Fix Bing Maps not working in MSFS 2020 by checking online data, data limits, rolling cache, network blocking and map-enhancement conflicts.
Bing Maps usually stop working in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 because Online Functionality or Bing Data World Graphics is disabled, the data limit has been reached, the rolling cache is corrupt, or a VPN or map-replacement tool is intercepting traffic. Re-enable online data, remove the blocker, rebuild the cache and restart MSFS.
How do I fix Bing Maps not loading in MSFS 2020?
Work through these checks in order, testing the simulator after each major change.
- Enable the correct data settings. From the main menu, open Options > General Options > Data. Turn on Online Functionality and Bing Data World Graphics, then apply and save the changes. Photogrammetry is optional and controls the separate 3D city layer.
- Check the data limit. On the same page, inspect Data Limitation and its usage counter. If a configured allowance has been exhausted, raise or disable the limit if your internet plan permits. The usage counter itself is not a fault; the problem is an active limit with no allowance remaining.
- Refresh the online session. Fully close and reopen MSFS rather than returning to the main menu. On Xbox, use Quit from the console menu so Quick Resume does not preserve a stale session. If the switches will not stay enabled, verify that the platform account is signed in and online. Our guide to the master Online Functionality setting and account checks covers this dependency.
- Rebuild the rolling cache. Use the Data settings to delete the existing rolling cache file, then create a fresh cache if you want to keep using one. Remove an old manually cached region as well if the fault affects only that area. Follow our data-settings and rolling-cache walkthrough if the cache controls or data-limit options are unclear.
- Remove network interception. Test without a VPN, proxy, filtered DNS service or aggressive web-security filter. Restart the router, and make sure the simulator and its platform services are permitted through the firewall. If live weather, multiplayer, Marketplace access and Bing imagery all fail together, suspect the connection, account session or an online-service interruption rather than scenery files.
- Restore Bing after using a map replacement. Third-party map tools can redirect imagery through a proxy, alter host resolution or retain their own cache. Simply closing the tool may not restore the default route. Use its restore-default function or removal procedure, reboot the PC and then test MSFS without it. See our steps for removing map-enhancement conflicts and restoring Bing access.
- Test without local scenery packages. A package in the
Communityfolder can override one airport or region, but an ordinary aircraft add-on will not normally disable Bing imagery worldwide. On PC, temporarily move scenery packages out ofCommunity; on Xbox, disable the relevant scenery through the simulator's content management controls.
What does the Bing Maps symptom tell me?
The appearance and extent of the problem usually identify which part of the scenery system has failed.
| What you see | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Generic ground textures across the entire world | Bing Data World Graphics is off, blocked or unable to stream | Online settings, data limit, account session and network |
| Aerial ground imagery but ordinary generated buildings | Bing imagery is working; photogrammetry is off, unavailable or not offered there | Photogrammetry setting and coverage |
| Blurry scenery that sharpens after a delay | Streaming cannot keep up with the aircraft or connection | Bandwidth, VPN use, background traffic and cache |
| Only one city, airport or region looks wrong | Old manual cache, local scenery override or limited source imagery | Manual cache and installed scenery packages |
| The World Map is blank, but terrain imagery works in flight | World Map interface or session problem | Restart the simulator; do not treat this alone as a Bing scenery failure |
Are Bing imagery and photogrammetry the same thing?
No. Bing Data World Graphics supplies aerial imagery for the terrain, while Photogrammetry adds streamed 3D geometry in supported cities.
If roads, fields and coastlines appear as aerial photographs but buildings remain generic, Bing Maps are working. Photogrammetry does not cover every location, and its visual quality varies with the source data. Use the separate checks for missing photogrammetry scenery when only the 3D city layer is absent.
Why is Bing Data World Graphics greyed out?
Bing Data World Graphics is usually unavailable because the master Online Functionality switch is off or MSFS has not established an authenticated online session.
Enable Online Functionality first, apply the setting and restart the simulator. If the Bing switch remains unavailable, check the platform account, internet connection and data restrictions. Repeatedly toggling Photogrammetry will not help because it cannot override a disabled master online setting.
Should I clear the cache or reinstall MSFS 2020?
Clear the rolling cache when imagery is stale, patchy or refuses to refresh despite correct data settings; reinstalling the whole simulator should be a last resort.
A cache reset cannot fix a greyed-out online setting, an exhausted data allowance, a service interruption or traffic redirected by a map tool. Reinstallation often leaves those account, network and redirection problems untouched. Consider repairing or reinstalling only after Bing still fails with default settings, no third-party scenery, a clean network path and a fresh cache.