Delete or rebuild the MSFS 2024 rolling cache safely on PC and console, fix locked-cache problems, and see exactly what the reset removes.
To delete and rebuild the rolling cache in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, open Settings, find Rolling Cache in the general Online or Data options, choose Delete and apply the change. Leave it enabled to rebuild automatically; on PC, select a suitable size and drive. Restart the simulator if the old file remains locked.
How do I delete the MSFS 2024 rolling cache?
The safest method is to delete the cache through Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 rather than searching through installation folders. Menu organisation can vary slightly by platform and simulator update, so look under the general Online or Data settings, or use the settings search if available.
- Return to the main menu. Leave any active flight and allow Content Manager or other downloads to finish.
- Open the rolling-cache settings. Go to Settings, open the general options and find Rolling Cache.
- Record the existing settings. On PC, note the cache location and size limit if you intend to reuse them.
- Select Delete. Use the command to delete the rolling cache file and confirm the warning. A large cache on a slow or nearly full drive may take time to remove.
- Apply the change. Use the interface's Apply or Save command before leaving the settings screen.
For an ordinary cache clear, you do not have to uninstall scenery or remove anything from the simulator's package folders. Do not delete the Community or Official folders; neither is the rolling cache.
How is the rolling cache rebuilt?
MSFS 2024 creates a fresh cache automatically when Rolling Cache is enabled and streamed scenery begins arriving. It does not download an entire region or immediately fill the cache to its configured limit.
- Delete the old cache using the in-simulator procedure above.
- Fully close MSFS 2024 if you are clearing suspected corruption. On console, quit the title rather than leaving it suspended.
- Restart the simulator and return to the Rolling Cache settings.
- Enable Rolling Cache, choose the size limit and, on PC, select a suitable storage location.
- Apply the settings. The cache will populate with terrain and imagery as you fly.
A newly created cache file may appear almost immediately. That is expected and does not mean the deleted scenery data has returned. Your next visit to an area may use more bandwidth or take longer to sharpen because its tiles must be downloaded again.
Use a fast internal SSD with comfortable free space on PC. Avoid removable drives, network locations, synchronised folders and the simulator's package directory. Our guidance on choosing a rolling-cache size and storage location in MSFS 2024 explains when a smaller cache, larger cache or no cache is the better choice.
What if the rolling cache will not delete?
A disabled Delete button usually means that no cache exists or Rolling Cache is already switched off. If deletion hangs, the file is probably still in use or its storage device is not responding properly.
| Symptom | Likely explanation | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Delete is greyed out | The cache is disabled or no file exists | Nothing needs deleting; enable it only if you want to build a new cache |
| Deletion never completes | The file is locked or the drive is slow | Leave the flight, switch Rolling Cache off, apply the setting, fully restart the simulator and try again |
| The cache returns immediately | Rolling Cache is enabled | This is normally a fresh empty cache, not the deleted data |
| The old size or location remains | Deleting data does not necessarily reset preferences | Change the limit or location separately, then apply the settings |
| Terrain problems remain | The cache was not the cause | Check Online Functionality, streamed world data, connection quality, add-ons and available storage |
On PC, if the in-simulator command repeatedly fails, record the displayed cache location, close MSFS 2024 completely and remove only the identified cache file. Never delete its containing folder unless you know exactly what else it holds. Console users should rely on the in-game control; deleting whole saved-data or reserved-storage areas is a broader reset with different consequences. For Xbox launch or storage faults, use our Xbox-specific simulator recovery steps.
Will deleting the rolling cache remove add-ons or settings?
No. Deleting the rolling cache removes temporary streamed world imagery, not installed aircraft, scenery packages, control assignments, logbook records, flight plans or Career Mode progress.
- Removed: cached terrain, aerial imagery and other streamed world data held in that rolling-cache file.
- Not removed: Community add-ons, installed Marketplace content, offline packages, controller profiles and simulator saves.
- Expected afterwards: previously visited scenery must be streamed again, so bandwidth use can increase temporarily.
The cache is a reusable store with a size limit; older data is replaced as required. Our explanation of what the rolling cache stores and when clearing it helps covers the distinction between cached streaming data and installed simulator content.
Should I clear the rolling cache after every update?
No. Routine deletion after every MSFS 2024 update wastes bandwidth and usually provides no benefit.
Clear or rebuild it when the same malformed terrain repeatedly appears in one location, streamed scenery remains stale after a restart, the cache drive is running out of space, or you have moved the file to another drive. If the problem affects aircraft, menus, controls or all online services, the rolling cache is unlikely to be the cause.