'Microsoft Flight Simulator': How to Pre-Install Using Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft Flight Simulator is released today on the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Announced at this year's E3, the port is technically the first exclusive for the next-gen consoles (meaning that you can't get it on the Xbox One).

'Microsoft Flight Simulator' Xbox Release Time

Microsoft Flight Simulator boasts astonishing visuals, complex mechanics, and an authentic recreation of the globe that is generated using high-resolution satellite images and photogrammetry.

This last feature basically means that you can use the game to explore anywhere on the planet, as it takes data straight from Bing maps. You can chart a course to your own house if want, ascend to the top of Mount Everest, soar over the African planes, or even visit the Cinderella castle over at Disneyland. Last year, Jeffrey Epstein's private Caribbean island turned out to be a popular destination for some.

It was only natural that the PC version of Flight Simulator would experience a massive surge in popularity over the past year, due to all the travel restrictions and people being unable to go on vacation. Now, console players will finally have a chance to see what all the fuss is about.

The port will launch today, with a release time of 11 a.m. ET. Those with an Xbox Game Pass subscription can start downloading it early, so that it's ready to play as soon as it unlocks.

How to Pre-install 'Microsoft Flight Simulator'

First, you will need to boot up your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S. Once the main dashboard has loaded, press down on the home button, which is the big X symbol at the top of your controller.

A side window will then open up with multiple options. From here, you will need to navigate to the "My Games & Apps" page and select "See All."

Next, click on the "Looking For More" button, which will take you to a specific page on the Xbox Store. If you browse in the "Games Coming Soon" menu, you will be able to find a product page for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

When you select the game itself, you will be presented with numerous different versions for you to purchase, including a deluxe and a premium deluxe edition. As a Game Pass subscriber, you aren't entitled to either of these, but you can choose to purchase them if you want (They are quite expensive, with the latter costing more than $100).

You can claim the standard edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator. When you select this version, you will then be taken to yet another page where you will be prompted to select a method for redeeming it. You can either choose to pre-order the game (which will cost you money), or you can "manage" it with your Game Pass membership. Obviously, you need to pick the latter.

Finally, you will be prompted to select which parts of the bundle you want to pre-install, with the base game and its "offline mode" being separate download files. If you decide to get them both, then the whole package will have a file size of 97.2 GB.

To summarize, here are the steps for pre-installing Microsoft Flight Simulator using the Xbox Game Pass.

• Press the "Home" button on your Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.
• Choose "My Games and Apps" and then "See All."
• Navigate to "Looking For More."
• Open the "Games Coming Soon" menu.
• Find the standard edition of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
• Select "Manage"
• Start the download.

If you have already purchased Microsoft Flight Simulator separately from Game Pass, then the steps to pre-install it are largely the same. Just make sure that you select the edition that you actually paid for when you get to the product page.