Q&A Forum

Microsoft Flight Simulator: General

Latest Questions

Sorted by recent activity

Is there a short guide explaining the MSFS 2020 control sensitivity settings?

Since there is no downloadable manual for MSFS 2020, is there a short file explaining the sensitivity settings? There are multiple sliders, and I keep hearing different explanations of what it means to move a slider in one direction or the other. Is th...

1 answers

4508 views

Last answer ianstephens

Ian_Featherstone

Beluga add-on installed in Community folder but not showing up in MSFS aircraft list

Hi, I downloaded the Beluga and placed the files in my Community folder. I restarted my computer, but it still doesn’t show up in the aircraft list with the rest of my planes. I’ve tried this twice with the same result. Any ideas what I’m doing w...

1 answers

2615 views

Last answer ianstephens

Giuseppe75P

Windows 10 blocks Active Sky 2016 for FSX:SE install with "Can't run this app" error

Good evening, Sorry, but I’ve tried searching online and I also opened tickets with the product vendor’s technical support, but I still haven’t found an answer. Two days ago I purchased Active Sky 2016 for FSX SE through SimMarket. After recei...

1 answers

1818 views

Last answer ianstephens

Ron Shulman

Airfoillabs C172 NG Digital won’t calibrate correctly with Airbus sidestick axes

I just downloaded the Airfoillabs 172 NG Digital. It looks great, but it refuses to connect to my Airbus sidestick. The calibration is supposed to be roll on Axis 1 and pitch on Axis 2, but it reverses them. When I change them in the calibration, it re...

1 answers

8642 views

Last answer ianstephens

MTR1768

How to download MSFS scenery to the E: drive instead of the default C: drive

Can I download scenery to my E: drive instead of the default C: drive? If so, how? Thank you....

1 answers

3556 views

Last answer ianstephens

Dani Agami

MSFS Xbox login glitch is back again—are we being pushed into Windows 11?

Does it seem like the Xbox login glitch in MSFS has come back? It’s an incredibly annoying issue, and fixing it already took up a lot of my time in the past. Is this just another typical push by Microsoft to bully the captive audience of users paying...

1 answers

2299 views

Last answer ianstephens

Mark Sternat

Unable to trim any aircraft in MSFS (yoke switch, joystick, or trim wheel)

I reread several posts last night after running into my usual problem: I can’t trim the aircraft (any aircraft). It doesn’t matter whether I use the pickle switch on the yoke, the joystick, or the actual trim wheel in the aircraft. This doesn’...

1 answers

4026 views

Last answer ianstephens

David Hall

Does Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 include the entire world, and how accurate is it?

I’m interested to know whether MSFS 2024 includes the whole world in the game. If it does, how accurate is it? Will I be able to see my house in the game, and if so, at what level of detail? How do they do this?...

1 answers

6316 views

Last answer ianstephens

Katie Griffiths

Do real-world pilots use Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020/2024, and if so, why?

So I’m wondering: do real-world pilots use Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024/2020? I’m thinking they may use it for fun in their spare time, or if they’re passionate about aviation, maybe for stress relief. Can someone give me a full guide on th...

1 answers

4249 views

Last answer ianstephens

Oliver Harboard

How much SSD space is required to install MSFS 2024 (Microsoft Store vs Steam)?

I’m running low on SSD space but I really want to install MSFS 2024. How much required HD space is there for MSFS 2024 on PC with a direct Microsoft install, and how much for the Steam install? Are they similar? Exactly how much free space do I ne...

1 answers

6614 views

Last answer ianstephens

Jason Lim

Does MSFS 2020/2024 include any default helicopters, or are third-party add-ons required?

Does MSFS 2020/2024 include any default helicopters, or do I need to install them using third-party mods or add-ons? I’m wondering whether the default aircraft lineup includes helicopters. I’m a whirlybird fanatic and want helicopters in my sim....

1 answers

2923 views

Last answer ianstephens

Georgina Bell

Is Microsoft Flight Simulator fun to play casually, or does it require aviation knowledge?

I’ve always loved PC games, especially simulators. My main question is: is flight sim fun? Is it something I can play casually for enjoyment, or does it require a lot of skill and aviation knowledge? Any advice would be appreciated. I’m looking ...

1 answers

2535 views

Last answer ianstephens

Peter Wilmont

Will Microsoft release a new Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2025 after MSFS 2024?

Microsoft released Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 in 2020 and then Microsoft Flight Simulator in 2024, but will they revise it or release a new sim in 2025? 2020–2024 was a big gap, so I’m wondering if they’re planning a revised version in 2025....

1 answers

5391 views

Last answer ianstephens

Alan Walker

Official MSFS 2024 system requirements (minimum, recommended, and max settings)

I’m currently running the original Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) with no issues on my PC. I have an Intel i9 (I can’t remember the exact model) and an Nvidia 3090 FE, and it runs flawlessly on MAX settings. I’m thinking about upgrading to the...

3 answers

9254 views

Last answer ianstephens

BudE86

Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One MSF Edition (White) not working with MSFS 2024

Has anyone had any luck using the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One MSF Edition (the white one) with MSFS 2024? I’ve tried just about everything to get it working, but I haven’t had any success. I also have an old Thrustmaster stick (very, very old) ...

1 answers

5468 views

Last answer ianstephens

Nigel Ball

How Do I Play Multiplayer? A Few Questions.

Being relatively new to the immersive world of PC flight simulation, I recently got myself a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020. Honestly, I'm quite fascinated by its realistic graphics and vast expanse of flyable regions. But there's one thin...

5 answers

35093 views

Last answer ianstephens

Chorizo915

MSFS 2020 mods extracted to Community folder but aircraft/scenery not showing

I downloaded some mods and extracted them into the Community folder, but the aircraft/scenery aren’t showing up in the sim. I re-read the instructions and tried drilling down into the download folders to figure out which folder I’m supposed to move...

6 answers

48603 views

Last answer ianstephens

Guest

Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 easy to install and fly for a casual FSX user?

I have the old FSX (not even sure which edition), and I really enjoy it. All I want to do is fly occasionally. I have an older yoke and a Thrust Master joystick. I’m interested in getting the new MSFS/FS2020, but from what I’ve read and heard on Yo...

4 answers

3922 views

Last answer ianstephens

Stuart Ord

Can you help convert the Corby Starlet model to be able to run in FS2020?

I downloaded Fly Away Simulation's model of G-CCXO when it came out, and flew it on FSX. I owned and flew the actual aircraft at the time. I've stopped full-size flying now as my age advances, and I sold my aircraft in 2022 and started simming again. I...

4 answers

2658 views

Last answer ianstephens

MAX123321222

MSFS 2020 (Steam) launcher crashes after Asobo/Blackshark screens on startup

How can I fix this issue? I bought MSFS 2020 on Steam and installed the launcher. When I run it, the Asobo and Blackshark screens come up, then about 4 seconds later it crashes and closes. Here’s what I’ve already tried: Installed the latest dri...

1 answers

3486 views

Last answer ianstephens

Chase Mixon

MSFS on Xbox One: Marketplace aircraft purchase stuck on Xbox loading screen

Hi, I’m trying to buy a new aircraft in the MSFS Marketplace on Xbox One. I’ve tried several times over the last few months, but the transaction won’t go through. When I select "Buy and Download," it just goes to a screen with the Xbox logo in a ...

1 answers

4076 views

Last answer ianstephens

Laverda

MSFS 2020 won’t recognize FSUIPC control inputs (worked fine in FSX)

I used FSX for years and recently switched to MSFS 2020. I never had any problems running FSUIPC in FSX, but in MSFS 2020 I can’t get the sim to recognize any inputs from FSUIPC. I created a blank co-pilot profile and assigned my joystick, etc. in FS...

1 answers

1736 views

Last answer ianstephens

GAETANO T GANGEMI

How do I increase mic volume and use Active Pause (and other built-in actions) in MSFS?

How do I increase my mic volume? How do I initiate Active Pause? Is there a handbook or a list of all activities/actions, including how to enable and use them?...

1 answers

942 views

Last answer ianstephens

Mark Sternat

Logitech Extreme 3D (non-Pro) not working in MSFS 2020 on Windows 11

Everyone seems to love the Logitech Extreme 3D joystick (the non-Pro version), but I can’t get it to work at all in Windows 11. I have the Windows 10 drivers installed. I’ve tried every hack I’ve found online and on YouTube, but either they’re ...

1 answers

2217 views

Last answer ianstephens

AndyX11

How do I get the MSFS F/A-18 Hornet to fly supersonic (above 680 kts)?

I can’t get the F18 Hornet to go above 680 kts, but I know it’s possible to reach up to Mach 1.8. How do you get it to go supersonic?...

1 answers

2506 views

Last answer ianstephens

Fernando Ospino Rodriguez

FlyByWire A320 is invisible in MSFS 2020 (sounds play, cockpit loads, but no visuals)

Good morning. I have the FlyByWire A320 installed in MSFS 2020, but when I select the aircraft and start a flight, I can hear the aircraft sounds and I load into the cockpit, but nothing is visible. In short, the aircraft is completely invisible. Ho...

4 answers

4765 views

Last answer ianstephens

winfried4013

A320neo spins out when I disconnect the autopilot on final approach

When I disconnect the autopilot in the A320neo shortly before landing, the aircraft always breaks out and starts to spin. What can I do?...

1 answers

1629 views

Last answer ianstephens

Bob Creager

Cockpit knobs and switches are misaligned when using the mouse in MSFS 2020

I’ve been away from FS 2020 for a while. After installing the latest updates and running the simulator again, all the cockpit buttons, knobs, and switches I operate with the mouse are misaligned. I can still find the arrow and hand interaction points...

1 answers

1776 views

Last answer ianstephens

sterk03

YS-11 from flightsim.to is in Community folder but not showing in aircraft selection

I installed the YS-11 from Flightsim.to into the Community folder, but it doesn’t show up in the aircraft selection under Fly Now. It does appear with the other airplanes in the airplane list under SimObjects, and it has the two J files, but no aircr...

1 answers

1969 views

Last answer ianstephens

jay45

How do I install downloaded add-ons in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

How do I install the downloads in MSFS 2024?...

1 answers

2900 views

Last answer ianstephens

rob402con

Lonesome Lake Hut mission: lake missing at GPS location in MSFS (FS2020)

Issue in the "Lonesome Lake Hut" mission When I fly the Lonesome Lake Hut mission, the lake is missing. I fly to the GPS location shown in the program, but there is no lake. It looks like no scenery loads there. Notes This uses a self-extract...

1 answers

858 views

Last answer ianstephens

sterk03

MSFS 2020 on Steam stuck on Xbox sign-in overlay; clicking sign in does nothing

I am having trouble getting MSFS 2020 to start. This is the first time I have seen this, and I do not understand the association between Xbox, Steam, and MSFS 2020. Here is what happens: I open Steam and launch MSFS 2020. The main MSFS screen ap...

1 answers

5101 views

Last answer ianstephens

jorgerico

MMGL_ADEX_PM.BGL scenery won't show - need detailed install help

Hi, I downloaded a .bgl scenery file: MMGL_ADEX_PM.BGL. The included instructions explain how to install it. I followed them to the letter, but it does not appear in the scenery as published. I have tried several different ways, and it still does not w...

1 answers

1008 views

Last answer ianstephens

JackieZJ

Game crashes intimidatingly

In flight the game just stops with a message critical error, when I restart it works qkay again for awhile. ...

2 answers

1030 views

Last answer golson33

francois2020

microsoft flight simulator 2020 activation key ?

microsoft flight simulator 2020 activation key ? ...

12 answers

21776 views

Last answer jangdevelopment0

Stuart Ord

Can I upgrade an FSX model to FS2020?

I've got both FSX and FS2020 on my computer. My favourite aircraft for FSX is the Corby Starlet which I downloaded from here. I owned the red/white/blue aircraft (G-CCXO) before having to give up full-size flying. I'd love to move it onto FS2020 as the sc...

2 answers

4629 views

Last answer luke j

MollyMax

I just want to fly a Boeing 787 from point a to point b with an ILS landing.

Simple request because I'm a Mac user and so don't know much about computers. MSFS will arrange a flight plan for me between any two airports. I don't know how to get the flight plan into the Boeing 787 FMC so I can auto-navigate to an ILS approach and l...

2 answers

11364 views

Last answer MeFlyToo

JIm French

Integrating MSFS 2020 with VATSIM and IVAO Networks: Compatibility and Setup Guide

Can you use MSFS 2020 on VATSIM or IVAO?...

2 answers

7752 views

Last answer Juan Carlos Castaneda M

Roar Moe

reactivate product key for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

Hey. I just bought Flightsim 2020. After installing my computer crashed. I have just bought a brand new computer but now I can not activate the fs2020 because the key for activating already was used on the broken computer. What do I do?...

4 answers

9637 views

Last answer david haynes

Trevor Petty

Really, how accurate and realistic is MSFS compared to the real-world?

So, I hold a PPL and fly as often as I can from my local airfield. I have no commercial aviation experience but am curious. I wonder, how realistic and accurate is the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator release compared to the real world? How realis...

2 answers

30668 views

Last answer Charlie Gennaro

Guest

Retaining Flight Plans in MSFS 2020 After Reloading a Saved Session

SAVING A FLIGHT IN FS 2020, WHEN YOU RELOAD THE FLIGHT, THE FLIGHT PLAN GENERATED AT THE BEGINNING DISAPPEARS. IS THERE A SYSTEM TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM? THANK YOU...

5 answers

12393 views

Last answer Pete Fine

sterk03

AWACS latest download not working in MSFS2020

I am having trouble with the recent download of AWACS aircraft for MSFS. I think it is missing 2 special files which need to be in the community folder for this aircraft to work? Can someone comment on that or if they got it working how they did it. ...

1 answers

1746 views

Last answer sterk03

D1210838

Where are all my jets under free flight mode in MSFS (40th Aniversary Edition)?

Hi, I have been flying FSX until I was able to upgrade my desktop to run MSFS. After buying and installing all the commercial jets, I went to world maps to start flying them and all I could find were the default planes. The only jet was a Lear Jet under j...

2 answers

6030 views

Last answer D1210838

Ricore

Troubleshooting A320nx Engine Start Issues in MSFS 2020

Hello everyone! Happy New Year! For some weeks in MSFS 2020, A320nx Engines don´t start! PLEASE HELP ME!!! Best Regars Ricardo Nunes...

2 answers

7220 views

Last answer marcnwoolery

Tyrone Smith

How to Purchase Add-On Aircraft in MSFS 2020 Marketplace on Xbox Series S

I need to know what I need to do to make a purchase on Microsoft flight simulator marketplace for Xbox s series....

2 answers

7212 views

Last answer Fernando DE LA CALLE Bruq

Paul Bundschuh

Resolving Throttle Issues and Startup Settings in FS2020

When starting the simulator, it goes directly to update, then to the normal screen. Full screen I need to set up, along with the joystick and pedals. On takeoff, the throttle drops to a minimum, then the plane goes into the background. Only the Beech King...

2 answers

4811 views

Last answer chris.a

Mel Ward

Choosing Between Gaming Laptop and Xbox for Flight Sim: Compatibility with Older Add-Ons

Hi Seeking advice from you and your more knowledgeable and experienced users. I used to have a laptop which I had Microsoft Flight deluxe edition Sim loaded on which then went belly up. Rather than bog down my new laptop with reloading the Flight Si...

2 answers

4980 views

Last answer kenneth graham

Bigbaz78

Free Flight in Flight Simulator 2020

I am new to flight simulation and am considering the purchase of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 but have been told you cannot just free fly without submitting a flight plan first. Is this correct? If it is I find this very strange and it is not a require...

4 answers

8853 views

Last answer ralph.abdo

Simon van Straten

Troubleshooting Invisible Aircraft added to MSFS Community Folder

What do I do wrong to add an airplane to the community folder but it is not visible? I have done everything that you can find to do the right procedure. Must I reinstall the flight sim? (10 CD's) I hope someone can help to solve my problem....

2 answers

9973 views