All versions - Can I choose or change the installation path? (Install on the D: drive instead of the C: drive for instance)

FIRST INSTALLATION OR RE-INSTALLATION

When installing Microsoft Flight Simulator you will first install the launcher/app that contains the core content, then download the packages, including the additional content and marketplace purchases.

1. Install the launcher/app

The Microsoft Flight Simulator launcher (Approx 1.3GB) will install in the default games and apps installation folder

Microsoft store version

C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe

Steam version

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\MicrosoftFlightSimulator 

To avoid issues down the line, we recommend keeping the launcher on the drive set by default with all your other Windows 10 apps and Steam games.

2. Download and install the packages

Once you launch the sim for the first time, you'll have the choice to select the Install Packages Path. If your C: drive is small, you can install the official packages (more or less 100GB depending on your version) and the community packages on any drive of your choice (for instance the D: drive). 

1. On the Installation Manager screen, click Install Package Path
2. Create a folder on the drive of your choice (We advise giving it a simple name like "Microsoft Flight Simulator" or "MSFS")
3. Select this folder as the Install Packages path
4. Click Update.

MOVING THE PACKAGES INSTALLATION FOLDER TO A NEW DRIVE

After moving the packages installation folder to a new drive, update the UserCfg.opt file. Failure to do so will result in having to redownload the packages every time you launch the simulation.

See: All versions - Why am I redownloading all the packages after each update?

 

HOW TO MOVE STEAM GAMES

To change the default Steam Games installation folder or move your Steam games, visit Moving a Steam Installation and Games