Why does Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 load slowly?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 usually loads slowly because it is scanning a large package library, validating Community add-ons, reading scenery from a slow or nearly full drive, rebuilding cache files, or waiting for online services. On PC, isolate add-ons first; then check storage, caches, security software and network status in that order.
What causes slow loading in MSFS 2020?
The point at which the delay occurs usually identifies whether packages, storage or online services are responsible. The first launch after a simulator update or large content installation can take longer, but every subsequent launch should not remain unusually slow.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Best test |
|---|---|---|
| Loading improved in Safe Mode | Third-party add-on or Marketplace package | Test with third-party content removed |
| Drive remains heavily active | Package scanning on a slow or crowded drive | Check free space and SSD placement |
| Delay began after adding scenery or liveries | Large package count, duplicates or a damaged add-on | Restore add-ons in small groups |
| Loading changes when online data is disabled | Connection, authentication or service delay | Run one offline test |
| Progress stops at the same position with little activity | Damaged cache or package data | Rebuild the rolling cache, then repair if necessary |
A large add-on collection increases startup work because MSFS must inspect package metadata and thousands of individual files. File count can matter as much as download size, particularly with extensive livery and scenery libraries.
How do I make MSFS 2020 load faster?
The quickest diagnosis is a clean launch without third-party content, followed by storage, cache and network checks. Change one thing at a time so that an apparently faster second launch does not hide the actual cause.
- Allow active updates to finish. Do not force-close MSFS while it is downloading, decompressing or validating packages. A partially completed package can turn a slow launch into a loading-screen hang.
- Perform a complete restart. Close the simulator and its launcher fully, restart the PC, then try again. On Xbox, quit MSFS from the dashboard rather than resuming its suspended session.
- Test an empty Community folder on PC. Move its contents to a temporary folder outside the MSFS package tree; do not delete them and do not touch the
Officialfolder. If Safe Mode is offered after an abnormal shutdown, it provides another useful test without third-party content. Our guide to installing and isolating MSFS mods correctly explains the package structure and common folder mistakes. - Restore add-ons by halves. If the clean launch is faster, return half the packages and test again. Keep dividing the failing group until the culprit appears. Check duplicate versions, obsolete scenery, malformed packages and symbolic links pointing to a disconnected drive.
- Check the installation drive. MSFS 2020 benefits greatly from an SSD, especially when its Official and Community packages contain many small files. Keep useful free space available and avoid slow USB drives or network storage for active packages. See our explanation of MSFS storage, package locations and SSD requirements before moving or deleting anything.
- Rebuild the rolling cache. In the simulator's Data options, use Delete Rolling Cache File, restart MSFS and recreate the cache only if you use streamed scenery. An oversized cache does not automatically improve loading, and a damaged cache can cause pauses or hangs.
- Test without online data. Turn Online Functionality off for one launch. If loading improves, the delay is probably connected to authentication, the internet connection or an online service rather than the local installation. Restore the setting afterwards if you want Bing imagery, photogrammetry and live services.
- Check security scanning. If antivirus activity dominates disk or CPU use while MSFS loads, confirm that trusted simulator package files are not being repeatedly quarantined or scanned. Do not permanently disable protection or exclude a general Downloads folder.
- Remove optional content you never use. Once the simulator opens, Content Manager can remove unused world content, aircraft or scenery packages. Leave core packages alone; indiscriminate deletion from the
Officialfolder often causes a large re-download.
Xbox-specific checks
On Xbox Series X|S, fully quitting the simulator, restarting the console and testing online functionality are the most useful first steps. Xbox has no PC-style Community folder, but installed Marketplace and optional content still increases the package library that MSFS checks during startup.
Why does MSFS 2020 get stuck on the loading screen?
A loading bar that remains at the same position with no meaningful disk or network activity is more likely to indicate a bad add-on, damaged cache or incomplete package than ordinary slow loading. First test without third-party content, then rebuild the rolling cache and confirm that all simulator updates have completed.
If the bar still stops during a stock-content launch, use the repair or verification function supplied by the platform where MSFS was installed. Preserve the Community folder first and expect that damaged official content may need to be downloaded again. Our broader MSFS cache, driver and default-content troubleshooting covers the next checks when slow loading becomes a freeze or crash.
Do not judge a launch as frozen solely because the loading artwork pauses. Continued drive or network activity usually means MSFS is still scanning or retrieving data, particularly after an update.
Should I reinstall Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020?
Reinstallation should be the last step, not the first. It will not fix a troublesome Community package, inadequate SSD space, security-software scanning or a network delay, and deleting the Official packages can force a very large download.
Consider reinstalling only when MSFS remains slow with third-party content removed, caches rebuilt, sufficient SSD space available and an offline test completed. Before proceeding, record the package installation location and back up personal Community content so that the installer does not create a second package library or overwrite files you intended to keep.