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 at 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 Browse
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

If you move the packages installation folder to a new drive, you will need to update the UserCfg.opt file to tell the launcher where to find the new packages installation folder. 

Failure to do so will result in having to redownload the packages every time you launch the simulation. For more details, see: All versions - Why am I redownloading all the packages after each update?

• Copy your new Package installation path (for example D:\Microsoft Flight Simulator)
• Navigate to the UserCfg file. By default, you'll find the UserCfg.opt at the following location:

Microsoft store version

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

Steam version

C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft Flight Simulator

• Open the UserCFG.opt file with Notepad
• Scroll down to the bottom of the page
• Edit the line "InstalledPackagesPath" by replacing the old path with the new path

Old path

InstalledPackagesPath "C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Packages"

New path

InstalledPackagesPath "D:\Microsoft Flight Simulator"

HOW TO CHANGE THE DEFAULT WINDOWS 10 APPS INSTALLATION FOLDER

If you want to change the default installation drive for ALL your Windows 10 apps instead, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows key + I together to open Settings.

2. Click on System > Storage.

3. Click on Change where new content is saved under More storage settings.

4. Select D: drive (or the drive of your choice) using the drop-down menu under New apps will save to.

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