Compare MSFS 2020 on Steam and Microsoft Store, including Game Pass, Xbox access, updates, add-ons, file access and licence transfer.
Choose Steam for a PC-only copy if you prefer Steam’s library and easier access to simulator files. Choose the Microsoft Store version for PC Game Pass, Xbox Play Anywhere or one digital licence across PC and Xbox Series X|S. Flight performance, aircraft and core simulation features are otherwise the same.
Steam vs Microsoft Store at a glance
The choice changes how Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is licensed, installed and updated, not the simulation itself. Both PC editions require a Microsoft/Xbox account and connect to the same multiplayer services.
| Consideration | Steam | Microsoft Store/Xbox app |
|---|---|---|
| Base licence | PC licence tied to the purchasing Steam account | Digital purchase supports Xbox Play Anywhere on PC and Xbox Series X|S |
| Game Pass | Not included | Available through the Xbox app while the relevant Game Pass entitlement remains active |
| Required accounts | Steam account plus Microsoft/Xbox sign-in | Microsoft/Xbox account |
| Updates | Steam updates the launcher; MSFS downloads many packages inside the simulator | Microsoft Store or Xbox app updates the launcher; MSFS downloads many packages inside the simulator |
| Application files | Conventional Steam library structure | Main application is normally inside the protected WindowsApps system |
| Community add-ons | Supported through the Community folder | Supported through the Community folder |
| Multiplayer and performance | Same services and no inherent frame-rate advantage | Same services and no inherent frame-rate advantage |
Which version should you buy?
Most PC-only users should choose the storefront they already use, while anyone planning to fly on both PC and Xbox should favour the Microsoft Store edition.
- Choose Steam if all your flying will be on PC, you manage your games through Steam, or you need more conventional access to the application directory.
- Choose Microsoft Store if you use PC Game Pass, own an Xbox Series X|S, or want the Xbox Play Anywhere entitlement attached to a digital purchase.
- Keep the version you already own if you are considering switching for better performance or add-on compatibility. Rebuying through the other storefront will not improve frame rates or unlock a different simulator.
Game Pass provides access rather than permanent ownership. If that access ends, separately owned add-ons do not provide a licence to launch the base simulator.
Does Steam run Microsoft Flight Simulator better?
No, the Steam and Microsoft Store editions use the same simulation engine, graphics options, aircraft systems and online scenery services. With the same build, settings and installed packages, neither storefront has an inherent performance advantage.
The download process can make them appear different. Steam or the Microsoft Store may report that its part of the installation is complete while MSFS still needs to fetch mandatory packages from inside the simulator. Our explanation of the separate Steam and Microsoft Store installation routes covers this two-stage process.
A Steam-specific trap is that time spent running the MSFS launcher while it downloads packages can be recorded as playtime. A lengthy initial download may therefore affect Steam’s automated refund assessment before the user has completed a flight.
Can both versions use the same MSFS add-ons?
Yes, both PC editions can load compatible aircraft, scenery and utilities from the Community folder. The Microsoft Store version is not restricted to Marketplace products.
The folder location is the usual source of confusion. MSFS can place its Packages directory on a custom drive, and an old Community folder may remain after a reinstall. Check the InstalledPackagesPath entry in UserCfg.opt, or use our guide to locate the active Packages and Community folders.
Install ordinary manual packages in Community, not Official. Marketplace content is managed by the simulator and may be encrypted, so it should not be treated like an editable Community package.
Is Steam easier for file access?
Steam makes the main executable and application directory easier to inspect, but both editions provide access to the folders needed for normal Community add-ons. The Microsoft Store application is protected by Windows; taking ownership of WindowsApps just to reach it can break permissions and future updates.
If a utility specifically asks for the simulator binary, check where each edition places the MSFS executable and why Store access is restricted rather than changing system-folder permissions.
Can you move from Microsoft Store to Steam later?
Not without acquiring another base-game licence. A Microsoft Store purchase does not unlock the Steam edition, and a Steam purchase does not unlock the Microsoft Store PC edition or Xbox version.
Storefront-bought Standard, Deluxe and Premium Deluxe entitlements also remain tied to their purchasing platform. Marketplace purchases are normally associated with the Microsoft/Xbox account used inside MSFS, but access can still depend on that product being offered for the destination platform. Manually installed add-ons must be reinstalled, and commercial products remain subject to their own licence terms.
Before changing storefronts, distinguish the base licence, edition content, Marketplace products and ordinary Community packages. Our breakdown of Marketplace purchases versus manually installed PC add-ons explains the restrictions.
Common mistakes when choosing or installing
- Assuming Steam removes the Microsoft login: it does not. Steam launches the simulator, but MSFS still requires a Microsoft/Xbox account.
- Signing into the wrong Xbox account: the Steam email address and Microsoft account need not match. Using a different gamertag can make cloud data and eligible Marketplace purchases appear missing.
- Watching only one updater: launcher updates come from Steam, Microsoft Store or the Xbox app, while aircraft and world packages may update inside MSFS.
- Using a stale Community folder: add-on installers can target an old default path after the Packages directory has been moved to another drive.
- Buying twice for better mod support: both PC versions support Community packages. Steam mainly offers easier application-file access; it does not provide a different add-on format.