Learn how to upgrade from MSFS 2020 to 2024, install both safely, and check which Marketplace, Community and settings content carries over.
There is no in-place upgrade from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. MSFS 2024 is a separate licence and installation: obtain the 2024 edition you want, install it alongside or instead of 2020, then recreate your settings and move only add-ons confirmed to work in the newer simulator.
Is MSFS 2024 a free upgrade from MSFS 2020?
No, owning MSFS 2020 does not automatically grant a Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 licence. You must buy MSFS 2024 separately or access it through a subscription that includes the simulator; temporary promotions do not change the underlying licensing model.
Your old edition also does not determine your new one. For example, owning MSFS 2020 Premium Deluxe does not grant the 2024-edition benefits of Premium Deluxe. Before buying, compare the practical differences between MSFS 2020 and 2024 and use our breakdown of the 2024 editions and purchase options.
What is the safest way to move from MSFS 2020 to 2024?
- Choose your platform and edition. Buy or activate MSFS 2024 through the platform you intend to use. Sign into the same Microsoft/Xbox account where possible, but do not assume licences will cross between every storefront or platform.
- Preserve your 2020 installation. Back up the MSFS 2020
Communityfolder, saved flight plans and any customised files. Take screenshots or notes of controller bindings because 2024 handles control profiles differently. - Install MSFS 2024 as a separate application. Do not select the existing 2020 package or Community folder as the new simulator's package location. Our instructions for running MSFS 2020 and 2024 on the same PC cover the folder and storage precautions.
- Start 2024 with no third-party add-ons. Configure graphics and controls, then fly a default aircraft from a default airport. This clean test separates simulator problems from incompatible packages.
- Check your in-sim content library. When signed into the correct account, eligible Marketplace purchases may appear in 2024. Some content is streamed or managed differently, while incompatible products may be unavailable until their publisher provides support.
- Add Community packages individually. Use a 2024-specific installer when one is available. If an older package is described only as compatible with MSFS 2020, do not assume that placing it in the new Community folder makes it safe.
- Keep 2020 until the migration is verified. Test your favourite aircraft, airports, utilities and peripherals before reclaiming its storage.
Which MSFS 2020 content transfers to MSFS 2024?
Some account entitlements and compatible add-ons can carry over, but installed files, settings and the MSFS 2020 base licence do not constitute a complete upgrade.
| Content | What to expect in MSFS 2024 | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| MSFS 2020 base simulator | Does not unlock MSFS 2024 | Obtain a separate 2024 licence or subscription entitlement |
| Marketplace purchases | Many eligible products appear when the correct account and supported platform are used, subject to compatibility and publisher restrictions | Check the 2024 content library before buying anything again |
| Community add-ons | Not copied automatically; compatibility varies by product | Install an updated version or test packages one at a time |
| Controller bindings and simulator settings | Should not be assumed to transfer cleanly | Create fresh profiles and reproduce only the settings you need |
| Official scenery and World Updates | Managed separately by MSFS 2024 and may be streamed rather than stored in the same way | Use the 2024 content system instead of copying old packages |
| Career progress and simulator-specific records | MSFS 2024 has its own progression systems | Do not uninstall 2020 solely on the assumption that every record has migrated |
Official packages and third-party scenery follow different update processes. Our explanation of updating World Updates, Marketplace products and Community scenery covers what should be downloaded again rather than copied.
Can MSFS 2020 and 2024 remain installed together?
Yes, MSFS 2020 and 2024 can remain on the same PC provided each simulator has its own installation, package and Community folders and there is enough storage.
A mistake we see constantly is pointing both simulators at one Community folder. That can produce duplicate packages, loading stalls or crashes because an add-on's manifests, dependencies and compiled modules may not support both versions. Keep the folders separate even when an aircraft or scenery package works in each simulator.
Console users cannot manually migrate PC Community-folder packages. MSFS 2020 was never released on PlayStation, so moving from a PC or Xbox installation to MSFS 2024 on PS5 is a new platform purchase rather than a direct upgrade; do not assume every add-on entitlement crosses platforms.
Why are add-ons missing or causing crashes after the move?
Most migration failures are caused by an account mismatch or by copying the entire MSFS 2020 Community folder into MSFS 2024.
- Marketplace purchase missing: confirm the account and platform, clear any library filters and check whether the publisher has marked the product as 2024-compatible before repurchasing it.
- Simulator hangs while loading: empty the 2024 Community folder and test again. Restore packages individually until the faulty add-on is identified.
- Aircraft has blank displays or broken systems: obtain its 2024-compatible release. Complex avionics, compiled modules and external applications are less likely to work through a simple folder copy.
- Controls are duplicated or unresponsive: create a clean device profile in 2024 instead of importing or reproducing every old binding at once.
- Performance is unexpectedly poor: begin with fresh graphics settings. A setting that suited MSFS 2020 may not have the same cost in 2024.
When should I uninstall MSFS 2020?
Uninstall MSFS 2020 only after MSFS 2024 is stable and your essential aircraft, scenery, controls and account purchases have been verified.
Before deleting leftover package folders, confirm that they belong to 2020 rather than 2024. The two installations can reside on the same drive, and deleting the wrong shared-looking parent folder may remove downloaded content from the simulator you intended to keep.