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How to Add Scenery to Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator is an open platform that is easily expandable by the user. One way to do this is by adding new scenery. The default scenery that comes with the simulator is not always as detailed as one might like, especially for more obscure locations. However, there are thousands of scenery packages that can be easily installed into your simulator. Some of these scenery files are commercially made and sold for profit. Many others are created by hobbyists and are distributed over the Internet for free. You may be pleasantly surprised by the quality of some of the better freeware scenery. The possibilities are limited only by the amount of patience you have for searching the web. Somewhere out there is just the right scenery for you.

Things You'll Need

Microsoft Flight Simulator (any recent version)
A high-speed Internet connection

Instructions

- 1
  Find a scenery file that you would like to add to your simulator. There are many websites where freeware planes are available. Be sure that the scenery you download is compatible with your version of Flight Simulator (see Resources below).
- 2
  Extract the compressed file to your hard drive.
- 3
  Review the file contents. In some cases, an installation applet is included, and all you need to do is run it. In other cases, you must install the file manually. Usually there is a "readme" file that explains the installation procedure. If manual installation is necessary, then continue below.
- 4
  Read the "readme" file of the scenery you downloaded. Usually, all the files will already be arranged within a single folder carrying the scenery's name. This folder may contain sub-folders that are already arranged as they should be. However, occasionally, a scenery set with unusual features may require other steps. The "readme" should cover this.
- 5
  Drag and drop the folder with the scenery's name into the "Addon Scenery" folder in the main directory of your Flight Simulator installation.
- 6
  Run Flight Simulator and select "Scenery Library" from the "Settings" menu. A new menu will appear, listing the currently installed scenery in your simulator.
- 7
  Click the "Add Area" button. A new window will appear, showing the file structure of your Flight Simulator installation.
- 8
  Browse the file structure to find the new scenery you just installed. It should be in the "Addon Scenery" folder if you were following these instructions.
- 9
  Highlight the new scenery file, and the name and locations should appear at the bottom of the window.
- 10
  Check the box for "Use this scenery directly" instead of "Cache this scenery."
- 11
  Click "OK" at the bottom of the window to apply your changes. Your new scenery should now be installed and working.

Aviation