Searched on "install" and actually found some good posts, but nothing comprehensive.  From what I've read both here and on Steam, MSFS can be a real nightmare to install and set up.  I'm an experienced FS9/FSX guy with a large hangar and airports.  No stranger to panel.cfg, aircraft.cfg, fsx.cfg, etc.  Have even written some C# against the SDK and done some scenery work. (Neither of which have anything to do with surviving the MSFS installer, I'm sure.)  But I am really wary of another tech fest just to install MSFS.

Are there any comprehensive guides that point out the most common landmines?  It doesn't seem that download and follow the prompts is going to work here.
 

Once you understand the key dependencies (MS Store, Xbox PC app, MS Gaming Services), it's really not too bad.  I've installed completely from scratch around 3 times and never had issues.  (I've had issues with MSFS, particularly updates, but not with the installation!).

The first thing to note is that there are two ways of obtaining and installing MSFS;   through the Microsoft Store app (MS Store) or via Steam.    I bought from the MS Store, so can only comment on that route:-

1. You'll need a Microsoft account, so if you don't already have one, --->  https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/welcome
2. Download and install the Microsoft Store app. Run it and log in using above account
3. Now, from within the MS Store app, download and install the Xbox app. (Nothing to do with Xbox consoles, it's a PC app).
4. Log into the Xbox account, using the same Microsoft account used above. The Xbox may suggest some dependencies, if they're not already installed on your PC (such as MS gaming services). Accept and let it install them all.
5. Pop back over to the MS Store app and in the large search field at the top, enter "flight simulator".
6. Purchase your chosen version.
7. After purchase, you'll get the option to install, so go ahead.
8. That's essentially it.  Once installed, you'll have a desktop icon. Run it to launch MSFS.
9. Once in MSFS for the first time, you'll get a prompt to install Mandatory content.  Do that.
10. Go kill around 3 hours!!!
11. Once the mandatory content (which is basically the whole sim) is installed, the sim will launch, and you're off.

It's not techncally required to have the Xbox app open any more, when doing the above install but trust me, it might prevent potential credentials issues by using it, as above.
 

A number of users who have bought MSFS on Steam have reported that it's a much more straightforward process. Especially if you already have a Steam account. So it may be worth taking that route.

Edited February 17, 20242 yr by JYW

1 hour ago, mjl1966 said:

MSFS can be a real nightmare to install and set up

Not on Steam, very easy to install/update/join or leave beta.

If I can do it, anyone can.  hahahaha

 

I have the Microsoft store version. 
The sim itself is a constant joy. The installation and update process is clunky, absurd and obscure but I’m used to it now.

Do yourself a favour; get it on Steam.

3 hours ago, mjl1966 said:

nothing comprehensive.

what?

very comprehensive, from the horse's mouth:

https://flightsimulator.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

https://flightsimulator.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405896683666-How-to-install-Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-on-Steam

https://flightsimulator.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405896696210-How-to-install-Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-via-the-Xbox-app

One great thing about msfs2020 is that maybe 50 videos a day are published on Steam. Such as  how to use the Controllers panel to program your yoke/stick, rudder, quad. And windows Settings such as HAGS (hardware accelerated gpu scheduling).

Controller Setup:

Search by name: all DX commands (controller commands to put onto keyboard or controller buttons or axix can be searched using a partial name, such as : radio or zoom or trim or translate or view).

Search by input: This doesn't search all the commands but only displays what you already have assigned. For instance if you turn the yoke right or move stick right, then "aileron axis" pops up in the display box. I also assign yoke right movements to "slew translate right". Slewing with the yoke and rudder is way more precise than using keyboard keys. cockpit or outside view: the yoke moves ailerons, but in slew view it will instead translate (slew) plane right very slowly or very fast depending on how far you turn the yoke wheel.

Sensitivities: make the controller (yoke, pedals) respond gracefully slow or lightning quick. It defaults to lightning quick (which I hate).

Programming the controllers was the only thing that took me time when first installing msfs. And also for FSX, IL2, X-plane, etc. Every sim is completely different in how to assign and adjust controller settings 😞

MS Store has been fine for me, involving 3 complete installs.  I see no need to put a 3rd party between MSFS and myself.

got steam version and had no re installs no issues

Edited February 17, 20242 yr by pete_auau

3 hours ago, turbomax said:

what?

very comprehensive, from the horse's mouth:

https://flightsimulator.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

https://flightsimulator.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405896683666-How-to-install-Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-on-Steam

https://flightsimulator.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405896696210-How-to-install-Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-via-the-Xbox-app

and this one: How to install Flight Sim on a different drive? – Microsoft Flight Simulator Support (zendesk.com)

2 hours ago, Noel said:

I see no need to put a 3rd party between MSFS and myself.

 While maybe not 3rd party, they are still extra apps that you have to download/install, and keep updated. That's 2 extra programs vs just Steam.With Steam you also get to properly chose where you MSFS install goes instead of having to use another 3rd party so to link extra folders locations to etc.  Steam also knows how to properly handle massive user base and game updates which according to the support forums, the MS Store is still not all that good at.

Edited February 17, 20242 yr by Dave_YVR

10 hours ago, mjl1966 said:

MSFS can be a real nightmare to install and set up.

There were a lot of issues in the early times with the MS Store version. It seems it is better now as  I see less complaints of people lost in the Store bureaucratic convolutions.

I have the Steam version. Easy to use and setup. Only thing do not use the Steam Verify files function at any cost as it forces a re-install.

And after the setup comes the optional download of gigatons of free sceneries called World Updates 😉. That is done within the sim by going to the MS Market Place.
 

9 hours ago, MrBitstFlyer said:

Not on Steam, very easy to install/update/join or leave beta.

Just as easy with the MS Store version.