbox, even when the same aircraft works in the PC version.
Which add-on aircraft work on Xbox?
An aircraft is usable only when its exact product listing supports Xbox and the relevant simulator generation, either Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Being sold in the Marketplace on PC does not by itself prove Xbox compatibility.
| Aircraft source | Works on Xbox? |
|---|---|
| Aircraft included with the Xbox edition | Yes |
| Marketplace aircraft marked for Xbox | Yes |
| Marketplace aircraft released only for PC | No |
| Community-folder aircraft or downloaded ZIP files | No |
| Aircraft requiring an external executable to operate | No, unless the Xbox release has been adapted to work without it |
The developer’s name or the aircraft’s price does not determine compatibility; the exact package does. Our example covering PMDG aircraft on Xbox shows why individual releases must be checked rather than assuming a developer’s whole catalogue will work.
How do I check whether an aircraft supports Xbox?
Check the product information before buying, paying particular attention to platform, simulator version and dependencies.
- Confirm the platform: the exact aircraft must list Xbox compatibility, not merely Microsoft Flight Simulator compatibility.
- Check the simulator version: Xbox support for an MSFS 2020 package does not automatically guarantee an MSFS 2024 version, or vice versa.
- Identify the product type: a livery, sound pack or systems enhancement is not a complete flyable aircraft and may require another aircraft package.
- Read the dependencies: make sure any required base aircraft is included with your edition or separately owned.
Freeware follows the same platform restriction. Our guide to free Xbox-compatible aircraft and add-ons in MSFS 2024 explains where free content must come from.
Can I install downloaded aircraft files on Xbox?
No—Xbox does not expose the simulator’s Community folder, so downloaded aircraft cannot be copied across from a PC, extracted from a ZIP file or installed from USB storage. Renaming or repackaging the files does not bypass that restriction.
The approved in-sim distribution route is the key difference between the platforms; our explanation of why PC mods cannot be sideloaded onto Xbox covers the limitation in more detail. Compatible aircraft are acquired through the Marketplace and then managed through the simulator’s content library. For the newer simulator, follow our MSFS 2024 Xbox Marketplace installation steps.
Will an aircraft bought on PC transfer to Xbox?
A Marketplace entitlement may appear on Xbox when the same Microsoft or Xbox account is used and that exact package supports Xbox. A purchase made directly from a developer, or a free aircraft placed in the PC Community folder, does not become an Xbox Marketplace entitlement.
Platform compatibility and simulator-version compatibility are separate checks. Owning an aircraft for MSFS 2020 on PC does not guarantee that its MSFS 2024 package is included, upgraded or available on Xbox.
Why is my Xbox aircraft not showing up?
Most missing-aircraft problems come from account, installation or dependency issues rather than the aircraft selector itself.
- Confirm that Xbox is using the account which bought or claimed the aircraft.
- Check the content library to ensure the package is owned, available and enabled rather than merely purchased.
- Verify that the product supports both Xbox and the MSFS version being run.
- Check whether it is only a livery or enhancement requiring a separate base aircraft.
- Clear aircraft-selection filters and look under the base model, as some products appear as variants.
- Fully close and restart the simulator after an installation or update so its content catalogue refreshes.
If the package still does not appear, check for a pending simulator or aircraft update before removing it. Reinstalling should be a later step, not the first response, because it will not fix an incompatible PC-only package.