How do I fix the MSFS mandatory update loop?

A mandatory-update loop means the MSFS client is older than the version accepted by Microsoft’s online services; an online-services failure means the updated client opens, but multiplayer, live weather or streamed data will not connect. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 must be fully updated before Online Functionality can work.

Is this a mandatory update loop or an online-services failure?

The screen on which MSFS fails determines whether you should repair the platform update, in-simulator packages or the online connection.

Microsoft Flight Simulator has separate platform-client and in-simulator content layers. Our explanation of platform updates and in-simulator Sim Update packages shows which updater controls each layer.

The procedure applies to MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 on PC and Xbox Series X|S. The PlayStation steps apply only to MSFS 2024 on PS5 and PS5 Pro; Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was never released for PlayStation.

How do I install the missing MSFS update?

Close MSFS and force the owning platform to check its update library rather than relying on a product page that only shows a Play button.

1. Exit MSFS completely. On PC, use Task Manager if necessary to confirm that no Flight Simulator process remains open. Close Microsoft Store, the Xbox app or Steam as well.
2. Check the correct update source. Use the platform and account through which the copy is owned, subscribed to or installed.

3. Update supporting PC components. With a Microsoft Store installation, install updates for Microsoft Store, the Xbox app and Gaming Services as well as MSFS.
4. Restart the PC or console. This prevents a suspended process from reopening the previous client.
5. Launch from the owning platform once. Avoid an old desktop shortcut, especially if both Store and Steam copies have existed on the PC.
6. Finish the in-simulator download. MSFS may open an update screen and install required packages before reaching the main menu. Keep sufficient free space for the download and temporary unpacking files.

If the platform reports a download error, repeatedly restarts the same package or cannot allocate storage, use our troubleshooting for platform and package update errors rather than deleting the simulator’s content folders.

Can I use MSFS online without the mandatory update?

No. The online services require a compatible client, and the in-simulator Content Manager cannot replace a platform-level executable update. Offline access may also be restricted by the edition, platform licence and point at which the update prompt appears.

Check whether MSFS Online Functionality is enabled

An updated simulator can still appear offline if Online Functionality was disabled, reset during an update or turned off after reaching a data limit.

1. Turn on Online Functionality. This is the master control for online data services.
2. Enable the services you use. Turn Multiplayer back on and enable the desired live weather, traffic, Bing data or photogrammetry options where they are shown.
3. Check any data limit. A configured bandwidth cap can stop online data after the allowance is reached. Increase or disable that limit only if the connection and data plan permit it.
4. Apply and save the changes. Exit the settings screen normally, close MSFS and restart it. Returning only to the main menu may not restart the affected online session.
5. Check the flight-session mode. In MSFS 2020, the World Map’s Flight Conditions menu must use an online multiplayer mode such as Live Players or All Players. Group-only or offline conditions can make a working service appear empty.

If Online Functionality immediately switches itself off again, concentrate on Microsoft/Xbox authentication and configuration access rather than reinstalling scenery or aircraft.

Fix Xbox account, Microsoft Store and sign-in problems on PC

Microsoft Store, the Xbox app and MSFS should recognise the intended Microsoft/Xbox account before online services can authenticate reliably.

1. Close MSFS. Do not change accounts while the simulator is suspended or still running in the background.
2. Sign out of the Xbox app, then Microsoft Store. Close both applications after signing out.
3. Sign into Microsoft Store first. Use the account that owns MSFS or holds the applicable Game Pass entitlement.
4. Sign into the Xbox app second. Use the same intended account and confirm that the expected gamertag appears.
5. Launch MSFS from that platform. If the simulator presents another Microsoft sign-in prompt, use the same Xbox profile rather than creating a replacement account.

A Steam purchase works differently. Steam owns and updates the PC client, while the Microsoft/Xbox account used inside MSFS supplies the gamertag, cloud profile and online-services identity. The Steam and Microsoft accounts do not need the same email address, but Steam must be signed into the owner of the game and MSFS must use the established Xbox profile.

For a Store or Game Pass copy, mixed Store and Xbox accounts are a common source of missing entitlement and authentication loops. Account matching is the cleanest troubleshooting state unless the PC is deliberately using an account-sharing arrangement.

If the accounts are correct, open Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Gaming Services, open its advanced options and select Repair. Repair the Xbox app and Microsoft Store as well where Windows offers that option. Restart the PC afterwards; use Reset only if Repair fails, because Reset removes local app data and signs the account out.

Check MSFS server status and multiplayer service availability

A widespread Xbox network, MSFS authentication or multiplayer outage cannot be fixed by reinstalling the simulator.

• Signs of an outage or maintenance window: several online features fail together; authentication, multiplayer and live data stop at the same time; another device or connection shows the same behaviour; or the platform’s official service-status notice reports disruption.
• Signs of a local update problem: only one installation displays the mandatory-update prompt, the owning platform has an update queued, an old shortcut opens a different copy, or another fully updated device connects normally.
• Signs of a local settings or network problem: the main menu works, but Online Functionality is off, only one network fails, or services return when a VPN or security filter is removed.

If an official status notice confirms maintenance or a service failure, wait and try again after service is restored. Repeated account resets, package deletion and full reinstalls will not shorten a server outage. During a staged update rollout, keep the owning platform open and check its update library again later rather than repeatedly launching an older client.

Reset network settings and clear connection blocks

Remove connection interference in a controlled order so that you can identify the block without weakening the device’s security permanently.

1. Disable VPNs, proxies and network filtering temporarily. Pause third-party DNS filtering, traffic inspection or ad-blocking at the device or router level, then test MSFS. Restore each service separately after the test.
2. Correct the clock. Enable automatic date, time and time-zone settings, then synchronise the clock. Incorrect time can invalidate Microsoft account authentication.
3. Restart the device and router. Shut down MSFS, restart the PC or console, power-cycle the router and wait until its connection is fully restored.
4. Reset Windows networking if other steps fail. In Windows 11, use Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. In Windows 10, use Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. This reinstalls network adapters and may require Wi-Fi passwords, VPNs or custom adapter settings to be configured again.
5. Allow the simulator and Xbox services through security software. Permit MSFS, the Xbox app and Gaming Services on the active network. Do not leave the firewall disabled or create broad inbound rules merely to make the simulator connect.
6. Test another connection if available. A temporary mobile hotspot can distinguish a router or internet-provider filtering problem from a simulator problem, although MSFS streaming can consume substantial data.

Fix online functionality after a mandatory update

Once the client update has installed, launch that newly updated copy and let every required package stage finish before changing add-ons.

1. Start MSFS from its owning platform. This avoids loading an obsolete executable through an old shortcut or duplicate installation.
2. Complete the in-simulator package download. Do not interrupt package verification merely because progress pauses during decompression or installation.
3. Exit and restart MSFS. A clean restart establishes a new authentication and online-services session with the updated client.
4. Re-check Online Functionality. Confirm that the master online switch, multiplayer and required live-data settings remain enabled.
5. Isolate Community content only at the appropriate stage. If the updated simulator reaches package loading, Checking for Updates or the main menu and then fails, rename Community temporarily and test again. Add-ons rarely cause the original platform-level mandatory-update message.

Do not delete the large Official content folder as a first response. If MSFS 2024 opens but remains unstable or loses features after updating, use our MSFS 2024-specific post-update checks.

What if the update installs but the loop returns?

A returning prompt usually identifies an old installation, an unfinished package stage or a client and package mismatch.

• The original mandatory-update message returns before the main menu: check for duplicate Microsoft Store and Steam installations, remove obsolete shortcuts and launch the copy shown as updated in the platform library.
• MSFS remains on “Checking for Updates”: the client update probably succeeded, but the package check did not. Follow our steps for a stalled Checking for Updates screen.
• An Essential Packages update repeats in MSFS 2020: allow the required package stage to finish, verify available storage and confirm that security software is not blocking package writes. This is later than the platform-client update and needs different troubleshooting.
• The download percentage falls or repeats: MSFS may be verifying, decompressing or retrying a package rather than downloading the whole simulator again. Check disk activity and error messages before cancelling it.

Should I reinstall Microsoft Flight Simulator?

Reinstall MSFS only when the owning platform cannot update or repair the correct client after account, service and network checks have passed.

A full reinstall uses substantial time and data but will not repair an Xbox account mismatch, server outage, blocked connection or disabled Online Functionality setting. Before reinstalling, back up the Community folder and record any custom packages location; do not remove the Official package directory solely to clear the initial mandatory-update prompt.