How can I install Microsoft Flight Simulator X (DVD) on Windows 11?

FSX (DVD) on Windows 11 – getting past the installer error

FSX will still run fine on Windows 11, but the DVD installer is a bit “old school” and there are a couple of common trip-wires (permissions, Disc 2 prompts, temp folder issues, and antivirus blocking the legacy setup).

Since I can’t see your screenshot here, I’ll give you the cleanest, most reliable install path first. If you post the exact error text/code from the screenshot, I can narrow it down further.

Step-by-step: clean install procedure (works for most Win 10/11 cases)

1. Create a simple install folder outside Program Files (avoid Windows permissions headaches), for example:
   C:\FSX\
   (You can pick another name, but keep it short and not under C:\Program Files.)

2. Temporarily disable “real-time protection” in your antivirus/Windows Security during install (you can turn it right back on after). Legacy installers sometimes get interrupted mid-stream.
3. Insert Disc 1. Browse the DVD in File Explorer, then:
   • Right-click setup.exe
   • Choose Run as administrator
4. If you get a compatibility prompt, set:
   • Compatibility mode: Windows 7 (or Vista) and try again
   • Run this program as an administrator
5. When the installer asks for the install location, point it to:
   C:\FSX\

6. When prompted for Disc 2, don’t just hit OK—open Disc 2 in File Explorer and make sure it can actually read the disc contents (scratches/dirty disc is more common than people think).
7. After the base install finishes, run FSX once (still “as admin”) to let it build the initial config files.

If the error is a “CAB” / “Error 1335” / “CRC” / “cannot read file” type message
That’s usually one of these:

• Disc read problem (dirty/scratched DVD, weak optical drive, external drive power issues)
• Installer can’t reliably read the CAB archives from the DVD

Quick things to try:

1. Clean the discs and retry.
2. If you’re using an external USB DVD drive, try a different USB port (preferably a rear I/O port) and avoid USB hubs.
3. Copy the contents of each disc to folders on your hard drive first, then run setup from the hard drive. (If it fails copying a file, you’ve found the culprit right there.)

If the error is about permissions / “access denied” / “cannot write to folder”
That’s usually fixed by:

• Installing to C:\FSX\ (not Program Files)
• Running the installer as administrator
• Temporarily disabling antivirus “controlled folder access” type protection (if enabled)

A couple of quick questions so I can tailor the fix to your exact error

1. What is the exact error text and/or error code shown in your screenshot?
2. Is your FSX DVD the original FSX (RTM/Deluxe) or FSX Gold (includes Acceleration)?
3. Are you installing from an internal DVD drive or a USB external drive?
4. Roughly where were you trying to install it (Program Files, default path, custom folder)?

Post that error text and I’ll tell you the precise next step (CAB/CRC route vs permissions vs compatibility).