Stop a Microsoft Flight Simulator download loop by identifying false progress resets, damaged packages, launcher updates, storage and sign-in faults.
A Microsoft Flight Simulator download often appears to restart because the installer has moved to another package and reset that package’s progress. A genuine loop—especially when the same package name repeats—is usually caused by a damaged partial file, missing launcher update, insufficient free space, sign-in fault or unstable connection.
Is the MSFS download really restarting?
Watch the package or file name, not just the percentage counter. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 downloads and unpacks many packages separately, while Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 separates platform updates from installed and streamed content; either process can reset an individual progress counter without losing completed data.
| What you see | Likely meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Progress returns to 0%, but the package name changes | Normal per-package progress | Leave it running |
| Downloading changes to Decompressing and network use falls | The processor and drive are unpacking files | Wait while checking disk activity |
| The same named package reaches the same point and starts again | Damaged download, blocked write or connection failure | Record the package name and troubleshoot it |
| The simulator repeatedly shows Mandatory Update | The platform client or base application is out of date | Update the launcher before reopening MSFS |
| Checking for updates never completes | Account, cache, service or network problem | Treat it as an update check fault, not a large content download |
Decompression, verification and slow drive writes can make a healthy installation look frozen. Our explanation of how to distinguish slow downloading from package-processing delays covers that behaviour without mistaking it for a restart.
How do I stop an MSFS download loop on PC?
A true PC download loop is best fixed by checking the platform update, account, storage and repeated package in that order.
- Confirm which package repeats. Let one complete cycle run and note the exact package name, reported size and message such as Downloading or Decompressing. If the name changes, it is probably progressing normally.
- Update the platform client first. Close Microsoft Flight Simulator completely. For a Microsoft Store or Xbox installation, run available updates for the simulator, Xbox app and Gaming Services; for Steam, finish its pending client and game updates. If MSFS keeps sending you back to the platform, use these platform-client checks for a Mandatory Update loop.
- Refresh the account session. Restart Windows, confirm its date and time are set automatically, then sign back into the platform account that owns or provides access to the simulator. A screen stuck on Waiting for Authentication needs the separate account, Xbox sign-in and Gaming Services fixes.
- Check both drives for free space. The content drive needs room for the finished packages, while the Windows system drive may also need temporary working space. A patch can require considerably more free space than its displayed download size because compressed and unpacked copies briefly coexist.
- Verify the package location. On MSFS 2020, the final line of
UserCfg.optshowsInstalledPackagesPath. Confirm that the referenced drive is connected, writable and still uses the expected drive letter; a stale custom path can make the installer download data it cannot retain. - Rule out interrupted writes. Prefer a wired connection, stop other large transfers and temporarily remove VPN or proxy routing. Check security-software history for blocked simulator files rather than permanently disabling protection.
- Remove only the damaged partial package. If MSFS 2020 repeats one named package, close the simulator and launcher, then inspect the package location. Microsoft Store installations normally place official content under
Official\OneStore, while Steam installations normally useOfficial\Steam. Move only clearly incomplete file fragments matching the repeated package identifier to a temporary folder, then retry. Do not delete the entireOfficialorCommunityfolder. If there is no unambiguous match, leave the files alone. - Repair before resetting or reinstalling. Use the platform’s repair or file-verification function first. Steam verification mainly checks the launcher and base application; it may not detect every package downloaded inside MSFS. A Windows app reset or full reinstall is more destructive and should be the final step.
For Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, avoid manually deleting unfamiliar streamed-content folders. Its platform repair tools and in-simulator content controls are safer than applying an MSFS 2020 package-folder fix to the newer storage system.
What should I do if the download loops on Xbox or PS5?
On consoles, fix the platform queue and storage problem rather than trying to remove an individual package.
- Fully restart the console instead of returning from suspended or quick-resume state.
- Install console system updates and the base simulator update before opening MSFS.
- Finish or cancel unrelated queued downloads, then ensure the internal storage has ample working space.
- Avoid repeatedly cancelling the same update; the console may discard its staged patch and legitimately begin again from zero.
- Check the network connection and the account that owns or grants access to the simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is available on PC and Xbox only. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is also available on PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro; our platform-specific MSFS 2024 update steps cover PC, Xbox and PlayStation update handling.
Will fixing the loop delete my aircraft and scenery?
Ordinary retries do not remove completed packages; normally only the active or damaged package must download again. Repair operations are also less destructive than resetting the app, clearing console storage or reinstalling it.
Before using any reset or reinstall option, record the MSFS package location and back up the Community folder on PC. Account synchronisation can restore entitlements and some profile data, but it is not a backup of locally installed freeware, cached data or downloaded Official packages.