After installing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, one of the first screens you’ll encounter is the MSFS 2024 Content Manager. It can look overwhelming at first — a long list of packages, updates, and downloads — but the MSFS 2024 Content Manager is actually straightforward once you understand how it works.
This guide explains what the MSFS 2024 Content Manager does, how to use it effectively, and how to keep your sim running smoothly without filling up your hard drive.
What Is the MSFS 2024 Content Manager?
The Content Manager is MSFS 2024’s built-in tool for managing all the downloadable content that comes with the sim. This includes:
- Sim Updates — Core game patches and performance improvements.
- World Updates — Enhanced scenery, landmarks, and airports for specific regions.
- Aircraft — Planes included with your edition.
- Airports — Handcrafted airports included with your edition.
- Marketplace Purchases — Any paid or free content you’ve acquired from the in-game Marketplace.
Think of it as the sim’s own app store and download manager rolled into one.
How to Open the Content Manager
From the MSFS 2024 main menu:
- Click the Marketplace icon or navigate to the main menu options.
- Look for Content Manager (sometimes under a “Profile” or “Options” submenu, depending on the current UI layout).
- You’ll see a list of all available and installed packages.
The Content Manager is only accessible from within the sim — you can’t open it outside of MSFS.
Understanding the Content Manager Screen
When you open the Content Manager, you’ll see a list with several columns:
- Name — The name of the package.
- Type — What kind of content it is (Aircraft, Airport, World Update, etc.).
- Size — How much disk space it uses.
- Status — Whether it’s installed, needs an update, or is available to download.
You can filter and sort this list using the options at the top. Common filters include:
- Not Installed — Shows content available for download.
- Update Available — Shows installed packages that have newer versions.
- Installed — Shows everything currently on your system.
Downloading World Updates
World Updates are one of the best things about MSFS. They’re free enhancements that dramatically improve the scenery, landmarks, and airports for specific countries and regions. Microsoft releases these periodically, and they’re well worth downloading.
To download World Updates:
- Open the Content Manager.
- Filter by “Not Installed” or search for “World Update”.
- Select the World Updates you want (we recommend downloading all of them if you have the disk space).
- Click Download and wait for them to install.
Tip: World Updates can be large (several GB each). If you’re short on space, prioritise the regions you fly in most. You can always download the others later.
Installing Sim Updates
Sim Updates are mandatory patches that fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. Unlike World Updates, you usually can’t skip these — the game will prompt you to install them before you can fly.
When a Sim Update is available:
- The game will typically show a notification at launch.
- You may need to update via Steam or the Xbox App first (this handles the core game files).
- Then launch MSFS and check the Content Manager for any remaining in-game content updates.
Tip: After a major Sim Update, it’s a good idea to check whether your Community folder add-ons are still compatible. Occasionally, updates can break older add-ons. Check Flightsim.to for updated versions.
Managing Disk Space
MSFS can consume a lot of storage. Here’s how to keep things under control:
Uninstall Content You Don’t Use
Not interested in bush trips or certain aircraft? You can uninstall specific packages from the Content Manager:
- Open the Content Manager.
- Filter by “Installed”.
- Find the package you want to remove.
- Select it and click Delete.
You can always re-download anything you remove later.
Manage Your Rolling Cache
MSFS uses a rolling cache to store scenery data it has streamed from the cloud. This cache can grow quite large. You can manage its size and location from the in-game Settings:
- Go to Settings → General → Data.
- Find the Rolling Cache section.
- Set a maximum size (8-16 GB is usually plenty).
- Optionally, change its location to a drive with more space.
Move Your Community Folder
If your add-on collection is growing, consider moving your Community folder to a larger drive. We cover this in detail in our Community Folder guide.
Checking for Updates
It’s good practice to check the MSFS 2024 Content Manager regularly for updates. Here’s a simple routine:
- Launch MSFS and wait for the main menu.
- Open the Content Manager.
- Filter by “Update Available”.
- Select all packages that need updating.
- Click Download/Update.
This ensures your World Updates, default aircraft, and any Marketplace purchases are all running the latest versions.
Marketplace Content vs Community Folder
It’s worth understanding the difference between these two sources of add-on content:
- Marketplace — Content purchased or downloaded from within MSFS. Managed by the Content Manager. Updates happen automatically. Content is tied to your Microsoft/Xbox account.
- Community Folder — Free (and some paid) content downloaded from external websites like Flightsim.to. You manage updates manually by downloading new versions and replacing the old files.
Both types of content coexist happily. Many simmers use a mix of Marketplace purchases and Community folder add-ons.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Downloads are stuck or very slow
The MSFS download servers can get busy after major updates. Try downloading at off-peak times (early morning or late evening). Also make sure nothing else on your network is consuming bandwidth.
Content Manager shows errors
If a download fails or shows an error, try closing MSFS completely and relaunching. If the problem persists, check the official MSFS forums or social media — server-side issues are usually reported quickly by the community.
I can’t find a World Update
Make sure you’re not filtering incorrectly. Clear all filters and search for “World Update” directly. If it still doesn’t appear, your sim may need a core update through Steam or the Xbox App first.
What’s Next?
Now that you know how to manage your sim’s content, here are some useful next steps:
- Set Up Your Community Folder — Start installing free add-ons.
- Best Initial Settings for Beginners — Optimise your sim for the best experience.
- Performance Optimisation — Squeeze more frames out of your hardware.
- Learn the Basic Controls — Ready to fly? Start here.
The MSFS 2024 Content Manager is your control centre for everything that goes into your sim. Check it regularly, keep things updated, and you’ll always have the best possible experience. Happy flying! ✈️
