Where can I find safe free add-ons for MSFS?

Find safe free add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator through an established, curated library such as Fly Away Simulation. Match every download to MSFS 2020 or MSFS 2024, check its dependencies and user notes, scan the archive, and avoid unexpected executables. Console users must obtain add-ons through the in-simulator Marketplace.

Where should I download free MSFS add-ons?

The safest starting point is a long-running library that identifies the add-on, supported simulator and installation method before presenting the download. Our MSFS freeware library for aircraft, scenery, liveries and utilities separates Microsoft Flight Simulator content from downloads intended for older simulators.

A reputable listing should explain what the file changes, identify any required base aircraft or scenery libraries, and distinguish MSFS 2020 from MSFS 2024. A mistake we see constantly is downloading an attractive livery without noticing that it requires a separate aircraft model.

Safety and quality are separate questions: a harmless file can still be outdated or poorly made. If choosing what to install is the problem, use our hand-picked examples of worthwhile free MSFS mods as a shortlist rather than installing dozens of packages at once.

How can I tell whether a free MSFS add-on is safe?

No download source can replace basic file checks, so verify the listing, archive and extracted contents before placing anything in Microsoft Flight Simulator.

1. Confirm the simulator and platform. Look for an explicit MSFS 2020 or MSFS 2024 label. Community-folder downloads are for PC, not Xbox or PlayStation.
2. Read the requirements. Check for dependencies, required default aircraft, additional libraries and special installation instructions. Missing dependencies can cause invisible scenery, blank instruments or aircraft that never finish loading.
3. Scan the download. Run the compressed archive and extracted files through up-to-date antivirus protection. For a fuller process, follow our archive and installer safety checklist.
4. Inspect the contents. A conventional Community package normally has manifest.json and layout.json inside its package folder. Utilities may use executables, but a simple livery or scenery package should not unexpectedly demand administrator access.
5. Install one add-on at a time. Launch the simulator and test it before adding another package. If loading stalls or menus stop responding, remove the new package and retest.
6. Keep the original archive and instructions. They make it easier to identify the package, restore missing files or perform a clean update later.

Red flags in MSFS freeware

• A livery or scenery archive asks you to disable antivirus protection.
• The download contains an unexplained password, crack, key generator or repackaged commercial content.
• An installer attempts to modify Windows system folders or the simulator's protected official-package directory without a clear reason.
• The file name, described add-on and extracted contents do not match.
• The instructions promise compatibility with every simulator version but provide no separate requirements or testing information.

An executable is not automatically malicious; some flight-planning tools, traffic programs and complex utilities need one. It does warrant closer inspection because it can make system changes that an ordinary Community package cannot.

Will MSFS 2020 add-ons work in MSFS 2024?

No—do not assume an MSFS 2020 add-on will work correctly in MSFS 2024 unless its author or listing confirms compatibility.

Simple liveries and scenery packages may transfer more easily, while aircraft with custom avionics, compiled modules, animations or flight-model changes are more likely to require an update. Even when an add-on loads, check cockpit displays, controls, sounds and performance before treating it as compatible.

Use a dedicated download when separate 2020 and 2024 packages are offered. Do not merge them or leave two editions of the same package in the Community folder. Aircraft require extra care, and our checks for safe freeware aircraft downloads cover model dependencies and simulator-version labels in more detail.

Can I install free add-ons on Xbox or PlayStation?

Only the PC editions of Microsoft Flight Simulator allow ordinary external downloads to be installed through the Community folder.

Xbox and PlayStation users cannot download a ZIP archive on another device and copy it into the simulator. Availability also varies by platform, so a free PC package may have no console edition. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was never released for PlayStation.

A low-risk PC installation routine

The safest installation method is to extract and inspect the package outside the simulator, then place only the correct package folder in the Community folder.

1. Close Microsoft Flight Simulator. This prevents partially loaded packages and locked files.
2. Extract the archive elsewhere. Do not run MSFS directly against a compressed ZIP, RAR or 7Z file.
3. Find the real package folder. Open any wrapper folders until you reach the folder containing manifest.json and layout.json. Copy that folder, not the entire chain of nested folders.
4. Use the correct Community folder. Its location depends on the simulator edition, installation service and any custom package path selected during setup.
5. Remove an older copy before updating. Two versions of the same package can create duplicate scenery, conflicting liveries or unexplained loading failures.
6. Test before adding more. If a problem appears, removing the single new package gives you a clear diagnosis instead of a large Community-folder search.