Learn what Microsoft Flight Simulator Sim Updates change, how to install them on PC, Xbox and PS5, and how to fix update loops.
Sim Updates are official Microsoft Flight Simulator patches that change the simulator’s core code, aircraft systems, stability, performance and shared content. Install them through your platform’s updater first, then launch MSFS and complete any required in-simulator download. They are separate from World Updates, Marketplace content and Community-folder add-ons.
What does an MSFS Sim Update change?
A Sim Update modifies the core simulator rather than concentrating on scenery for one country or region. Its release label is usually shortened to SU, followed by a number, although that number is not the same as the software’s full build number.
A Sim Update can include changes to the flight model, avionics, weather, traffic, default aircraft, VR, performance, stability and developer tools. It may also replace shared data used by several aircraft. It does not automatically update every Marketplace product or third-party add-on in your Community folder.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 both receive Sim Updates. Their content-delivery systems differ, particularly because MSFS 2024 streams more assets, but the update order remains the same: platform update first, simulator packages second.
How do I install a Microsoft Flight Simulator Sim Update?
Install the update supplied by Steam, the Microsoft Store, Xbox or PlayStation before opening the simulator and completing any second-stage download.
- Close Microsoft Flight Simulator completely. Do not leave it suspended on a console or running in the background on PC.
- Check your platform’s update queue. Install the available Microsoft Flight Simulator update and allow any patching or file verification to finish. Our platform-by-platform MSFS 2024 update instructions cover the full procedure for each supported system.
- Launch MSFS while connected to the internet. Accept any mandatory package download shown during start-up. Keep the simulator open until downloading, decompression and installation have all finished.
- Check installed content separately. Open Content Manager, Marketplace or My Library, depending on the MSFS version, and install updates offered for owned aircraft and scenery.
- Restart and test the simulator. If an aircraft or flight starts normally, the core update is installed. Reintroduce any temporarily disabled Community add-ons in small groups.
| Platform | Where the core update starts | Version caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store or Xbox app on PC | Check the Store library and Xbox app for updates, including supporting Xbox services when offered | Supports MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 |
| Steam on PC | Use the Steam Library download queue and wait for patching to finish | Supports MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 |
| Xbox Series X|S | Use the console update queue or let automatic updating complete | Supports MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024 |
| PlayStation 5 or PS5 Pro | Highlight the game, open its options and check for an update | MSFS 2024 only; MSFS 2020 was never released on PlayStation |
Why does Microsoft Flight Simulator download the update twice?
Two downloads are normal because MSFS separates the platform application from large simulator content packages. Steam, the Microsoft Store or the console first updates the executable and launcher; MSFS may then download aircraft, data or shared packages after it starts.
A working Play button therefore does not prove that the entire Sim Update has finished. Large updates can also need extra temporary disk space while compressed files are unpacked and old data is replaced.
Are Sim Updates the same as World Updates?
Sim Updates and World Updates are different releases: the former changes the simulator itself, while the latter mainly adds or revises regional scenery.
| Update type | What it changes | How it is delivered |
|---|---|---|
| Sim Update | Core code, systems, performance and shared official content | Platform updater, sometimes followed by an in-simulator download |
| World or scenery update | Regional airports, terrain, landmarks and photogrammetry | Usually through the simulator’s content library or Marketplace |
| Marketplace product update | An individual aircraft, airport or other owned package | Through the product or content library |
| Community add-on update | A manually installed third-party add-on | Must be replaced or updated separately |
Our explanation of the separate World Update and scenery update process covers the content packages that may remain pending after the core simulator is up to date.
Do I need to install every Sim Update in order?
No; the platform normally supplies the latest cumulative build, so a returning player does not need to find and install each SU individually. When MSFS marks an update as mandatory, however, normal online use is blocked until that offered build is installed.
After a long absence, expect both a core update and additional content updates. An empty platform queue alongside pending Marketplace packages is not evidence that the Sim Update failed.
What should I do if the Sim Update is missing or stuck?
A missing or repeating Sim Update is usually caused by a stale platform client, insufficient storage, the wrong installation being launched or an incompatible add-on.
- No update appears: close MSFS, restart the PC or console, reopen the platform client and confirm that it is online and signed into the account that owns the simulator.
- Mandatory update keeps repeating: do not keep reinstalling random packages. Follow our targeted steps for clearing the MSFS mandatory-update loop.
- Installation runs out of space: allow room for both the download and temporary unpacking files. On PC, identify the active installation before moving or deleting anything using our guide to finding the MSFS application and Packages locations.
- MSFS crashes after updating: temporarily rename or move the Community folder and test with a default aircraft. Update incompatible add-ons rather than deleting the simulator’s Official packages.
- The progress bar appears frozen: check both network and disk activity. Patching can continue without visible download traffic; restart only after activity has stopped for a sustained period.
The mistake we see most often is treating every post-update problem as a damaged Sim Update. Testing a default aircraft with an empty Community folder quickly separates a core installation fault from an add-on that has not yet been updated.