Fix Xbox sign-in not working in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 on PC or Xbox, covering account, token, Gaming Services and network faults.
Xbox sign-in usually fails in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 because the Xbox app, Microsoft Store and simulator use mismatched accounts, an authentication token has expired, Gaming Services is damaged, the clock is wrong, or network filtering blocks login. Restart first, then verify accounts, time, updates and connectivity in that order.
What does each Xbox sign-in symptom mean?
The point at which MSFS 2020 stops identifies the most likely fault and prevents unnecessary reinstalls.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| The sign-in window repeatedly returns | Stale authentication token or the wrong Xbox account | Use our targeted fixes for a repeating Xbox sign-in loop. |
| “Waiting for Authentication” never clears | Xbox service trouble, an incorrect clock or blocked authentication traffic | Follow the PC and console checks for a persistent authentication screen. |
| “You are currently offline” appears | The account was recognised, but MSFS cannot reach its online services | Run these network and service checks for the offline message. |
| The button does nothing or the window is blank | Damaged Xbox components, Gaming Services or a blocked sign-in window | Update and repair the Windows Xbox components. |
| Sign-in completes, then “Checking for Updates” hangs | Authentication succeeded; the content or update connection is failing | Use the separate update-check troubleshooting steps. |
How do I fix Xbox sign-in on a Windows PC?
On Windows, repair the account and authentication chain before touching the large MSFS content installation.
The Steam edition still requires an Xbox account for the gamertag, cloud profile and online services. Steam supplies its licence, however, so Microsoft Store does not need to own a second copy of the simulator.
- Check the account outside MSFS. Open the Xbox app and confirm that it signs in with the gamertag you intend to use. Complete any password, consent or security-verification prompt there first. If the Xbox app cannot sign in either, the problem is not the simulator.
- Rule out an Xbox service interruption. Check the service status through the Xbox app or console. When account or gaming services are unavailable, local resets will not fix the fault; wait until the service recovers.
- Close every related process. Quit MSFS, the Xbox app and Microsoft Store rather than leaving them minimised, then restart Windows. This clears many expired sign-in sessions without changing any files.
- Synchronise the Windows clock. Enable automatic date, time and time zone selection, then use the option to synchronise the clock. Even a small clock error can invalidate a secure authentication token.
- Verify both Microsoft accounts. For the Microsoft Store/Xbox edition, the Store account must hold the game licence or active entitlement. The Xbox app should show the gamertag whose cloud progress and purchases you expect. The two accounts can legitimately differ in some configurations, but an accidental mismatch is a common failure, so sign out of both apps and sign back into the intended accounts.
- Install pending updates. Update Windows, the Xbox app, Microsoft Store apps, Gaming Services and any Xbox identity component offered through the Store. Restart after the updates, even when Windows does not demand it.
- Repair Xbox components. In Windows app settings, open the advanced options for the Xbox app and Gaming Services where those controls are available. Try Repair first. Use Reset only if repair fails, because reset signs the component out and clears its local data.
- Test the network without filters. Temporarily disconnect VPNs and proxies, pause restrictive DNS or parental filtering, and make sure the Xbox app and MSFS are allowed through the firewall. A short test using another connection can distinguish a PC problem from a router or provider problem. Restore normal security controls after testing.
Should I reset or reinstall MSFS 2020?
Use the simulator’s Repair option before Reset, and reinstall only after account, Gaming Services and network checks have failed. Reinstalling the aircraft and scenery packages rarely fixes an Xbox token problem.
Resetting the simulator can remove local preferences and may make MSFS ask where its existing content packages are stored. Record the package installation location first, and do not delete the large content folder unless the installation itself is known to be damaged.
How do I fix Xbox sign-in on Xbox Series X|S?
On Xbox Series X|S, a complete game exit and console restart resolve more sign-in failures than reinstalling MSFS 2020.
- Quit the simulator fully. Highlight MSFS, open its console menu and choose Quit so it is not resuming a suspended authentication session.
- Restart the console. Use the console restart command rather than switching to standby and immediately turning it back on.
- Test the Xbox connection. Run the console’s network and multiplayer tests. Restart the router if other Xbox services are also failing, and remove any VPN, custom DNS or network-level filter for a brief test.
- Update the console and simulator. Install pending system and game updates before attempting another login.
- Remove and re-add the profile only if necessary. Make sure the account credentials are known, remove that profile from the console, restart and add the same account again. Do not choose options that delete saved data everywhere.
If MSFS 2020 is being streamed through cloud gaming rather than installed locally, end the cloud session and sign out of the hosting Xbox app or browser session. Reinstalling a local game package cannot repair a cloud-session login.
Will signing out delete my logbook or purchases?
Signing out and adding the same Xbox account again should not delete cloud-synchronised progress or account entitlements. Allow the cloud synchronisation to finish when MSFS next starts, particularly if the console or PC presents a choice between local and cloud data.
Using a different gamertag is not equivalent to refreshing the original login. The new account receives its own profile, logbook and entitlements; purchases and progress are not transferred merely because both accounts use the same PC or console.
What if sign-in works but the simulator still hangs?
If the Xbox profile appears and MSFS advances to an update, loading or content screen, authentication is no longer the active fault. Treat a subsequent “Checking for Updates” loop, missing packages or loading freeze as a separate launcher or content-delivery problem rather than repeatedly resetting the Xbox account.