Why is MSFS 2024 smaller than MSFS 2020? Learn what moved to cloud streaming and how caches, add-ons and updates affect its true disk use.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is smaller because it streams far more aircraft, scenery, world and activity data from Microsoft's cloud as needed instead of keeping it on the drive. MSFS 2020 streams world imagery too, but stores a much larger set of content packages locally. The saving is mainly storage, not less detail.
What changed between MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024?
MSFS 2024 was designed as a thinner local client, with cloud delivery extended beyond the world imagery already used by MSFS 2020. The simulator downloads assets required for the aircraft, airport, activity and surrounding area, rather than requiring every included package to remain installed.
MSFS 2020 also relies on online Bing imagery and photogrammetry, but much of its aircraft, handcrafted airports, world-update content and other simulator data is installed into local packages. Optional downloads make that installation grow further.
| Content | MSFS 2020 | MSFS 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Core simulator | Installed locally | Installed locally, with a smaller base footprint |
| Aircraft, airports and activities | Many packages kept locally | More content delivered on demand |
| World imagery | Mostly streamed | Mostly streamed |
| Caches and add-ons | Use additional local space | Use additional local space |
| Main trade-off | Higher permanent disk use | Greater reliance on bandwidth and cloud availability |
Improved packaging and compression can contribute, but they are not the main reason for the difference. The decisive change is where the content lives.
Does the smaller installation mean lower-quality content?
No. A smaller MSFS 2024 installation does not mean that its aircraft or scenery contain less detail; much of that detail is delivered only when the simulator needs it.
The catch is that visual quality and asset availability become more sensitive to connection speed, server response and bandwidth settings. A slow or restricted connection can produce delayed textures, blurry ground imagery or objects that take time to appear, even though the full-quality assets exist in the cloud.
How much drive space does MSFS 2024 really need?
The advertised or initial download size is not the simulator's maximum disk usage. Our comparison of practical MSFS 2020 and 2024 storage requirements explains why the space needed after installation is higher than the headline figure.
Allow additional room for:
- Updates: installation can require temporary working space as files are downloaded, unpacked and replaced.
- Streamed or rolling caches: cached data reduces repeated downloads but consumes local storage.
- Downloaded content: anything retained for local use adds to the base installation.
- Community add-ons: aircraft, scenery, liveries and utilities remain separate from the quoted base size.
A mistake we see constantly is treating the store or launcher figure as the complete footprint. On PC, the application, Packages data, cache and Community content may sit in different locations. Our guide to the app, Packages, cache and add-on locations helps identify what is actually using the drive.
Do not delete an unfamiliar Packages folder merely because it is large. Removing the wrong folder can force a lengthy redownload or make installed add-ons disappear; clear recognised caches through the simulator where possible and back up third-party content first.
Does MSFS 2024 use more internet data?
MSFS 2024 can use more internet data because part of the storage saving has been exchanged for on-demand downloads. Usage varies with the route, aircraft, scenery density, graphics settings, cache behaviour and whether the same area has already been visited.
For capped or metered connections, see our breakdown of MSFS 2024 data use and bandwidth controls. The smaller installation is most beneficial when SSD space is limited but the internet connection is fast, stable and uncapped.
Can MSFS 2024 be used fully offline?
No—the small local installation does not contain the complete aircraft, airport and world library needed to reproduce the normal online experience. Cached or locally retained data may reduce downloads, but it does not turn the simulator into a complete offline installation.
Anyone with an unreliable connection should treat cloud dependence as part of the storage decision, not as a separate issue. We explain the practical limitations in our coverage of which MSFS 2024 features need an internet connection.
Which simulator uses less space after add-ons?
MSFS 2024 generally starts smaller, but add-ons and caches can narrow the difference substantially. A large Community library occupies local storage regardless of the simulator's cloud architecture, and duplicated add-ons across MSFS 2020 and 2024 can consume more space than either base installation.
The useful comparison is therefore not just initial download versus initial download. Count the base simulator, update headroom, caches, downloaded packages and the add-ons you actually plan to keep.