Identifying the Correct Community Folder for MSFS 2020 Add-On Installations

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jameslenzini Trainee

Trying to install new airplanes, etc. I found it here. Says extract to community folder but an explorer search shows like 20 folders starting with the word community all under the Microsoft flight simulator sub folder. Using the PC but I have lots of Xbox folders too.

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Pro Member Captain
Ian Stephens (ianstephens) Captain
Ian Stephens is an expert on this topic. Read his bio here.

First off, great to hear you're expanding your MSFS 2020 experience with new aircraft and add-ons. It's a common area of confusion, but fret not; I'm here to guide you through the process.

Identifying the Correct Community Folder

When it comes to MSFS 2020, the Community folder is your go-to destination for all third-party content. This includes aircraft, scenery, liveries, and more. The confusion arises because MSFS creates multiple folders with similar names, especially when synced across platforms like Xbox and PC. Here's a step-by-step guide to finding the correct folder:

  • Open File Explorer on your PC.
  • Navigate to your MSFS installation directory. This can vary based on where you installed the game but is typically found under C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_[RandomString]\LocalCache\Packages\Community.
  • If you installed MSFS through Steam, the path might be different, often under C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common.
  • Look for a folder named simply Community. This is where you should install your add-ons.

If you're still having trouble locating the folder, consider using the MSFS settings. In the game, go to Options > General > Developers, and enable Developer Mode. This will allow you to see the path to the Community folder in the developer console.

Installation of Add-Ons

Once you've located the correct Community folder, installation is straightforward:

  • Download the add-on and extract it using a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
  • Copy the extracted folder directly into the Community folder.
  • Restart MSFS 2020 for the changes to take effect.

Remember, these steps are applicable to both MSFS 2020 and X-Plane 12 if relevant.

Additional Tips

  • Always ensure your add-ons are compatible with the latest version of MSFS 2020.
  • Organize your add-ons within the Community folder for easier management.
  • For larger collections, consider using a mod manager tool to streamline the process.

Hope this clarifies things for you. If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

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