What are the pros and cons?

Not much difference I think.

Just go for Steam if you already have a lot of Steam games.

But I wouldn't purchase the Deluxe/Premium editions until Asobo stops encrypting the "config" files for those premium/deluxe aircraft, so that modders can actually fix and improve the aircraft, just like they have with the Standard Edition aircraft.

Steam seems to be the one that gives the least problems if you read posts on the forums, I use it myself and it has worked flawless for me.

23 minutes ago, Ixoye said:

Steam seems to be the one that gives the least problems if you read posts on the forums, I use it myself and it has worked flawless for me.

  That is because more purchases were made from Microsoft Store.   There is no difference.

I bought from steam, never had any issues with downloads etc.

If you buy it from steam can you download it right then and there like other games on steam, or does it redirect you to download it through microsoft/xbox app?

21 minutes ago, TurboKen said:

If you buy it from steam can you download it right then and there like other games on steam, or does it redirect you to download it through microsoft/xbox app?

You download the exe and important files from steam then launch it finish downloading via Microsoft's servers.

It doesn't force you to use any external apps.

Edited October 30, 20205 yr by Tuskin38

good  thing  about  steam  is  it  quite  easy  to install  it  where  you  want  it  to be

Imo

Steam:
Pros - overlay, launcher, forums (this is almost a con due to IQ levels), platform, potentially workshop support for freeware
Cons - need steam to run in background, 2 accounts (Microsoft and Steam)

Microsoft Store:
Pros - no dependent programs, 1 account (Microsoft), Standard edition included in Xbox Game Pass
Cons - simulator path is difficult to get to (does not affect addons installation, still easy), Microsoft Store can be buggy (It's getting better)

Shouldn't affect your experience. For the record, I have a few games on Microsoft Store and they all work fine. I did buy MFS on Steam though just because I still prefer to keep my library there. Not that I use steam as a launcher these days since my desktop is full of shortcuts anyway.

Edited October 31, 20205 yr by suncoastflyer

The issue with the MS Store avenue is that the installation is deep in a nested series of folders.  Third party addons go into a "Community" folder that is deep in that nest of folders.  That has caused issues with 3rd party mods that also must conform to folder requirements in order to be effective.  There is a utility that is available that is excellent in overcoming the issue.  it is the "MSFS Adddons Linker".  It allows MFS mods to be placed in folders on your system that you choose, and places shortcuts to those folders in the "Community" folder.  It has worked 100% for me.  And to add to that, there have been discussions about potential performance issues if you have too many mods, liveries, and sceneries in the Community folder.  With the Linker addon it is easy to check, and uncheck those mods. liveries, and sceneries you intend to use on a particular day or flight.  So if those performance issues actually exist, the Linker provides an avenue to manage that.

Other than that I have not heard of another difference between the two sources of installaton.

2 hours ago, pete_auau said:

good  thing  about  steam  is  it  quite  easy  to install  it  where  you  want  it  to be

Equally as easy to install where you want with Microsoft store purchase

Also, easy to get refunds in Steam, at least in Australia, where consumers are protected, in law, from faulty products. 

When updates break the sim (eg CTD's), the product is no longer "fit for purpose", so just ask for and get a refund.

Having said that, I've not even tried to play FS2020 in over a month, so I'm not bothered, I guess Asobo will work things out, eventually.

Windows Store

I went Windows store as I have had an ongoing issue with valve for about 10 years and only use Steam for games where they have a monopoly and I have no other choice.

That said, the steam users seem to get patches a little later but otherwise have less issues than Windows ones.

 

On 10/31/2020 at 3:22 PM, Tierborn said:

Equally as easy to install where you want with Microsoft store purchase

Just be aware if you install on another drive the Windows Install puts stuff in a weird area called /wpstore. it is no biggie once you work out what it is doing.