Fixing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Launch Issues on Windows 10
Microsoft’s long-awaited Flight Simulator 2020 has seen enormous success since its launch, quickly becoming the highest rated PC game of 2020. However, some Windows 10 users have experienced frustrating launch issues that prevent them from taking flight.
After digging into user reports on forums and social media, we’ve discovered the most common Flight Simulator 2020 launch problems on Windows 10 and reliable fixes to get you back behind the yoke.
Flight Simulator 2020 Opens the Microsoft Store Instead of Launching
One of the most widely reported Flight Sim 2020 launch issues is that clicking the desktop shortcut or Start menu tile opens the Microsoft Store page for the game instead of launching it.
This occurs because the Gaming Services app, which enables key features like cross-play and cloud game saves, has become corrupted. Resetting Gaming Services typically resolves the issue:
How do I buy Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020?
Open Steam client. Click on the STORE tab at the top. In the search box at the upper right, type in “Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.” Look for Microsoft Flight Simulator (should be released on August 18) and click it. Click on the green Add to Cart button. Click on Purchase for myself or Purchase as a gift button to buy the game.
How to fix Microsoft Flight Simulator crashing Windows 11?
1. Microsoft flight simulator keeps crashing windows 11/10 Press the Win + R keys simultaneously to launch the Run console. Type sysdm.cpl in the search bar and hit Enter. Next, in the System Properties dialog, select the Advanced tab and click on Settings under Performance.
- Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features
- Search for "Gaming Services"
- Click Advanced options > Reset
After resetting Gaming Services, wait 10 seconds before attempting to launch Flight Simulator again. This gives the app time to reconfigure itself.
If resetting doesn’t work, you can also fix Gaming Services by uninstalling just the latest update from the Microsoft Store updates list.
Finally, launching an elevated Command Prompt and running "netsh winsock reset" resets the Windows Sockets system and often fixes corrupt Gaming Services.
Flight Simulator Gets Stuck Downloading Updates
Another culprit causing Flight Sim 2020 to get stuck redirecting to the Microsoft Store is an interrupted content update.
Open the Microsoft Store updates list and check for any paused or failed Flight Simulator 2020 downloads. Resume any pending downloads and allow them to fully complete.
Once all updates finish installing, you should be able to launch the game normally. Slow internet connections are typically the cause of stuck game downloads.
Resetting the Flight Simulator Installation
If Flight Simulator is launching but crashing immediately or behaving erratically, resetting the installation often helps.
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator a good game?
Microsoft Flight Simulator is the best-established flight simulator game series that dates back to the ’80s. The 2020 version of Flight Simulator is the most recent, and best addition to the franchise with an amazing breadth of content and excellent graphical quality.
Is flight simulator 2020 compatible with Windows 11?
Flight Simulator 2020 is compatible with both 64-bit Windows 10 and 11. So, you can enjoy MSFS 2020 in Microsoft’s latest Windows platform. Some early users have encountered issues playing Flight Simulator 2020 in Windows 11. Certain players have reported MSFS 2020 crashing to the desktop in Windows 11.
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator included with Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Microsoft Flight Simulator is included with Xbox Game Pass, its Netflix-style subscription service for Xbox One and Windows 10 games. The title hit Xbox Game Pass to PC at launch, currently priced at $5 per month — with a $1 trial month for newcomers.
Right-click the Start button and select Apps and Features. Find Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 in the app list, click the three dots next to it and select Advanced Options > Reset.
This will reinstall Flight Simulator while saving your preferences and downloaded content. Allow the reset install to fully complete, then try launching the game again.
Using the Steam File Verification System
For Flight Simulator 2020 purchased through Steam, the Steam client provides a handy integrity check tool.
Right-click the game in your Steam library and browse to Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Steam will scan all game content and download any missing or corrupted files. This often resolves crash on launch and other startup issues.
Performing a Clean Reinstall of Flight Simulator
If you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting methods, fully reinstalling Flight Simulator 2020 is the nuclear option to resolve lingering launch problems.
Open the Settings app > Apps > Apps & features, select Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and click Uninstall.
After rebooting your PC, head to the Microsoft Store and redownload the game fresh. This eliminates any corrupted files or registry entries causing launch issues. Just be sure to back up your progress first!
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator available on Windows 10?
It’s out now exclusively on Windows PCs, offered in three flavors. Microsoft Flight Simulator is out now for Windows 10 PCs, available via the Microsoft Store and Steam across three tiered editions, starting from $60. The title is also included under the Xbox Game Pass PC subscription, which provides unlimited access to the full standard version.
How do I fix Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 error?
Type or paste control /name Microsoft.PowerOptions and click OK. In the pop-up window, select High Performance and click Change plan settings. Click the Turn off the display drop-down list and select Never. Then click Save changes. Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and see if the problem has gone away.
With the power of cloud saving, you shouldn’t lose any progress or profile information. But it’s wise to play it safe by backing up the main Flight Simulator 2020 folder located in C:\Users[user]\AppData\Local\Packages.
Stay Up to Date and Enjoy the Virtual Skies
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is an incredibly sophisticated game, so launch issues are bound to occur on some Windows 10 systems as updates roll out.
But by keeping Windows and your drivers updated, verifying game files, and resetting apps, you should be able to resolve any startup problems and get your virtual wings back.
With breathtaking photorealistic graphics and incredibly detailed flight physics, Flight Simulator 2020 offers a singular experience for aviation enthusiasts and armchair pilots alike. We hope these troubleshooting tips let you spend more time exploring the boundless beauty of our simulated world from your pilot’s seat view.
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator a ‘wow’ moment?
Archived from the original on December 6, 2020. Retrieved August 12, 2020. ^ a b Robinson, Martin (July 30, 2020). Welsh, Oli (ed.). “Microsoft Flight Simulator is a Once-in-a-Generation “Wow” Moment”. Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on August 10, 2020. Retrieved August 12, 2020. ^ Donaldson, Alex (July 30, 2020).
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th anniversary edition free?
The Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition is available as afree update for current players. It’s playable on the Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox One, and through Xbox Cloud Gaming. You can play Microsoft Flight Simulator and hundreds of other titles through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Can you play MSFS 2020 in Windows 11?
Certain players have reported MSFS 2020 crashing to the desktop in Windows 11. Others have spoken about update issues arising for that game. Either way, players can’t play Microsoft Flight Simulator when such things happen. The potential resolutions below might fix such issues and make MSFS 2020 playable in Windows 11.
Clear skies ahead!
