Fix the Microsoft Flight Simulator mandatory update loop with the correct platform update, account, cache and package checks.
To fix the Microsoft Flight Simulator mandatory update loop, close the sim completely, install the client update from the platform that owns your copy, restart the device, then launch it through that platform. If no update appears, refresh the platform cache and repair its sign-in services before changing any simulator files.
Why does MSFS say a mandatory update is required?
The message means the installed Microsoft Flight Simulator client is older than the version required by the online services. The in-sim Content Manager cannot install this client-level update; it must come from Microsoft Store, Steam, Xbox or PlayStation.
This distinction causes most loops. The platform reports that everything is up to date, while MSFS continues displaying wording such as “A mandatory update is available” because the platform cache, account entitlement or installed client has not synchronised correctly.
The procedure below covers Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024. The PlayStation step applies only to MSFS 2024 because MSFS 2020 was never released for PlayStation.
How do I install the missing MSFS update?
Install the update through the same platform and account used to own or access the simulator.
- Close MSFS completely. On PC, check that no Flight Simulator process remains open. Also close Microsoft Store, the Xbox app or Steam before reopening the relevant platform.
- Check the correct update source. Do not rely solely on the product page saying “Play”; force the platform to check its update library instead.
| MSFS platform | Where to check |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Store or PC Game Pass | Open Microsoft Store, go to Library and request all available updates. Then open the Xbox app and check the MSFS entry. |
| Steam | Open Steam’s Downloads view and install or resume the queued MSFS update. Restart Steam if no queue appears. |
| Xbox Series X|S | Open My games & apps, select Manage, then check Updates. |
| PS5 or PS5 Pro | For MSFS 2024, highlight the game, open its options menu and select Check for Update. |
- Update the platform components. On a Microsoft Store installation, allow updates for Microsoft Store, the Xbox app and Gaming Services as well as MSFS itself.
- Restart the PC or console. A complete restart clears a client process that may still be holding the previous executable in memory.
- Launch from the platform library once. Avoid an old desktop shortcut until the update succeeds, particularly if more than one MSFS installation has existed on the PC.
- Complete the in-sim download. After the client opens, MSFS 2020 may still need to install packages through its own update screen. That is a separate update layer.
What if no MSFS update appears?
If the platform says MSFS is fully updated, a stale cache or account mismatch is the most likely cause.
- Check the owning account. For Microsoft Store or Game Pass, confirm that Microsoft Store and the Xbox app recognise the account entitled to the simulator. Steam client updates must come through the Steam account that owns the copy; changing the Microsoft account inside MSFS will not make Steam download an executable update.
- Refresh the Store cache. On Windows, close Microsoft Store, run
wsreset.exe, wait for the Store to reopen, and request library updates again. - Repair the platform services. In Windows’ installed-app settings, use
Repairfor Microsoft Store, the Xbox app and Gaming Services where that option is available. Try repair before reset because reset removes local app data and signs accounts out. - Synchronise Windows. Install pending Windows updates and make sure automatic date, time and time-zone settings are correct. Incorrect system time can break account authentication.
- Remove connection interference. Temporarily disable a VPN, proxy or network-level filtering, then check again. Leave enough free storage for both the download and its temporary unpacking space.
If the platform shows a download error, restarts the package repeatedly or reports insufficient storage, use our broader checks for platform and package update failures. If MSFS keeps returning to account authentication instead, follow the account-matching and Gaming Services fixes for an Xbox sign-in loop.
What if the update installs but the loop returns?
A returning prompt usually reveals which update layer is still failing.
- The original mandatory-update message appears before the main menu: the old client is still launching. Check for duplicate Store and Steam installations, remove obsolete shortcuts, and start the copy shown as updated in its platform library.
- MSFS reaches “Checking for Updates” and remains there: the client update succeeded, but the package check did not. Follow our targeted steps for a persistent Checking for Updates screen, including network and Community-folder isolation.
- An Essential Packages update repeats: the executable and mandatory base packages do not match. Use the repair sequence for failing MSFS 2020 Essential Packages.
Add-ons rarely cause the initial platform-level mandatory update message. They can interfere once the simulator reaches its package-loading stage, so rename Community temporarily only when the failure has progressed that far. Do not delete the Official content folder as a first troubleshooting step.
Should I reinstall Microsoft Flight Simulator?
Reinstall Microsoft Flight Simulator only after the correct platform cannot update or repair its client. A full reinstall consumes substantial time and data, yet it will not fix a mismatched Store account, damaged Gaming Services authentication or a blocked network connection.
Before reinstalling, back up the Community folder and record any custom packages location. Never remove the large Official package directory merely to clear the initial mandatory-update prompt; first establish whether the failing component is the platform client, account sign-in or the later in-sim content update.