> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://fs2crew.gitbook.io/fs2crew-generation-ai-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://fs2crew.gitbook.io/fs2crew-generation-ai-documentation/getting-started/quickstart.md).

# Installation, Startup, and MSFS Toolbar Configuration

Install, configure, and take command

### <mark style="color:$primary;">Installing the Software</mark>

* Download the software directly via your FS2Crew or 3rd-party account.
* If you are reinstalling the software, ensure that FS2Crew: Generation AI is not running before launching the installer.

{% hint style="info" %}
Generation AI products don't use the FS2Crew Product Manager; they use a new internal system.
{% endhint %}

* If you encounter download issues, use **Google Chrome**.
* Some antivirus programs may flag Generation AI as a false positive or cause the setup routine to fail. If this occurs, whitelist Generation AI before proceeding or shut down your antivirus program.
* **No serial code required**. Authentication is handled via a cloud-based system linked to your account. A **one-time password** (OTP) will be sent to your email. If you don't receive it, check your spam folder.

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2FC5Ry84ywWkuMwaDPTBEV%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=9470e841-1c1a-464a-9164-a632367ac0f0" alt="" width="303"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* This online manual is the only documentation available — there is no PDF version.

### <mark style="color:$primary;">Launching Generation AI</mark>

There are two ways to launch the program:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Launch from desktop

Click the blue icon.

<div align="center"><figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2F8Mv4g23cThBK90VKHUro%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=8ccbf1fa-b9e8-438f-a8c7-641cf29b8f53" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### MSFS Toolbar (Optional)

This requires the **AI Command Center** to run in the background and be properly configured. See below.

**The MSFS Toolbar's sole purpose is to launch FS2Crew: Generation AI, eliminating the need to use the desktop shortcut.**

Because of the MSFS Toolbar's tight restrictions and Generation AI's complexity, it is impossible to port the Generation AI panels to the MSFS Toolbar.

After you click LAUNCH FS2CREW: GENERATION AI, the program will load. The main Generation AI program's splash screen will take a few seconds to appear. Please be patient and do not repeatedly click the LAUNCH button.​

If the program fails to launch, use the desktop shortcut, but try running the program with Admin rights and turning off User Account Control (UAC).

Once the app launches, you may close the Toolbar/Command Center, as you no longer need them.&#x20;

You don't need a constant connection to the main Generation AI program.

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2FiNfekbs8T0gpGXYtAHMG%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=973cb432-9ef3-485a-bbf2-f72e70774e93" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### <mark style="color:$primary;">Installing required product components to the MSFS Community Folder via the AI Command Center</mark>

<mark style="color:$info;">**STEP 1:**</mark>\
\
Launch the FS2Crew Generation AI Command Center using the green desktop icon.

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2FLCUc3HgFP3rw9yjjeHLC%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=908d010f-93e1-463b-b387-9117d731daf5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If clicking the green desktop icon does not open the AI Command Center and the AI Command Center is running, open the System Tray (Notification area), right-click the green icon, and select "Restore."

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2FBtoXkrXpSPcIO9K0LQPt%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=f2f65715-1659-44b5-909e-00b10a1c035d" alt="" width="174"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The AI Command Center can also be opened via the main app on the sidebar navigation menu:

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2FmJNCxBys7KyzZvKaWEYe%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=0f8fa2a1-a75c-41a8-8e65-d666055e82a0" alt="" width="273"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Read the notes carefully.

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2Fmals1YAVq8G7w6c0UIeY%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=3e35e4e0-2775-42fc-b007-4808016d721e" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<mark style="color:$info;">**STEP 2:**</mark>

Select your MSFS version from the drop-down menu, then choose a startup method.&#x20;

For the MSFS Toolbar integration to work, the AI Command Center must be running before MSFS finishes loading.

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2Fa62jQyMRxjSdDcqifceh%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=5295d6dc-1847-4443-a056-e35bdb324f71" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### <mark style="color:$primary;">Option 1 (Highly recommended):</mark>

Select "**Launch during Windows OS Startup**." This is the most reliable method and is recommended for all users.

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2Fd76alxtVQySwhGA7aKVz%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=a8c3265c-daa2-40c7-a1c9-eefa8b58fac9" alt="" width="212"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### <mark style="color:$primary;">Option 2</mark>

Select "**Add Entry to EXE.xml**."&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2FUiTioZRPDDbBc94wrn9S%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=997116c6-2206-452f-9a41-cf44db6016cf" alt="" width="326"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
This method can be unreliable because other add-ons often corrupt the EXE.xml file.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### <mark style="color:$primary;">Option 3</mark>

Launch the AI Command Center manually before starting MSFS using the green desktop icon.

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2FoSy5hkerLBM0NTtCf2PH%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=e4a4359f-abfd-4051-b69e-9d26cbe12af8" alt="" width="71"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

<mark style="color:$info;">**STEP 3:**</mark>

There is no auto-install feature, so you must manually install the FS2Crew MSFS Toolbar panel and WASM module in your MSFS Community folder.&#x20;

Verify that you've selected the correct MSFS version in the drop-down menu.

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2Fuz47R4kjaZf5k39uwOTN%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=ec2b86ae-2608-4346-bbe0-94d4f420d0ff" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:$warning;">**SHUT DOWN MSFS before deleting, updating, or installing packages; otherwise, you will get write permission issues!**</mark>
{% endhint %}

Optional: Select the Toolbar Panel package in the list by clicking it, then press "Install Package."

{% hint style="info" %}
**KEEPING THINGS LEAN**

If you prefer not to use the MSFS Toolbar to launch Generation AI, simply skip installing the MSFS Toolbar Panel.​

To keep your setup streamlined, just launch FS2Crew: Generation AI using the desktop shortcut instead.
{% endhint %}

If you want, you can use Symbolic links.

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2FRqhJ0cQXZr7NWYSxjT48%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=90e80bf2-f99b-4071-9c0e-f69575f5c431" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**FBW A32NX users only**: Select the WASM Module Pack in the list, then press "Install Package."

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2FOWgrut2JAkvGXfmhW87t%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=f3e54a8d-bf1d-4b37-a1ce-af016c005a3f" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
If the WASM module is not installed, certain FBW A32NX commands like "**CHECK THE BOX**" or "**COPY ACTIVE TO SECONDARY**" will not function.
{% endhint %}

<mark style="color:$info;">**STEP 5:**</mark>

Launch MSFS and confirm the Generation AI Toolbar icon is present on the MSFS Toolbar.

Reminder: Using the Toolbar is optional—you can also launch the program using the desktop shortcut.

If you have older FS2Crew products installed, two icons will appear — the Generation AI icon is identifiable by its two extra stars.

{% hint style="info" %}
The legacy Command Center (from older-generation FS2Crews) operates independently from the AI Command Center due to technical differences. Both can run simultaneously without any conflict.

You can hide the legacy FS2Crew icon via the MSFS Toolbar Settings (gear icon) if you no longer want to use older-generation FS2Crews.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://1589616682-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7CubpsqtLL0xz1IBrlGy%2Fuploads%2FYBuk17CrClkPiFjEHnjT%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=f0fb3ebe-0c68-489e-8002-479d50ae3218" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
MSFS Toolbar limitations restrict functionality to app launch only. \
\
VR users may try running FS2Crew via [FSDesktop](https://fsdesktop.com/) (unsupported, no guarantees).

If VR is an absolute must, we also suggest people use FS2Crew legacy versions.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
If the app fails to launch after clicking "**Launch Application**," try running the AI Command Center as an Administrator to resolve UAC or permission issues. \
\
You can also launch the app via its desktop icon.
{% endhint %}