How do I fix MSFS 2020 installation issues?

To fix Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 installation issues, first identify whether the launcher, mandatory packages or an update is failing. Check free space and the Packages path, sign into the correct Microsoft account, empty the Community folder, repair the launcher, then retry the download. Reinstall only after preserving the package files.

Which part of the MSFS 2020 installation is failing?

MSFS 2020 has a platform-managed launcher and a much larger collection of simulator packages, so an installed launcher does not mean the full simulator is installed. Matching the symptom to the failing layer prevents unnecessary downloads.

How do I troubleshoot the installation safely?

1. Close every related application. Exit MSFS 2020, Steam or the Xbox app, and Microsoft Store. Restart the PC before retrying; on Xbox, quit the simulator rather than leaving it suspended.
2. Confirm the owning account. Microsoft Store and Xbox app installations must use the Microsoft account that owns the simulator or has the relevant subscription. Steam owns the launcher licence, but MSFS still requires a Microsoft account inside the simulator.
3. Check both storage locations. The launcher and Packages folder can be on different drives. Each needs sufficient free space for downloading, unpacking and replacing files; having space only on the Windows drive is not enough if Packages is elsewhere.
4. Check the Packages path. The correct root folder normally contains Community and Official. If the installer points one level above or below that folder, it may treat the existing installation as missing and offer a complete download.
5. Remove add-ons from the test. With the simulator closed, rename Community to Community.old. MSFS will create a clean folder if needed. Do not delete the add-ons until the installation works.
6. Remove connection obstacles. Disable a VPN or proxy, use a stable wired connection where possible and prevent the PC from sleeping. If security software or Windows Controlled Folder Access blocks the Packages folder, grant the simulator access rather than permanently disabling protection.
7. Repair before resetting. Use the repair or file-verification option for your platform. A reset, uninstall or manual package deletion can turn a small fault into a complete redownload.
8. Retry the failing package. Decompression can produce little visible network activity, so allow time for disk activity to finish. If the same mandatory package repeatedly fails, use our steps for clearing a looping Essential Packages download rather than deleting the whole installation.

Can I repair MSFS 2020 without reinstalling it?

Yes. Repairing the launcher and checking its files should come before removing the large Packages folder.

• Microsoft Store or Xbox app on PC: Open Windows Installed apps, select Microsoft Flight Simulator and use Repair under its advanced options. If the Xbox app offers file verification under the game's management controls, run that as well. Avoid Reset until repair has failed.
• Steam: Open the game's properties, select Installed Files and verify integrity. Steam mainly verifies the files it manages; MSFS packages downloaded inside the simulator may still need separate attention.
• Xbox Series X or S: Fully quit MSFS, restart the console and check Manage game and add-ons for missing components. Do not clear reserved data casually because that can force content to be downloaded again.

Our platform-specific repair instructions cover these options without starting with a destructive reinstall.

Why does MSFS 2020 keep downloading the same files?

Repeated downloads usually mean MSFS cannot complete a package, cannot write to its destination or has been directed to the wrong installation folder. Low free space, intermittent connections and security software are common causes.

A mistake we see constantly is selecting a new empty folder after repairing or reinstalling the launcher. When the installer asks for the Packages location, select the existing root containing Community and Official. The Official folder then contains the platform-specific package subfolder.

Do not delete large groups of files simply because the progress counter appears stationary. Package decompression is disk-intensive and may look stalled. Act only when the same package fails repeatedly or the installer returns a specific error.

What if MSFS is stuck on Checking for Updates?

A Checking for Updates loop is usually an update-detection or sign-in problem rather than a missing base installation. Confirm the platform clients are signed in, synchronise the Windows date and time, test without Community add-ons and restart the launcher.

If the screen still loops, follow the dedicated Checking for Updates recovery sequence; it covers account checks, package indexes and cache-related causes without immediately deleting the simulator.

What if Gaming Services blocks the installation?

Gaming Services is required for Microsoft Store and Xbox app installations on PC, but it does not apply to the Steam launcher in the same way. Symptoms include an install button that does nothing, redirection to Gaming Services, licensing errors or a launcher that immediately closes.

Update Windows, Microsoft Store and the Xbox app, then sign out and back into both Microsoft clients using the owning account. If Gaming Services still fails to load, use our Gaming Services repair procedure before reinstalling MSFS itself.

When should I reinstall MSFS 2020?

Reinstall only after account, storage, path, add-on and repair checks have failed. The large package library is often intact even when the launcher is damaged.

Before removing anything, record the Packages location and back up the Community folder. Reinstall the launcher first, then point its installer to the existing package root. Delete or redownload the complete Packages folder only when those files are confirmed as damaged or the installer cannot recognise them after the correct path is selected.