Hi.
I recently downloaded flight sim on the Microsoft store with gamepass and I want to buy it on steam. If I switch to steam will the old game files be deleted? Will I have to redownload the game?
Yes probably. You can save your add-ons by making a copy of your Community folder. I don’t know if there is a way to save your logbook.
So I’ll have to reinstall the whole simulator?
I’m afraid so. The launchers are not the same, and there is no way you can make one use the other’s files.
And…anything you bought from marketplace will not work. The scenery and airplanes are encrypted and will not show up in steam.
You’ll lose all your log book progress. And if you bought any add-ons from the MS Marketplace, you’ll lose those as well.
So pretty much, I have to reinstall the game and all my progress and stuff I buy on the marketplace is gone.
Try Xplane11, just the opposite of MSFS regarding useability!
No you do not.
I did same as you, from MStore to Steam.
Just install Steam version. ( The loader) (about 800 Mb )
When first loaded , the “Update” begins on folder of your choice. Choose what will be the folder you like.
After 1 or 2 files downloaded and decompressed, pause update and quit.
Copy/Move all files of Store folder of MSFS to new designated folder.
What changes is that for steam it is “C:\FS2020\Official\Steam” instead of “C:\FS2020\Official\Store”.
When entering the “Checking for updates” it compiles the already existing files
That is my experience.
Greetings
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Ohhhhhhh ok! Thanks!
You lose all your progress and purchases. However, if you point the new Steam install to where the sim content is (folder that holds both the Official and Community folder), it should detect the content as already being there and shouldn’t force you to download it anew.
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And don’t forget this - any time you move the sim to a new location you will need to edit UserCfg.opt. I think that’s why @CitrousGorgon81 says to let a little bit download to the new location - FS2020 does this edit for you on a new installation which is what you are basically doing (just not all the way) with Citrous’ method.
I think his/her way is less steps but for future reference, all you need to do is move the directory that has the Community and Official folders to where you want it and then edit the UserCfg.opt to point to the new location. It’s the very last line in that file.
Absolutely right.
My “method” I developed in my first “Do not touch anything…” try.
Now we know for true. Thks.
Greetings
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Yeah, I like your method for simplicity. For those comfortable with editing config files, doing the move and edit manually may be easier, but without a doubt yours is the better way for those not comfortable with that. Cheers! 
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