Why do Microsoft Flight Simulator graphics settings reset?

Microsoft Flight Simulator graphics settings usually reset because the simulator cannot write its local configuration, it closes before saving, a preset or separate VR profile overwrites custom values, or cloud/profile data restores an older state. Apply changes, exit normally, then check the configuration file’s permissions and eliminate synchronisation or utility conflicts.

What makes MSFS graphics settings reset?

Repeated resets are usually a write, profile or overwrite problem rather than a graphics-card fault.

How do I make Microsoft Flight Simulator save graphics settings?

A controlled one-setting test will show whether MSFS can save changes before you rebuild an entire graphics profile.

1. Start from the main menu. Open the graphics options, change one obvious but non-critical setting and use the on-screen Apply/Save control. Do not alter ten settings at once during this test.
2. Return to the main menu and quit normally. Avoid Alt+F4, Task Manager, a console power-off or ending the process immediately after applying the change. Relaunch MSFS and check the same option.
3. Build custom settings in the right order. Choose the Low, Medium, High or Ultra preset first, then adjust individual options. Selecting a global preset afterwards overwrites those changes. Our method for applying and testing custom MSFS graphics settings explains how to avoid this preset trap.
4. Check the local configuration on PC. MSFS stores many display options in a user configuration file, commonly UserCfg.opt. Its exact location differs between Microsoft Store and Steam installations and between simulator generations. Close MSFS, back up the file, open its properties and clear Read-only if enabled. Confirm that your Windows account has permission to modify the containing folder.
5. Check Windows security controls. Controlled folder access, security software or a backup utility can block or replace the configuration. Allow MSFS to write to its own user-data folder rather than permanently running everything as administrator.
6. Disable programs that alter settings. Automatic game optimisation in a graphics companion application, PC tuning tools and dynamic performance utilities can rewrite settings at launch or change Terrain LOD and Object LOD in flight. Disable them temporarily and repeat the one-setting test.
7. Verify the active profile. Use the same Microsoft/Xbox account each time and allow synchronisation to finish before opening the options. If a conflict prompt offers local and cloud data, compare its timestamps carefully rather than automatically selecting the cloud copy.
8. Fix abnormal shutdowns. If MSFS crashes before or shortly after you change the options, solve that first; our crash troubleshooting checklist for MSFS 2020 and 2024 covers caches, drivers and add-on isolation.

Do not make UserCfg.opt read-only as a way to “lock” good settings. That prevents MSFS from saving legitimate changes and can interfere with later configuration updates.

Why do only some graphics options change back?

Individual options often revert because they depend on another mode or are stored separately, not because the whole configuration has failed.

• VR and flat-screen graphics: MSFS can maintain different values for VR and normal monitor use. Make the change while using the mode you intend to configure.
• Resolution and display mode: Borderless or windowed operation may follow the Windows desktop resolution instead of retaining an incompatible selection.
• Upscaling and frame generation: Some options are available only with a compatible anti-aliasing method, rendering API, graphics card or driver. Changing the parent option can disable or replace dependent values.
• HDR and display features: MSFS may turn an option off when Windows or the connected display does not report the required capability.
• Dynamic performance tools: Utilities designed to maintain a target frame rate may alter Terrain LOD, Object LOD or cloud quality while MSFS is running.

Blurry terrain or low-detail buildings do not necessarily mean the settings reset. Render scale, online data, bandwidth, Terrain LOD and cached scenery can produce the same appearance; use our separate checks for blurry or low-quality MSFS scenery before rebuilding the graphics configuration.

Should I delete UserCfg.opt?

Do not delete UserCfg.opt as the first fix; rename it only after backing it up and ruling out permissions, presets and external utilities.

1. Close Microsoft Flight Simulator and its launcher completely.
2. Copy UserCfg.opt to a safe backup location. In MSFS 2020, record the value of InstalledPackagesPath if that line is present.
3. Rename the original file rather than deleting it.
4. Launch MSFS so it creates a clean configuration, change one setting, apply it and quit normally.
5. If the simulator asks for installed content, point it to the existing package location. Do not erase or duplicate the Community, Official or other package folders.

If a fresh file saves properly, the old configuration was probably damaged. If the problem remains, restore the backup and concentrate on folder permissions, account synchronisation or software that modifies the file.

Is the fix different on Xbox or PlayStation?

Console users cannot edit UserCfg.opt, so the practical fixes are profile verification, a completed cloud sync and a full game restart.

On Xbox Series X|S, fully quit MSFS instead of leaving it suspended through Quick Resume while testing. On PlayStation 5, where MSFS 2024 is available, close the game normally after applying the change. Use the same signed-in profile and do not erase cloud data merely to test a graphics option; deleting synchronised data can remove far more than the faulty setting.