Getting Started with MSFS: What You Need Before Installation

Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) is one of the most demanding PC games available. Before you begin the installation, ensure your system meets the minimum and recommended specifications to avoid frustration. The official Microsoft Flight Simulator website lists the latest requirements. As a general rule, you will need:

  • Processor: At least an Intel i5-4460 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200, but an i7-9700 or Ryzen 7 2700X is recommended for smooth performance.
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 770 or AMD Radeon RX 570 (minimum), with a GTX 970 or better recommended.
  • RAM: 8 GB minimum, 16 GB or more recommended for add-ons and high-detail areas.
  • Storage: At least 150 GB of free space on an SSD (an NVMe drive significantly reduces loading times).
  • Internet Connection: A stable broadband connection (50 Mbps or faster is ideal) because MSFS streams terrain and weather data in real time, even for the download of updates.
  • Operating System: Windows 10 (version 1909 or later) or Windows 11.

Your internet connection is critical – if you have a data cap, be aware that a full installation can exceed 200 GB and updates often range from 10–60 GB. Plan accordingly.

Installing MSFS for the First Time

The installation process for MSFS is straightforward but time-consuming. Follow these steps to get the sim up and running:

  1. Obtain the installer: If you purchased from Aerosimulations.com or another retailer, you will typically receive a product key and a download link to a small launcher installer.
  2. Create or log in to your Microsoft account: MSFS is tied to your Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass account. You will need an active account to download and play.
  3. Run the installer file: Launch the downloaded installer. It will prompt you to sign in and enter your product key if applicable.
  4. Choose an installation directory: Select a folder with plenty of free space. If you have multiple drives, place the sim on your fastest SSD. The installer will create a folder for the main game files.
  5. Select content to download: The launcher offers a choice between downloading the whole world (recommended for full fidelity) or a minimum set of regions. Beginners should choose the full world to avoid missing textures later.
  6. Wait for the download and installation: This step can take several hours, even on fast connections. The installer will download the core game plus world updates. You can minimize the window and let it run in the background.
  7. Complete the initial setup: Once the download finishes, MSFS will ask you to configure graphics settings, control preferences, and create a pilot profile. Take your time to set these up properly – you can always tweak them later.

After the installation is complete, launch MSFS from your desktop shortcut or Start menu. Sign in with your Microsoft account each time you start the sim to synchronize your profile and purchased content.

Post-Installation Setup and First Flight

Before you take off, consider these essential setup steps for the best experience:

  • Graphics settings: Use the in-game benchmark tool to test your system’s performance. Start with the “High-End” preset and dial down if you experience stutters. Disabling “Clouds” and “Terrain Level of Detail” by one notch often helps.
  • Control calibration: If you use a joystick, yoke, or controller, go to the “Controls” menu. MSFS supports most devices out of the box, but calibrate your axes and assign buttons for flaps, brakes, and trim.
  • Download the free world updates: The installer may not automatically grab all the latest world updates. In the Marketplace (accessed from the main menu), head to “World Updates” and install any that are available. They enhance specific regions with photogrammetry and improved airports.
  • Install the Aerosimulations community mods: Many freeware mods can improve performance, add liveries, or fix aircraft. Visit the Aerosimulations community section to find beginner-friendly mods.

Pro tip: Start your first flight in a small aircraft like the Cessna 152 at a small airport (e.g., Friday Harbor in Washington State). This reduces lag and helps you learn the basics of takeoff, navigation, and landing without overwhelming your system.

Updating MSFS: Keeping Your Simulator Current

MSFS receives regular updates – sometimes multiple per month – including major sim updates (SU), world updates, and hotfixes. Staying updated ensures access to new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. Here is how to update the game depending on your platform:

Updating via the Microsoft Store or Xbox App

  1. Open the Microsoft Store or the Xbox app (the method works identically on both).
  2. Navigate to the “Library” section. Look for “Microsoft Flight Simulator” in your installed apps.
  3. If an update is available, you will see an “Update” button next to the game’s tile. Click it.
  4. The store will begin downloading the update. Large updates may take 30 minutes to several hours depending on your internet speed.
  5. Once the download finishes, the store will automatically install the update. A notification will appear when it is complete.

    6. Updating via Steam (if you own the Steam version)

    1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
    2. Right-click “Microsoft Flight Simulator” and select “Properties”.
    3. In the “Updates” tab, ensure “Automatic updates” is set to “Always keep this game updated” or “High priority – always update this game”.
    4. Steam will download updates in the background. You can also manually check for updates by clicking the “Update” button that appears in the Library when one is pending.

    In-Game Update Prompt

    When you launch MSFS, the game will automatically check for updates. If a new version is available, a pop-up will appear saying an update is required. Always allow this update to complete before playing – attempting to skip it may lead to crashes or missing content. The in-game update usually handles large content packs and fixes.

    After an update, it is wise to restart your PC and then run the sim. Some updates require clearing your rolling cache or resetting settings if issues arise (see troubleshooting below).

    Troubleshooting Common Installation and Update Issues

    Even with a perfect setup, things can go wrong. Here are the most frequent problems and how to fix them:

    Installation Stuck or Frozen

    • Check your internet connection: A drop in connection can halt the download. Restart your router and try again.
    • Run the installer as administrator: Right-click the installer file and select “Run as administrator”. This can resolve permission errors.
    • Disable antivirus temporarily: Security software may block the large file downloads. Turn off real-time protection for the duration of the installation, then re-enable it afterward.
    • Free up disk space: MSFS needs temporary space for extraction. If you have less than 50 GB free, clear unnecessary files or move the installation to a larger drive.
    • Delete the installer cache: Navigate to %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\FS2020 and delete the “Packages” folder (this does not affect the installed game, only the cached installer data). Then restart the installer.

    Update Fails to Download or Stalls

    • Reset the Microsoft Store cache: Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and hit Enter. This clears store caches without affecting your games.
    • Clear the Steam download cache: In Steam, go to Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache. You will need to log in again.
    • Check for Windows updates: An outdated OS can cause download failures. Install all pending Windows updates and restart.
    • Change DNS servers: Occasionally ISP DNS servers cause download issues. Switch to Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and try again.

    Game Crashes After Update

    • Delete the Rolling Cache: In MSFS, go to Options > General > Data. Click “Delete Rolling Cache”. This forces the sim to rebuild local terrain data and often resolves crash loops.
    • Reset rendering settings: Some updates change default graphics parameters. Head to Options > General > Graphics and select a preset (e.g., “High-End”) to override corrupt settings.
    • Verify game files: For Steam: right-click MSFS > Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity of game files. For Store version: use the “Repair” option in the Xbox App (click the three dots next to the game).
    • Check for conflicting add-ons: Disable all community mods by moving the “Community” folder (located in your MSFS install directory) to the desktop. Launch the sim – if it works, re-enable mods one by one to find the culprit.

    “Error Code 0x80070643” or Similar

    These errors often point to corrupted Windows update components. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Also, ensure your system drive has enough free space – Microsoft Store updates require a minimum of 20 GB free on the system drive for temporary files.

    For additional help, the Aerosimulations support page has detailed guides and a community forum where you can ask questions.

    Performance Optimization Tips After Installation

    Once MSFS is installed and updated, you can squeeze out extra performance with these adjustments:

    • Set power plan to High Performance: Windows often throttles down performance when the game is running. Go to Control Panel > Power Options and select “High performance”.
    • Disable Game Mode and Xbox Game Bar: These features can interfere with MSFS. Go to Settings > Gaming and toggle them off.
    • Adjust in-game scaling: If you are GPU-bound, reducing the “Render Scaling” from 100 to 80 can significantly boost frames with minimal visual loss.
    • Limit frame rate to 30 or 40 FPS: MSFS is CPU-intensive, and letting it run uncapped can cause stutters. Set a cap in the graphics options or via your GPU control panel.
    • Use the “Developer Mode” to see GPU/CPU usage: Press Ctrl + Z in-game to bring up the debug overlay. This helps you identify which component is the bottleneck.

    Remember that MSFS relies heavily on the CPU single-thread performance. If you own an older processor, consider lowering the “Traffic” and “Ground Vehicle” settings.

    Maintaining Your MSFS Installation Over Time

    To avoid accumulated clutter and performance degradation:

    • Regularly clear the rolling cache: Monthly, delete the cache to remove old tile data that may be corrupted.
    • Uninstall old world updates: In the content manager (from the main menu), you can see which manuals and world updates are installed. Keep only the regions you fly in to save disk space.
    • Keep Windows and drivers updated: Nvidia and AMD often release driver optimizations for MSFS. Check for driver updates before major sim updates.
    • Backup your Community folder: Before a major update, copy your mods to an external drive. Some updates break older mods, and you may need to remove them.

    Where to Find More Help and Resources

    As a beginner, you are not alone. The MSFS community is vast and supportive. Here are the best places to get quick answers:

    • Official MSFS Forums: The official forums have dedicated sections for installation, updates, and technical support.
    • YouTube Tutorials: Search for “MSFS installation guide beginner” – many creators show exactly what to expect.
    • Aerosimulations Community: Our forum is filled with tips from experienced simmers who use Aerosimulations add-ons.
    • Reddit r/MSFS: A lively subreddit where you can post questions and get answers within minutes.

    With the steps in this guide, you are fully equipped to install, update, and optimize Microsoft Flight Simulator. The skies are waiting – happy flying from the team at Aerosimulations.com!