Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Sim Update 16 Beta Now Out

Microsoft has had a very busy week. With a new Sim Update releasing publicly for MSFS 2024 and then Sim Update 3’s first beta, there has been a lot of action on the new platform. For those still using Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, there is now a new Sim Update for you to try.

Sim Update 16 Beta is now available for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, bringing it to version 1.39.0.0. This is the first major Sim Update for the simulator since May 23rd 2024, marking almost a year since the platform saw any major improvements or changes.

Notable improvements include better memory handling on Xbox Series S|X and refined water polygon rendering for greater environmental accuracy. Several aircraft received significant updates, such as the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner now having corrected spoiler input issues and the Citation Longitude gaining refined autothrottle logic, pitch limit indicators, and improved CAS message handling.

On the avionics front, Garmin systems see extensive updates. The G1000 NXi introduces virtual pathway displays, while the G3000/G5000 adds VNAV annunciations, better TAWS logic, and aural alert support. The G3X Touch, GNS 430/530, and Primus Epic 2.0 also benefit from various quality-of-life fixes and flight planning enhancements. Although the Epic 2.0 and UNS-1Ew FMS updates don’t currently apply to any in-sim aircraft, their inclusion suggests forward-looking support for future integrations.

How to Install the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Sim Update Beta

Instructions on how to install the latest Sim Update beta were originally posted on the official blog page. Here’s how you can do it if you purchased via the Microsoft Store on PC or Xbox.

1. Open the ‘Xbox Insider Hub’ on your PC or Xbox (or install it via the Microsoft Store if you do not have it yet).
2. On the left side, click ‘Previews’.
3. Look for ‘Microsoft Flight Simulator Beta’ and select ‘Join’ or ‘Manage’.
4. From the list of Groups, select ‘Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 – Sim Update 16’ and click Save.
5. Wait for the registration to complete, then restart your Xbox console or PC—this prompts the Store to refresh and get the update.
6. After restarting, launch Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and you’ll be prompted to update.
7. If you don’t wish to restart immediately after joining, you can wait a few hours for the Store refresh and get the update, then launch the game.

For Steam Users:

1. Open your Steam Library
2. Right-click Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
3. Click “Properties”
4. Click “Betas”
5. Select “flight_sim_beta – Sim Update 16″

The full release notes are here. As always, do remember that this is a beta and therefore may make your add-ons not functional or behave incorrectly. There is also a risk that you may need to reinstall your simulator again if something goes wrong, so always read the installation instructions.