Fix MSFS 2020 stuck on the loading screen with ordered steps for Safe Mode, add-ons, updates, sign-in, caches, storage and Xbox.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 usually gets stuck on the loading screen because an add-on is incompatible, an update is incomplete, the Microsoft/Xbox account session has failed, or package/cache data is damaged. Start with Safe Mode and an empty Community folder, then check updates, sign-in, storage and network access before repairing or reinstalling the simulator.
How can I tell where MSFS 2020 is getting stuck?
The point at which the loading stops usually identifies the likely cause and the right fix.
| Where it stops | Likely cause | First action |
|---|---|---|
| Initial loading bar before the main menu | Add-on scan, damaged cache, package problem or insufficient storage | Use Safe Mode or temporarily rename the Community folder |
| Checking for Updates | Account authentication, launcher mismatch, package index or network problem | Refresh sign-in and follow our targeted fixes for the Checking for Updates loop |
| After pressing Fly | Aircraft, livery, airport, scenery or saved-flight conflict | Test a fresh flight with a stock aircraft and airport |
| Loading bar still moves and disk or network activity continues | Slow package processing rather than a freeze | Allow it to finish and use our checklist for long but active MSFS load times |
A bar sitting near 100% does not prove the simulator has frozen. MSFS can still be compiling or indexing assets at that point, especially after an update or a large add-on installation. Treat it as stuck when it remains unchanged far longer than your normal load and there is no meaningful disk or network activity.
How do I fix MSFS 2020 stuck on the loading screen?
- Restart the simulator and PC. Close MSFS through Windows if it will not respond, reboot, and launch it once without opening other add-on tools. Repeatedly terminating it during package processing can leave another incomplete update or cache entry.
- Choose Safe Mode when offered. MSFS normally presents this option after an abnormal shutdown. Safe Mode temporarily disables Community content and third-party Marketplace packages without deleting them. If the main menu opens, third-party content is the leading suspect.
- Test with an empty Community folder. Close the simulator and any add-on linker, then rename the active
Communityfolder to something such asCommunity.off. Do not rename or deleteOfficial. If you are unsure which package location MSFS uses, findUserCfg.optand check itsInstalledPackagesPathentry rather than assuming the default location. - Update the launcher and supporting services. Install updates from the platform through which MSFS was purchased. Microsoft Store installations also depend on the Xbox app and Gaming Services; Steam installations still require a working Microsoft/Xbox account session inside the simulator.
- Refresh the account session. Sign out of the Xbox app and Microsoft Store, restart Windows, then sign back into both with the account entitled to run MSFS. Check that Windows date, time and time zone are set correctly, because a bad system clock can break authentication.
- Check network access. Temporarily disconnect a VPN or proxy, restart the router, and confirm that security software is not blocking the simulator or its launcher. Do not leave antivirus protection disabled; create an exception only after confirming that it is responsible.
- Check storage and rolling cache. Make sure both the Windows drive and the drive containing the Official packages have free space. If you can reach the menus in Safe Mode, open the Data settings, delete the rolling cache, and let MSFS recreate it.
- Repair before resetting or reinstalling. For a Microsoft Store installation, use the Windows Repair option before Reset. For Steam, verify the installed files, bearing in mind that this may primarily check the launcher rather than every downloaded content package. Back up or record any custom package location before using reset or reinstall options.
What should I do if Safe Mode works?
If Safe Mode loads successfully, remove or update the add-on that is blocking normal startup. An empty Community folder rules out packages stored there, but it does not necessarily rule out third-party Marketplace content.
Restore Community add-ons in batches, launching MSFS after each batch. Once the problem returns, divide that batch again until the faulty package is identified. Start with anything installed or updated immediately before the loading problem, particularly aircraft, avionics modifications, liveries tied to a specific aircraft, global scenery and airport enhancements.
A mistake we see constantly is clearing the wrong Community folder. Custom package installations and add-on linkers can leave several folders on the same PC, so confirm the active InstalledPackagesPath. Keep an add-on linker closed during the test so it does not recreate symbolic links automatically.
What if MSFS hangs only when loading a flight?
A hang affecting one flight usually points to its aircraft, airport, scenery or saved plan rather than the base simulator. Create a new flight using a default aircraft, a stock airport and no imported flight plan; if that works, add the original components back one at a time.
Do not use Continue to reopen the same saved situation while testing. If MSFS closes to the desktop rather than remaining frozen, use our separate loading-flight and loading-screen crash checks, because driver, DirectX and memory faults become more relevant.
What if the loading screen is stuck on Xbox?
Xbox troubleshooting is different because there is no accessible Community folder or Windows repair tool. Fully quit MSFS rather than resuming it through Quick Resume, restart the console, confirm that all simulator content has finished updating, and check the active Xbox account and available storage.
If that does not clear the hang, follow the dedicated Xbox loading-screen troubleshooting sequence before reinstalling the simulator.
Should I reinstall MSFS 2020?
Reinstallation should be the last step, not the first. It is slow, and it will not fix a bad Community add-on, an account problem or a network block that remains in place afterwards.
Before reinstalling, confirm that MSFS fails with no Community content, after a fresh account sign-in, with sufficient storage and after repairing the launcher. Never delete the entire package directory merely to clear a loading hang; doing so can turn a small configuration fault into a complete content re-download.