Learn how to update Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 on Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox app or console, including Content Manager and update fixes.
To update Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, first install any launcher update through Steam, the Microsoft Store/Xbox app, or Xbox. Then start the simulator and let Installation Manager download the mandatory in-sim packages. Finally, open Content Manager to update optional aircraft, airports, and World Updates.
How to update Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
MSFS 2020 uses up to three separate update stages, so completing the platform download alone may not fully update the simulator.
| Platform | Where the first update appears | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store or Xbox app on PC | Microsoft Store Library or Xbox app | Check both applications and install any queued MSFS, Xbox app or Gaming Services updates. |
| Steam on PC | Steam Library or Downloads | Allow Steam to update the launcher before starting the simulator. |
| Xbox Series X|S | My games & apps, under Manage and Updates | Install the console title update, then start MSFS for any in-simulator download. |
- Close MSFS completely. On PC, also close any tools that connect to the simulator. Community add-ons can normally remain installed, but temporarily move or rename the
Communityfolder if a large update fails or the simulator will not reach the menu. - Install the platform update. Use the relevant method in the table above. If no update appears, restart the platform client and check its download queue again.
- Start Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Installation Manager should detect the mandatory package update and display its download size.
- Check the installation path before downloading. It should point to the existing Packages location whose contents include the
OfficialandCommunityfolders. An incorrect or empty destination can make an ordinary update look like a complete reinstall. - Download the mandatory packages. Keep the PC or console awake, leave adequate free storage space and avoid interrupting the simulator while individual package files are being installed.
- Update optional content. Once the main menu loads, open Profile and then Content Manager. Filter for available updates and install the aircraft, airports, bush trips and other packages you use.
- Restart and test the simulator. Load a default aircraft at a default airport before restoring any Community add-ons. This separates a simulator problem from an incompatible mod.
Why does MSFS 2020 download more than one update?
The platform, simulator core and optional content are updated through different systems. Steam, the Microsoft Store, the Xbox app or the console installs the executable and launcher update; Installation Manager handles mandatory simulator packages; Content Manager handles optional and Marketplace content.
This is why the platform may report that MSFS is up to date while the simulator still requests another download. It also explains why an update can finish successfully but leave an older World Update or aircraft package awaiting attention.
Why is the MSFS 2020 update not showing?
An update usually fails to appear because the platform client has stale account or download information, or because one part of the update chain has not been refreshed.
- Mandatory update but no platform download: fully close MSFS and its launcher, restart the computer or console, then check that the same Microsoft account is signed in throughout. Our instructions for resolving the MSFS mandatory-update loop cover the remaining account and platform checks.
- Stuck on Checking for updates: temporarily empty the
Communityfolder, confirm the launcher is updated and refresh the Xbox account session. See our focused fixes for MSFS 2020 being stuck while checking for updates. - Unexpectedly huge download: stop before confirming it and inspect the Packages installation path. Selecting an empty folder causes Installation Manager to fetch the simulator again instead of patching the existing installation.
- Download repeats or resets: check free space on both the package drive and system drive, disable sleep temporarily and remove VPN or restrictive firewall filtering. The counter can repeat while different package files are processed, so confirm that filenames or the total downloaded amount have genuinely stopped changing.
- Simulator fails after updating: launch with an empty
Communityfolder. Restore add-ons in small groups and replace any package that is no longer compatible with the updated simulator.
Do World Updates and add-ons update automatically?
Optional World Updates, Marketplace packages and Community add-ons do not all update with the main simulator. Open Content Manager after each core update and apply the available package updates there.
World Updates may also require a separate free Marketplace installation before their regional content appears; our guide to updating World Updates and scenery packages explains that process. Files placed manually in the Community folder must be replaced manually rather than through Content Manager.
Navigation data follows its own update process and may come from the simulator or an installed data provider. If procedures, waypoints or AIRAC information are the real problem, use the separate instructions for updating Microsoft Flight Simulator navdata rather than reinstalling the simulator.