Microsoft Flight Simulator for beginners. From purchase, installation, and configuration to the first flight
I provide detailed step-by-step instructions for beginners, from purchase and installation to various settings and the first flight.
- Introducing Microsoft Flight Simulator
- How to purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator
- How to install Microsoft Flight Simulator
- How to set up Microsoft Flight Simulator
- First flight with Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Microsoft Flight Simulator Advanced Techniques
- Microsoft Flight Simulator related books
- Microsoft Flight Simulator related sites
- Controller for flight simulator
Introducing Microsoft Flight Simulator
Updates have been stopped for 13 years since "Version X (ten)(FSX)" in 2007, but in 2020, the new and drastically evolved "Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS2020)" was released.
The main feature of this version update is that it has realistic graphics, but above all, it has a wealth of support functions for beginners. If you have previously avoided flight simulators because they were difficult, I highly recommend you give them a try.
Game difficulty
Required graphics performance
Microsoft Flight Simulator uses heavy 3D graphics, so we recommend adding an additional video card. At the very least, gaming PCs (equipped with GPUs) released between 2015 and 2017 will be able to play at the lowest rendering quality [LOW-END]. If you do not have a GPU installed, as per the test results above, it seems that you can play at the lowest rendering quality [LOW-END] if you have a high-performance computer released around 2023. See below for details.
About versions: What about the 2023 version? 2024 version?
Since its release in 2020, the latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator has been released with different names. The name of the current (2024) latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator is "40th Anniversary Edition." Even though they have different names, they are all the same software. No matter which one you have, install the free update module to get the latest version.
Furthermore, in Tuesday, November 19, 2024, MSFS2024 (Microsoft) , which allows you to enjoy new missions such as fire extinguishing and search and rescue, is scheduled to be released. It is expected that all add-ons released by Microsoft for MSFS2020 so far will be usable.
Sales format and sales price
The download version of 2020 was released worldwide on August 18, 2020, and the DVD media version was also released in the EU. The Standard version, which includes 20 aircraft and 30 airports, costs $59.99. The Deluxe version, which includes 30 aircraft and 40 airports, costs $89.99. The Premium Deluxe version, which includes 40 aircraft and 50 airports, costs $119.99. Reservation acceptance began on July 13th. The Standard version can also be played from the flat-rate services "Xbox Game Pass" and "Xbox Game Pass for PC," which allow unlimited use of over 100 games.
In March 2022, it became possible to play on iPhone and iPad from browser-based platform Xbox Cloud Gaming . (However, subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (USD 14.99 / month) is required)
How to purchase Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator is still available on DVD and as a download, but it is now recommended to purchase it from the game platform "Steam". By registering a Steam account and adding games to your Favorites in the Steam app, you will receive notifications when discount sales begin. If you are not in a hurry to buy, you may be able to buy it cheaper this way.See below for details.
How to install Microsoft Flight Simulator
Installing Microsoft Flight Simulator requires a Microsoft account or Xbox account and its password. If you don't have an account yet, please prepare one in advance.Additionally, Microsoft Flight Simulator has a storage capacity of 150GB, and if you include free optional content, it will be about 300GB. It takes about 12 hours to download the data, and installation can take an entire day. As long as you have completed the purchase procedure, you can install it later. Please install it when you have plenty of time.
See below for details.
How to set up Microsoft Flight Simulator
First flight with Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator offers plenty of support for beginners. You can easily start flying using the "Flight Training" and "Discovery Flight" menus.See below for details.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Advanced Techniques
Microsoft Flight Simulator related books
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Microsoft Flight Simulator: Embark on an Epic journey of Virtual Aviation and Unleash your Inner Pilotry
July 21, 2023 USD15.99
Are you ready to take flight and soar through the virtual skies like a seasoned pilot? Can you imagine exploring the world's most breathtaking destinations from the comfort of your own home? Do you want to experience the thrill of flying an array of aircraft, from commercial jets to nimble helicopters? Are you prepared to witness the level of realism and attention to detail that sets Microsoft Flight Simulator 2023 apart?
Microsoft Flight Simulator related sites
Controller for flight simulator
Flight simulators can be operated using a keyboard, mouse, or game controller, but they are difficult to operate and the experience is completely different from the feeling of actually flying an airplane. To enjoy a more intuitive and realistic control feeling, a dedicated controller is required.-
Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Control System
TURTLE BEACH 2023-10-11 USD329.95
Universal, all-in-one design including throttle quadrant, trim wheel & yoke. True to life 180° yoke handle rotation with non-contact hall effect sensor. Modular throttle quadrant with customizable lever handles and buttons. Integrated rudder and brake controls at your fingertips. Full color flight management display to learn and configure the system. Authentic Status Indicator Panel for PC.
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Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flight Universal Rudder Pedals
TURTLE BEACH October 31, 2022 USD269.99
Ultra-Smooth Rudder Axis with Swappable Springs. Differential Brakes. Adjustable Pedal Width. Non-Contact Hall Effect Sensor in All Axes. Two Sets of Swappable Pedals. Stable, Non-Slip Base.
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Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick Universal Simulation Controller
TURTLE BEACH November 17, 2022 USD129.96
High-Precision, Non-Contact Main Axes. Customizable, Multi-Function Throttle & Flap Levers. Compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & PC. 27 Programmable Buttons, 8 Axes, POV Hat & Rapid-Fire Trigger. Integrated, OLED Flight Management Display. Intuitive Flight Configuration Wheel.
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Thrustmaster TCA Captain Pack – Airbus Edition
Thrustmaster November 9, 2022 USD299.50
Since its launch, the TCA Airbus Edition range has become a reference in civil aviation simulation on PC. Thrustmaster is proud to bring its range to Xbox with the TCA Captain Pack X Airbus Edition! These ergonomic replicas of the Airbus sidestick and quadrant (A320/A320neo type, 1:1 scale) are officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and compatible with PC.
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Thrustmaster TCA Yoke Boeing Edition
Thrustmaster November 9, 2021 USD499.99
Officially-licensed Boeing yoke inspired by the iconic Boeing 787 airliner (1:1 scale ergonomic replica). PENDUL_R mechanism replicating the pendular sensation experienced in genuine Boeing Dreamliner airliners (8.3-inch / 21-cm range of travel). Suspended mechanism with adjustable springs for smooth motion and flexible linear resistance, allowing for an outstanding level of control.
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Thrustmaster TFRP Rudder Pedals for Flight Simulators
Thrustmaster May 23, 2016 USD129.99
The Thrustmaster TFRP adds an innovative new product to Thrustmaster’s wide range of joysticks and other related flight-themed controllers. Long range of travel on rudder axis for precise maneuvers. Self-centering rudder axis: The perfect balance between smoothness and resistance for re-centering, for the most accurate maneuvers.
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Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls
Honeycomb Aeronautical January 31, 2023 USDxxx.xx
The Honeycomb Alpha Flight Controls XPC brings the ultimate immersion of aviation in the comfort of your own home. It features a NEW front grill design, a full 180-degree yoke rotation with upgraded hall effect sensors to provide smooth precision with no center detent.
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Logitech G PRO Flight Yoke System
Logitech October 9, 2016 USDxxx.xx
POV Hat, 14 button controls, and 3-position mode switch. Stainless steel yoke shaft and 2-position clamp. Comes with separate three axis lever throttle. Integrated 1-USB 2.0 Port 20 Hub ; LCD Display: Yes. Windows 10 or later, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, XP/XP64, and Vista compatible. POV Hat, 14 button controls, and 3-position mode switch. Stainless steel yoke shaft and 2-position clamp.
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CH Products Flight Sim Yoke USB
CH Products April 7, 2003 USD159.95
You, too, can make your wings take flight. CH Products 200-615 Flight Sim Yoke USB Game Controller offers the best possible control and performance with Microsoft or virtually any compatible simulator. Command the skies with the king of flight simulator controls, the Flight Sim Yoke USB. This one-of-a-kind yoke offers features that will allow you to fly with the greatest sense of realism.
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