Can you skip a mandatory Microsoft Flight Simulator update? Learn when offline mode works, what is optional and how to fix a blocked update.
No. Once Microsoft Flight Simulator has detected and required a mandatory update, there is no supported way to bypass it and continue playing that installation. Offline mode may let a previously updated, authenticated copy start without checking, but it cannot dismiss an update prompt that the simulator, launcher or console has already enforced.
Why are mandatory MSFS updates enforced?
Mandatory updates keep the simulator executable, required content and online services on compatible versions. Allowing an older build to connect could break aircraft systems, scenery loading, multiplayer, weather data or account authentication.
An MSFS update may also have two stages: a platform-level game patch followed by additional content inside the simulator. Completing only the first stage can leave Microsoft Flight Simulator returning to its update screen every time it starts.
Does offline mode bypass an MSFS update?
Offline mode can prevent an update check only when the installation was already prepared for offline use and the mandatory update has not been detected. It is not a reliable or supported method of freezing the simulator on an old version.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 has the more useful offline capability. It must first be installed, updated and authenticated online, with the necessary offline content available. Online scenery, live weather and multiplayer will then be unavailable. Our guide to preparing MSFS 2020 for offline flying explains those requirements.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 depends far more heavily on streamed world data and connected services, so disconnecting it is not a practical substitute for updating. If either version already shows a mandatory-update message, going offline afterwards will not normally clear that state.
How can I tell whether an update is really mandatory?
A mandatory update blocks normal launch or access to connected features, while optional content can usually be postponed or removed.
| Update type | Can it be postponed? | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Simulator core update | No | Normal play is blocked until the required files are installed. |
| PC platform-client or console game patch | Not once enforced | The platform may prevent the simulator from launching or connecting. |
| Optional World Update or extra content | Usually | The simulator can run without that region or content package. |
| Third-party aircraft, scenery or livery update | Usually | The add-on may still work, but an incompatible version can cause errors after a simulator update. |
A mistake we see constantly is treating every large download as mandatory. Check whether the prompt blocks the main menu or simply offers additional scenery and aircraft through the content manager.
What should I do when the mandatory update will not install?
A blocked update should be repaired rather than bypassed, starting with the platform layer before touching simulator files.
- Reconnect and authenticate. Sign in with the platform account that owns or licenses the simulator. If MSFS reports that it cannot reach online services, work through the account and connection checks for the “You are currently offline” message.
- Finish the platform-level patch. Close Microsoft Flight Simulator completely, install any pending game or platform-client update, then restart the PC or console if requested.
- Check free storage. Updates may need extra working space while compressed files are unpacked, so the displayed download size is not always the total space required.
- Complete the in-simulator content stage. Launch MSFS while connected and allow required packages to finish downloading. Do not disconnect or force-close it while files are being verified.
- Restart a repeating update check. Reboot the device and network equipment, then retry without network filters that could block authentication or content delivery. Avoid deleting the simulator's package directories blindly; that can turn a repairable update into a complete redownload.
- Check add-ons only after updating. If the update completes but MSFS then crashes during loading, temporarily move third-party packages out of the
Communityfolder and test the unmodified simulator.
For Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PC, Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5, follow our platform-specific MSFS 2024 update sequence so that the platform patch and simulator content are completed in the correct order.
Can I keep an older version for offline flying?
You may be able to retain an already working MSFS 2020 installation offline, but you cannot rely on it indefinitely. Reconnecting, renewing a licence check or opening online services may trigger the mandatory update immediately.
Copying the application or its official package directory is not a dependable rollback method. Platform-managed files, account licensing and package dependencies can prevent the copied version from launching, and Microsoft Flight Simulator does not provide a supported version-selection feature.