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MSFS 2020 Crashing on Windows 11: How to Fix it

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

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. 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.

How come Microsoft Flight Simulator isn’t working in Windows 11?

Games often crash because of corrupted or missing files. Microsoft Flight Simulator is no exception in that regard. Therefore, reinstalling MSFS, or at least verifying its game files, can often Microsoft Flight Simulator issues.

Conflicting programs can also generate MSFS issues in Windows 11. For example, some players have confirmed uninstalling Sonic Studio 3 can fix Microsoft Flight Simulator crashing to desktop.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is also a graphically advanced game. Therefore, MSFS 2020 issues can arise on PCs with outdated graphics card drivers.

Flight Simulator can also frequently crash because of limited RAM (Random Access Memory). The game consumes eight gigabytes of RAM. Players with PCs that have eight GB RAM might need to increase virtual memory.

What are Microsoft’s Flight Simulator’s system requirements?

If you can’t play Flight Simulator after downloading it, double-check your PC meets the game’s minimum system requirements. The game might not start precisely because your computer doesn’t meet all minimum requirements:

If your desktop or laptop does meet all Flight Simulator’s minimum requirements, however, go through the potential fixes for MSFS issues below. One of these resolutions might kick-start the game.

How can I fix Microsoft Flight Simulator issues in Windows 11?

How can I fix Microsoft Flight Simulator issues in Windows 11?

1. Run the Windows Store App troubleshooter

2. Reset the Microsoft Store cache

3. Update Windows 11

4. Update your PC’s graphics driver

Alternatively, try updating device drivers with third-party driver updater software. A driver update utility such asOutbyte Driver Updaterwill tell you if your graphics card’s driver is outdated and enable you to update it.

5. Reset the game (MS Store app fix)

6. Verify its files in Steam (Steam fix)

7. Increase virtual memory allocation

8. Erase Flight Simulator’s fspatch files

C:\Users%UserName%\AppData\Local\Microsoft Flight Simulator\Packages\Official\OneStore (MS Store app)

C:\Users%UserName%\AppData\Local\Microsoft Flight Simulator\Packages\Official\Steam (Steam)

9. Uninstall Sonic Studio 3

Some users prefer to utilize third-party uninstaller software for uninstalling apps. Third-party uninstaller utilities more thoroughly erase leftover residual files than the default uninstaller in Windows andIObit Uninstallerwon’t disappoint you.

10. Reinstall Flight Simulator

Who can I contact to fix Flight Simulator issues?

You can contact Flight Simulator’s support service. Open theMicrosoft Flight Simulator FAQ pagein your browser. Then click theSubmit a Requestlink on that page. Fill out the form that opens and press theSubmitbutton.

The above resolutions can feasibly fix a wide variety of crashing and updating issues that can arise for MSFS. If your Flight Simulator often crashes at startup or during gameplay, give them a try.

Moreover, let us guide you if you happen to encounter theFlight Simulator X error 1722. The message shows that there is a problem with the Windows Installer so you need to act fast and correct it.

Finally, keep in mind that those aren’t necessarily all the resolutions to apply when experiencing Microsoft Flight Simulator issues. Players who have fixed MSFS crashing with other methods are welcome to share their fixes in the comments area below.

More about the topics:gaming,Windows 11

Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.