FSX aircraft add-ons do not install directly in MSFS 2020 or 2024. Learn why, what conversion involves and which replacement to choose.
No. FSX aircraft add-ons cannot be installed directly in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or 2024. Their models, gauges, effects, sounds and package structure use incompatible technology. A developer can rebuild or convert an aircraft with the MSFS SDK and suitable source files, but copying its FSX folder into Community will not work.
Why do FSX aircraft not work in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
FSX and modern Microsoft Flight Simulator use different rendering, systems, packaging and add-on architectures. Our breakdown of the technical differences between FSX and modern MSFS explains the wider platform changes.
A typical FSX aircraft contains files such as aircraft.cfg, an .air file, compiled model files and separate panel, texture, sound and effects folders. MSFS aircraft must be built as proper packages, normally including manifest.json and layout.json, with models, systems and assets prepared for the newer simulator.
| Method | What happens | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Copy the FSX aircraft folder into Community | The aircraft is not recognised, or appears as an incomplete and unusable package. | Do not use this method. |
| Run the old FSX installer | It searches for an FSX installation path and registry entries; it does not convert the aircraft. | Install only into FSX. |
| Use an automated conversion tool | It may provide a rough developer starting point, but complex systems, gauges and animations usually remain broken. | Suitable only for authorised development work. |
| Install an MSFS-native edition | You receive the correct package structure and systems for the intended simulator. | This is the practical choice for most users. |
Can an FSX aircraft be converted to MSFS?
An FSX aircraft can be converted only through substantial development work; there is no reliable one-click conversion for a complete, flyable add-on. The developer normally needs the original source assets, permission from the copyright holder and access to the MSFS SDK.
A proper conversion may require:
- converting or rebuilding the exterior and cockpit models;
- recreating materials, lighting and animations;
- replacing FSX gauges, especially old 32-bit DLL gauges;
- rewriting aircraft systems and cockpit interactions;
- rebuilding effects and sound behaviour;
- translating and retuning the flight model;
- creating the required MSFS package files and testing dependencies.
A mistake we see constantly is treating a compiled FSX model as if it were an editable source project. It is not. Payware encryption and licence restrictions can also make conversion technically or legally impossible without the original developer's involvement.
Does the MSFS Legacy flight model add FSX compatibility?
No. A Legacy flight-model option does not make FSX aircraft packages load in MSFS. It concerns how compatible aerodynamic data is interpreted; it does not convert models, panels, gauges, sounds, effects or package files.
Even if some values from aircraft.cfg or the flight-dynamics files can inform a conversion, the rest of the aircraft still has to be rebuilt and packaged correctly.
What should I install instead?
Use an aircraft specifically labelled for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 or 2024. An MSFS 2020 aircraft may also support MSFS 2024, but that depends on the package and its developer; FSX compatibility tells you nothing about support for either modern release.
On PC, native freeware is commonly distributed as a package placed in the Community folder. The folder location varies with the simulator edition and installation choices, so follow the correct MSFS aircraft installation process rather than pointing an FSX installer at it. Console editions use the simulator's supported in-sim content system instead of manually copied PC packages.
If no converted edition exists, the sensible options are to keep flying the aircraft in FSX or find a native replacement in our MSFS aircraft and add-on library. Do not assume that owning an FSX payware version includes an MSFS upgrade; licensing and upgrade terms differ by developer.
Are FSX scenery add-ons different?
FSX scenery cannot simply be copied into MSFS either, although scenery is often more practical to rebuild than a complex aircraft. Airport layouts and source assets may be reusable with permission, but materials, objects, elevation data and packaging still need work; see what FSX-to-MSFS scenery conversion actually requires for the separate process.