Microsoft Flight Simulator Save Location & Backup Guide
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Get Microsoft Flight Simulator Save File
Quick Setup: How to Install This Save
Close Microsoft Flight Simulator completely and verify no simulator processes remain active in Task Manager.
Copy your backed-up settings or profile files into the matching MS Store `wgs` or Steam `1250410\remote` folder.
Launch the simulator, open Options > Controls, and confirm your restored control profiles and flight plans are loaded.
PC Save File Destination Location
MS Store: `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\SystemAppData\wgs`
Steam: `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\<YourSteamID>\1250410\remote`Locating your Microsoft Flight Simulator save folder on Windows depends on your digital storefront. For MS Store / Xbox App editions, open File Explorer and navigate to `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\SystemAppData\wgs`. For Steam editions, check `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\<YourSteamID>\1250410\remote`. Close Microsoft Flight Simulator completely before copying or backing up files in these directories to prevent file access errors.
Save File Overview
Knowing your exact microsoft flight simulator save location is essential for protecting custom flight plans, logbook flight hours, control profiles, and graphic configurations from unexpected cloud synchronization resets. Flight hours, landing challenge records, and custom peripheral button bindings are stored across local directories and Xbox Live cloud containers. If an update corrupted your local settings or your logbook hours disappeared after a reinstall, knowing where simulator data lives lets you back up and restore your flight records safely without remapping hardware throttles.
Version Compatibility Info
Version: PC — Microsoft Store / Xbox App and Steam
Progress: Local Profile Data / Flight Logbook Backups / Custom Hardware Bindings / Flight Plan Saves
File Size: Approx. 2–10 MB
Microsoft Flight Simulator manages flight hours, pilot profiles, and hardware bindings through cloud-linked containers. MS Store and Game Pass editions store data in Windows `Packages` under `wgs` directories, while Steam editions store profile databases in Steam `userdata` under App ID `1250410`. Because pilot logbook records sync with Xbox Live services, local backup folders allow pilots to restore peripheral configs and flight plans if cloud profiles become corrupted.
Important Safety & Backup Advice
Always make a regular manual copy of your entire `wgs` or `1250410` folder on your desktop before applying major game patches or World Updates. If the simulator prompts you with an Xbox Cloud Sync conflict dialog on launch, select local files to keep your restored configurations active. Backing up local config files carries zero risk of account bans.
Common Questions & Answers
Where are custom flight plans (.pln files) saved in MSFS?
Flight plans are saved in your Windows local AppData packages folder or directly inside your Documents directory.
Why did my MSFS logbook flight hours reset to zero?
An Xbox Live cloud sync conflict or local file corruption likely wiped the cache. Restoring your local `wgs` backup recovers the data.
Can I transfer joystick and rudder pedal control profiles between PCs?
Yes, copying your local Steam or MS Store control config files to the same path on another PC transfers your bindings.
Does backing up local save files affect installed Community mods?
No, Community aircraft and scenery mods are stored separately in your `Community` packages directory.
How do I back up my settings before reinstalling MSFS?
Copy your `wgs` or `1250410\remote` folder and your `UserCfg.opt` file to a secure desktop folder.
Summary
Backing up your Microsoft Flight Simulator save folder protects your pilot logbook, custom flight plans, and hardware control bindings from accidental cloud wipes. Keep regular manual copies of your MS Store `wgs` or Steam `1250410` save directories on your desktop. If settings ever disappear after a patch, paste your backup files back in and take to the skies without remapping your controls.
