How to install mods in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

WHAT ARE MODS

Mods are content modifications created by community enthusiasts to help extend your Microsoft Flight Simulator experience.

HOW TO INSTALL MODS

Files must be placed individually into the community folder.​

 

Default installation locations:

 

• Microsoft Store/Xbox App

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Packages\Community.

• Steam:

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft Flight Simulator\Packages\Community

 

NOTE: By default, Windows 10/11 hides the "AppData" folder. To view it, go to "View" in File Explorer's menu, and select "Hidden items".

IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE YOUR MOD IN THE SIM

• Make sure you have installed it correctly. Open your mod folder inside "Community" folder and check that "manifest.json" and "layout.json" files are at the root of your mod folder.

• Check that you have installed the mod in the correct "Community" folder. If you have installed the Sim to a custom location, you will have "Community" folder in that location, but also in your C:\users\.... location.
  • Go to your C:\users\YourUserName\AppData\..... and locate your UserCfg.opt file --> Open the file with Notepad, scroll to the end, and check what is after "InstalledPackagesPath."
  • This can be, for example:
    • InstalledPackagesPath "F:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\MicrosoftFlightSimulator\Packages"
  • This is the location Sim is scanning for mods. If this is incorrect, you can manually correct it in this file and save it. 

If you are unable to locate the "Community" folder at all, then follow the instructions below:

• Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator
• Go to Options > General Options > Developers > Turn "ON" Developer Mode
• Go to Developer Toolbar > Tools > Virtual File System > Packages Folders > Open Community Folder
• This will open the location the Sim is reading for mods and also the location which is determined in your UserCfg.opt file

 

Some mods may require additional installation steps. For detailed instructions on how to install them, refer to the instructions provided by the mod's creators. 

 

WARNING

Mods are not official Microsoft Flight Simulator products. When using mods, consider these factors:

• You mod at your own risk—the stability and security of your Windows 10|11 device might be affected
• Mods installed on your device are not owned, operated, or tested by the Microsoft Flight Simulator Team. As such, the Microsoft Flight Simulator Team is not responsible for any mods or actions taken by mods on your device.
• Future Microsoft Flight Simulator updates may not be compatible with the installed mods. To avoid compatibility issues, it is recommended to remove mods (see: How to install a new update safely)
• Achievements and other Microsoft Flight Simulator features may be unavailable.
• The mod’s creator may access your Xbox Live and device data. Your data may also be exposed.
• The ESRB or other boards don’t rate mod content and may not be appropriate for every age.