How to install Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 add-ons

Most freeware add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 go in the Community folder. Larger add-ons such as FlyByWire aircraft come with their own official installer, which puts files in the right place and keeps them updated. You don't need a mod manager, but keep the Community folder tidy. After a Sim Update, check this page: aircraft and SimConnect tools are the add-ons most likely to need an update.

Steps

1. Find your Community folder. Open UserCfg.opt and read the InstalledPackagesPath line at the bottom; Community is inside that folder, next to Official. UserCfg.opt is typically in %APPDATA%\Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (Steam) or %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.Limitless_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache (Microsoft Store / Game Pass).
2. Download from official sources only. Use the developer's site, GitHub or flightsim.to. Never use reuploads; they're often outdated or bundled with malware.
3. Read the add-on's instructions. Check whether it supports MSFS 2024 (many 2020 add-ons work, but not all), and whether it has its own installer.
4. Use the official installer if there is one. For FlyByWire aircraft, install the FlyByWire Installer, pick the MSFS 2024 build and let it find your Community folder.
5. Otherwise unzip into Community. The folder you drop in must contain layout.json and manifest.json directly (Community/addon-name/manifest.json), not inside another folder.
6. Start the sim and test one add-on at a time. Load a quick flight with the new aircraft or at the new airport before adding more.
7. Install external tools last. Apps like Little Navmap, Volanta or MobiFlight run outside the sim and connect over SimConnect. Start them after the sim is running.

Common pitfalls

• Nested folders. An add-on wrapped in an extra folder won't load. Move the inner folder up so manifest.json sits one level below Community.
• 2020-only add-ons. Aircraft and tools built for MSFS 2020 can break or behave oddly in 2024. Check the developer's notes.
• Outdated add-ons after a Sim Update. CTDs (crashes to desktop) right after a Sim Update usually come from an old aircraft or WASM module. Empty the Community folder to test.
• Duplicate add-ons. Two versions of the same airport or livery pack in Community can conflict. Keep only one.
• Long load times. Hundreds of add-ons slow every startup. Remove what you don't use.

Rolling back

• To disable an add-on, move its folder out of Community (for example into a "Community-disabled" folder next to it).
• To test the sim without add-ons, rename the Community folder temporarily. The sim creates a fresh empty one.
• Installers such as FlyByWire's let you uninstall or switch to an older or stable version.
• The sim itself can't be rolled back after a Sim Update. Wait for add-on updates, and check ModSafe for when they land.