Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 FAQ
What aircraft come with Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Click to enlarge the image below, this shows the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 aircraft list.
Which airports come fully hand-crafted with Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Click to enlarge the image below, this shows the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 airport list.
What computer specs do I need to run the sim smoothly?
Click to enlarge the image below, this shows the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 requirements.
Are there any differences between the Steam and Microsoft Store version?
There is no difference. The sim shares the same multiplayer world and services.
Will people that have the sim on Steam be able to play together with people from Microsoft Store?
Yes, the sim shares the same multiplayer world, content and services. However, if you purchase through steam, you will not be able to use the Xbox Play Anywhere functionality (PC Windows 10 and Console).
Are achievements cross-platform?
Achievements are not cross-platform. If you unlock achievements on Xbox Live, they won't unlock on steam and vice-versa.
Is a physical retail disc version available?
The retail disc version of Microsoft Flight Simulator is available in Europe only and can be bought from Aerosoft.
What version is available with Xbox Game Pass for PC?
The standard edition of “Microsoft Flight Simulator” is available on Xbox Game Pass for PC
Will there be a separate achievement list on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC?
There will not be a separate achievement list. It will be shared across platforms.
Are there multiple editions of Microsoft Flight Simulator for sale?
Yes. You can purchase the Standard, Premium, and Deluxe Edition.
Is it required to sign in to a Microsoft Account to play outside of Xbox One and Windows 10?
Yes, it is a requirement.
Is license sharing allowed on PC?
No, there is no license sharing. It requires explicit authentication per session.
Will I be able to upgrade editions?
Yes it is possible, but the most cost-efficient way to purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator is to buy the edition you are interested in.
Where are the extra Microsoft Flight Simulator liveries?
At this moment only default liveries are included with Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator plane spotting, can you do it?
Yes! The Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Live Traffic system allows you to do this right out of the box! Simply make sure real-time online traffic is enabled in your options, select a nice secluded departure gate or ramp from at desired airport and use the showcase camera to move around the airport at your leisure before waiting for the traffic to start arriving/departing.
Can I remove the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 intro videos?
Yes! For versions bought direct from Microsoft right click on the desktop and create a new shortcut. Enter the following: cmd.exe /C start shell:AppsFolder\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App "-FastLaunch" before clicking next and naming your shortcut. When double clicking on this shortcut the intro videos will be disabled and it will go straight to 'Press Any Key'
What is the current version of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Following an update on 16 April 2021 the current version is 1.15.7.0.
How do I update Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
These instructions are for those who bought Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 from the Microsoft Store.
Once an update has been released open Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and during loading it will announce an update is available. Click when prompted, this should open the Microsoft Store app. On that page it should display a download bar stating 'Paused' Click the play icon to download the initial part of the update. Once this is complete re-open Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and it should now display the update that is available, simply click Continue to install.