Compare the PMDG 737 in MSFS 2024 and 2020: native builds, systems, handling, visuals, installation, liveries and purchase caveats.
The PMDG 737 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a separate, native package rather than the MSFS 2020 aircraft copied into a new Community folder. Its cockpit workflow and deep 737 systems remain familiar, but installation, simulator integration, flight-model tuning, visuals, updates and add-on compatibility differ; ownership terms can also vary by package.
PMDG 737 differences between MSFS 2024 and MSFS 2020
The biggest change is the underlying simulator-specific build, not a wholesale change to how a Boeing 737 is operated.
| Area | MSFS 2020 version | MSFS 2024 version |
|---|---|---|
| Product architecture | Built and maintained for the MSFS 2020 SDK and package system. | A separate package adapted for the MSFS 2024 SDK and simulator architecture. |
| Installation | Installed into or registered with MSFS 2020 through the supported installer or in-simulator content system. | Must be installed for MSFS 2024; copying the 2020 aircraft folder is not a proper installation. |
| Systems and cockpit workflow | The established PMDG simulation of the FMC, autoflight, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. | The same core 737 operating logic, with code and interfaces adapted for the newer simulator. |
| Flight and ground behaviour | Tuned around the MSFS 2020 flight model, atmosphere and ground handling. | Retuned or integrated with MSFS 2024 aerodynamics, surface interaction and ground-handling behaviour. |
| Graphics | Uses the rendering, lighting and material capabilities available in MSFS 2020. | Can use MSFS 2024-native rendering and material features, although the visible improvement varies by model and build. |
| Liveries and utilities | Requires files made for the 2020 package structure. | Requires explicit MSFS 2024 support; older paints and utilities should not be assumed compatible. |
| Updates and settings | Receives updates for the 2020 product branch. | Uses its own product branch, installation target and version-specific configuration files. |
“PMDG 737” also means a family of products rather than one universal download. The 737-600, -700, -800 and -900 can have separate packages, release states and entitlements, so compare the same variant in both simulators. Our breakdown of PMDG aircraft supported in MSFS 2024 identifies which 737 packages belong in the newer simulator.
What stays the same in both versions?
The normal cockpit procedures remain broadly transferable between the MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 editions.
You still prepare the aircraft, configure the CDU, initialise the route and performance data, manage the mode control panel, monitor the flight-mode annunciator and use the same underlying Boeing systems logic. Moving to the 2024 edition should not require relearning the aircraft from scratch.
Some apparent differences are actually variant differences. A 737-700 and 737-800 have different dimensions, weights and performance, while cargo, business-jet and airline configurations can expose different options. Compare like with like before attributing a change to the simulator.
Does the PMDG 737 fly differently in MSFS 2024?
It can feel different in MSFS 2024 because the simulator itself handles aerodynamics, ground contact and environmental interaction differently.
The changes are most likely to be noticed during taxi, crosswind control, rotation, flare, touchdown and rollout rather than in basic FMC operation. Native aircraft tuning also matters, so a difference in feel is not automatically evidence that one version is more or less accurate. Our comparison of MSFS 2020 and 2024 flight dynamics separates these simulator-level changes from aircraft-specific behaviour.
For a fair comparison, use the same 737 variant, loading, centre of gravity, weather, assists and controller sensitivity. A mistake we see constantly is comparing a lightly loaded -700 in calm conditions with a heavier -800 in gusty weather, then treating the result as a version difference.
Can MSFS 2020 liveries and saved states be reused?
Do not assume that PMDG 737 liveries, panel states or configuration files made for MSFS 2020 will work unchanged in MSFS 2024.
- Liveries: use a release specifically labelled for the native MSFS 2024 package. A 2020 paint may depend on different model, texture or layout definitions.
- Panel states: version-specific references can prevent an old state from loading correctly or leave switches and systems in unexpected conditions.
- Aircraft options: re-enter important equipment and operational settings unless an official migration process explicitly supports them.
- Third-party utilities: confirm that the utility supports both MSFS 2024 and the exact PMDG package version.
A livery appearing in the aircraft selector does not prove full compatibility. Missing textures, an incorrect model, mismatched registrations or crashes during loading are all signs that an older package has been forced into the wrong version.
How should the MSFS 2024 version be installed?
Install the PMDG 737 as an MSFS 2024 product using its supported delivery method, not by moving the complete aircraft folder from MSFS 2020.
- Confirm the variant: check that the installer or content entitlement covers the required 737-600, -700, -800 or -900 package.
- Select MSFS 2024: use the proper simulator target offered by the installer or in-simulator content system.
- Start clean: remove conflicting compatibility copies and test the aircraft before adding liveries or utilities.
- Add compatible extras: install only paints and tools explicitly supporting the native 2024 aircraft.
Our native PMDG 737 installation procedure for MSFS 2024 covers the installation checks and common package conflicts in more detail.
Do existing owners need to buy the PMDG 737 again?
There is no universal yes-or-no answer because entitlement depends on the variant, original purchase channel and the upgrade policy attached to that product.
Check the account or in-simulator listing associated with the original purchase. Do not assume that owning a 2020 package creates an automatic 2024 entitlement, or that purchases made through different storefronts are interchangeable. The same caution applies when moving between PC and console.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is available on PC and Xbox, while MSFS 2024 is also available on PlayStation 5. That does not guarantee the PMDG 737 is sold on every simulator platform: console availability depends on an approved in-simulator release, and console users cannot manually install a PC Community-folder package.
Which PMDG 737 version should you choose?
Choose the version built for the simulator you intend to keep using rather than forcing the MSFS 2020 aircraft into MSFS 2024.
- Stay with MSFS 2020 if your established PMDG setup, liveries and supporting utilities already work reliably and the newer simulator offers no essential benefit for your flying.
- Use the native MSFS 2024 version if you are moving to that simulator and want the supported installation, ongoing compatibility and integration with its flight and rendering systems.
- Wait before switching if a required variant, livery, hardware utility or platform edition has not yet gained explicit MSFS 2024 support.
The 2024 edition is the sensible long-term choice for an MSFS 2024 installation, but it is not automatically a reason to abandon a stable 2020 setup. Our PMDG 737 buying comparison across both simulators covers the broader value decision, variant choice and platform limitations.