Where to buy and download MSFS 2020

Where can I safely purchased and download MSFS 2020 as my FSX does not work on my new PC. Once downloaded can you keep the application on a flash drive?

I bought mine on Steam and saved it to my 1TB external SSD drive. It works fine.

In my opinion : Easiest : Steam - Safest : Microsoft Store

No, you would not be able to put it on a flash drive. First the program is rapidly evolving with frequent mandatory updates. Second, most of the data resides in the Cloud, to hold all the data the program uses would require close to 500 large SSDs, or millions of flash drives. Third, you need high speed data transfer rates, I suggest a large M.2 drive.

BTW, I use MS Store, and I have had very few problems.

Edited September 26, 2022 by plainsman

Just another vote for using the MS Store - one less middleman in the process? Steam can always blame Microsoft for any problems- lol

A flash drive, as in usb stick? Not a good idea since it'd have to be huge. And even if it was big enough, the manner in which MSFS installs is opaque and as brittle as it gets in terms of file system structuring that can be seriously fouled up. Beware also MSFS will install the bulk of its files deep in your user's appdata folder if it's not explicitly told otherwise, a big surprise for users who thought they completely installed it on a dedicated drive.

Just another vote for using the MS Store - one less middleman in the process? Steam can always blame Microsoft for any problems- lol

 

I agree on MS Store as well. Has it been perfect? No, but :) the folks here helped me to get through the problems that I've encountered.

I would strongly recommend a 1 TB (min.) SSD as your C: drive and move all your non MSFS software to secondary drives. That will keep your mental sanity safe. MS Store is OK. Have in mind that MSFS occupies almost 150 GB of disk space as of today (sept2022) Edited September 27, 2022 by bjl345

Ditto on MS Store. No probs whatsoever.

I have opted to remain with my trusted FSX. Had some expert Geeks set up my new High-Powered PC to accept the "old" FSX. Seems MSFS has many varied opinions on its attributes, grass is not always greener on the other side it seems.

I have opted to remain with my trusted FSX. Had some expert Geeks set up my new High-Powered PC to accept the "old" FSX. Seems MSFS has many varied opinions on its attributes, grass is not always greener on the other side it seems.

 

The important thing IS when you setup the game first time, I think you must keep the registration details (email,user name password ete.) that you use with MS XBOX and the initial KEY Numbers for future re installations or update. regards

If you got to stay with FSX, it is well worth it to get the Steam edition if you don't already have it. The Steam edition has been 'modernized' in the last few years to play well with 'modern' systems, but it's still the same old FSX. Started with FSX when it first released, and I moved to the Steam edition when I built my latest computer. Still got it on my new build, but it hasn't seen my CPU is nearly two years now. I'll uninstall it when I decide that I need the SSD it's on for something else.

If you change your mind or possibly still undecided.. sign up for the Xbox game pass (trial)

It costs about £1 / $1 for a months trial. This will mean you will get to try MSFS for a month! Just remember to cancel game pass before the month is up.

 

Regards

Steve