Just to be absolutely clear, if you installed the Microsoft Store version of MSFS when it first came out, then 
indeed flightsimulator.exe is not accessible.
Since then, the installer has been changed, and it is possible, as linked above, to update the "old" installation
so that flightsimulator.exe is accessible.
Here is the link once again: https://parallel42.com/blogs/wiki/converting-my-sim-install-from-legacy-to-modern

Is it even necessary anymore to run MSFS as admin? Doing so I guess all external addons would also need to be run as admin?

19 hours ago, orchestra_nl said:

MS store buyer here, My flightsimulator.exe is located in C:\Games\Xbox\Microsoft Flight Simulator\content\flightsimulator.exe. It is exactly where I told the installer to put it.
I did not have to do anything "difficult" to get it there, just install MSFS via the Xbox app on the PC and when it asked where to install the files I selected this location.

Yep, absolutely understand.  When installing afresh, it's really easy to choose the method that will give access to the EXE.

I was referring to if you already have MSFS installed (using the old 'method' that does not grant access to the EXE). There is a way of changing your location but it may be risky.    So I'm personally just going to leave mine as it is, until at some point I inevitably need to do a fresh full reinstall MSFS.  Then I'll use the 'new method'.

On 2/25/2024 at 5:28 AM, Cpt_Piett said:

C:\XboxGames\Microsoft Flight Simulator\Content

 

I do not have a Content folder in that path.  Just GameSave folder and WGS subfolder, which is empty.

Edited February 26, 20242 yr by doudou

11 hours ago, doudou said:

Mine, 1,37.4, is in the same folder.

18 hours ago, fppilot said:

I do not have a Content folder in that path.  Just GameSave folder and WGS subfolder, which is empty.

Yeah, it’s very confusing as it seems the .exe is in different places even for people that got MSFS from the Microsoft Store.

19 minutes ago, Cpt_Piett said:

Yeah, it’s very confusing as it seems the .exe is in different places even for people that got MSFS from the Microsoft Store.

It depends on when it was installed.
It can be updated to the latest configuration.
https://parallel42.com/blogs/wiki/converting-my-sim-install-from-legacy-to-modern

To quickly find the location of any file, I suggest using a free little program called Everything.

No more wondering where a file resides. No more slow searches in the Windows file manager.

Type "flightsimulator.exe" (or the name of any other file you may be looking for) into the context sensitive search box and it will instantly appear.

Right click on it and select  "Open Path" to take you to the location.

 

 

 

You can easily access the appsfolder. Hit Windows key + R, and enter 'shell:appsfolder'. Done !

13 hours ago, Cpt_Piett said:

Yeah, it’s very confusing as it seems the .exe is in different places even for people that got MSFS from the Microsoft Store.

 

12 hours ago, Reader said:

It depends on when it was installed.

In my case I expect that it is due to a custom install location.

I recommend this app, Everything, which will find a specific file anywhere on your computer:

https://www.voidtools.com/

On 6/21/2022 at 6:04 PM, Howiefly13 said:

I want to run it as administrator.

Thanks

Pretty simple with the MS store version start the xbox app choose from the left side my library.

Then on the right side choose Microsoft flight simulator then on the top side choose manage with Microsoft flight simulator selected (three dots ...)

that will open a window and choose at the top files and then the option browse and go to \Microsoft Flight Simulator\Content\ select FlightSimulator.exe