What is MSFS rolling cache, and should you use it?
Rolling cache in Microsoft Flight Simulator is a fixed-size disk file that stores recently streamed world scenery so the simulator can reuse it instead of downloading it again. Use it if you revisit the same areas or have limited or variable internet; disable it if your fast connection works better without it or the cache causes problems.
What does the rolling cache actually store?
The rolling cache stores world data downloaded while you fly, including scenery tiles used for terrain, aerial imagery and photogrammetry. When the file reaches its configured limit, older data is replaced automatically by newer data—hence “rolling” cache.
It does not contain installed aircraft, Marketplace packages, Community add-ons, control profiles, live weather or logbook data. Nor does it download the whole world for offline use: only scenery already streamed during your flights can be reused.
Where a separate Manual Cache option is available, it serves a different purpose. Manual caching reserves selected map areas in advance; rolling cache fills and replaces itself automatically as you fly.
Should you turn rolling cache on or off?
Most simmers should leave rolling cache enabled at its default size initially, then change it only for a clear reason. Its value depends mainly on your internet connection, flying habits and storage.
| Factor | Use rolling cache | Consider disabling it |
|---|---|---|
| Internet connection | Metered, slow or inconsistent | Fast, stable and unlimited |
| Flying habits | You repeatedly visit the same airports and regions | You rarely return to previously visited areas |
| Storage | An SSD has adequate free space | The selected drive is nearly full, slow or heavily used |
| Troubleshooting | The simulator is behaving normally | You suspect corrupt or stale cached scenery |
A mistake we see constantly is increasing the cache size in the hope of sharper scenery. The cache only changes where previously downloaded world data comes from; it does not raise the simulator’s maximum texture quality or level of detail.
How large should the rolling cache be?
There is no universal ideal rolling cache size. Start with the simulator’s default, then increase it only if you regularly revisit broad regions and want to reduce repeated downloads.
A very large cache does not preload scenery, improve baseline frame rates or guarantee offline flying. It occupies valuable drive capacity and may retain data you never revisit. Keep ample free space for simulator updates and, on PC, place the cache on an SSD if your version offers a location choice.
Simmers who fly globally gain less from a large cache because older regions will eventually be replaced anyway. Those repeatedly operating from one city or group of airports are more likely to benefit.
Does rolling cache improve FPS or scenery quality?
Rolling cache does not directly increase FPS or change scenery quality settings. It can reduce repeated network transfers and may lessen late-loading terrain or brief pauses when returning to an area, but the result varies with the connection and storage drive.
If scenery remains soft or loads slowly, check online world data, photogrammetry, bandwidth limits and level-of-detail settings rather than simply enlarging the cache. Our guide to diagnosing blurry or late-loading MSFS scenery covers those causes in detail.
For a useful comparison, fly the same area twice with the cache enabled before judging it; the first visit still has to download the data. Then repeat with the cache disabled under similar conditions. Comparing an uncached first flight against a warmed second flight gives a misleading result.
When should you clear the rolling cache?
Delete and rebuild the rolling cache when one area remains malformed or blurry, faults begin after an interrupted update, or you are testing unexplained stutters or crashes. Clearing it after every simulator or world update is unnecessary.
- Open the cache controls. Return to the main menu and find Rolling Cache under the simulator’s online or data settings. Menu wording differs between Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024.
- Delete or disable the cache. Use the in-simulator control rather than deleting unknown files while MSFS is running.
- Restart and test. Revisit the affected area with online world data enabled. It must download fresh scenery, so the first load may take longer and use more bandwidth.
- Recreate the cache if needed. If the problem has gone, enable it again with a sensible size and, where supported, a location on a healthy SSD.
If crashes continue with rolling cache disabled, the cache was not the sole cause. Follow our wider MSFS crash troubleshooting sequence to check add-ons, drivers, memory pressure and other common failure points.
Does clearing rolling cache delete add-ons?
No. Clearing rolling cache removes only cached streamed world data. It does not delete Community or Marketplace content, aircraft, control mappings, settings or logbook records; previously visited scenery simply has to download again.