Hello,
I’m having an issue with FS2020 that is somewhat different than most others. I have a physical disability that makes it difficult to do things without either special or programmable off the shelf peripherals. My equipment requires me the link to the program’s executable file (in this case, FlightSimulator.exe) to activate a profile. For some reason, Microsoft decided to restrict access to the executable file when you buy via Microsoft Store. Those who bought FS2020 through Steam report no such issues. All I can do right now in the game is fly solely using the AI while setting up my equipment. Not enjoyable at all.
I need to figure out how to force Windows to allow access to the file, which has alluded me so far. I paid $120 for a game that I have limited access to. I’m sure Microsoft had no intention to restrict access when they added another level of security. The big question is why the Steam version isn’t plagued with this issue?
I’ve spent over 12 hours total trying to resolve this issue. I’d tried changing the file and/or folder permissions many ways based on many forums’ instructions. Everything that I’ve tried has obviously failed. No program should be this difficult to set up to work with assistive technology. I’m at the point of being very frustrated and angry!
If I can’t find a way to get the needed access to the executable file that is required for my equipment, I’ll need to find another solution. I’ll either need to have a Microsoft refund my money to purchase it through Steam or provide me a Steam key. While I’m sure legal action won’t be necessary, I’ll take that approach is everything else fails. As a disability activist of 30+ years, I know that I have several options.
If anyone has a workable solution, I would be very appreciative.
Thanks in advance.
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Hi,
I know what you mean. It’s a protected folder. For me it’s location is:
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_1.7.12.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\FlightSimulator.exe
It is possible to get in to this folder if you elevate a command prompt, running it as a local administrator.
It’s risky, but one way would be to re-write the permissions, assigning your account as the owner. granting your own account “Full Control”, then assigner the owner back to “TrustedInstaller”.
As I say, there is an element of risk to that.
You can’t even use the old trick of running “Internet Explorer” as admin, then viewing the "C:" drive from that.
Another way that might work would be to use an elevated Command Prompt to go into the folder above, then run “Explorer.exe .”, where the “dot” represents the current folder. You will get a pop-up stating that to permanently give you permissions to this folder, you need to press “Continue”. That may assign relevant permissions that that level only, and not the entire “WindowsApps” folder, which could potentially weaken your OS security.
Thanks for your reply.
The most frustrating part is that my devices only need to see that the program was launched. It’s not as if my software is trying to alter the game’s executable file.
If Microsoft has done this solely for security reasons, are they, in a way, saying that the Steam version has a security flaw?
It looks like I’ll be fighting Microsoft for a refund so I can then buy it on Steam. I did ask Microsoft before the release of FS2020 if there were any differences between the Microsft Store and Steam versions of the game. Their response was that both are the same. Apparently, that isn’t true.
Ah, so what you need then is something that will monitor the task list and look for “Flight Simulator.exe”?
I thought you needed physical access to the EXE, not that some other process just needs to know it’s running.
The command “tasklist” will show this, as will the PowerShell command “Get-Process”. Both can be used to identify whether the FS process is running or not.
I’ll give that a try and report back (crossing figures).
Thanks
The way that Windows Store works is horrendous, it throws a lot of issues like this up. There’s a good reason the end user should have access to the program’s files.
While that shows the processes (including FlightSimulator.exe), I still need a way to add the executable to my equipment’s software. It’s similar to Logitech’s gaming software, iCue, etc. Like those programs, the executable file must be visible to add it to a profile. From my research, those with popular gaming peripherals are having similar issues as I am. Equally similar is a lack of any real solution.
The only difference between my issue and others is they want the added “luxury” that gaming peripherals offer. Whereas for me and others with disabilities, it means the game becomes inaccessible. Still, this problem is affecting a lot of people, and Microsoft is remaining silent.
I’m learning that now. it’s inexcusable. I think my issue is good enough to call Microsoft out on. As a disability activist, I can’t and won’t let this go unaddressed.
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Hi there, I totally understand your frustration. There is a script you can look up that’s all over the internet called “Take Ownership”, and it’s a right-click on the folder to take ownership. While this is not the one I own, idk where I got mine, but it’s the same thing. Try it out. It’s how I’ve gotten into Microsoft’s annoying game folders, or if I want to delete them in the first place, because they’re on a different drive than the C:
Take Ownership (Majorgeeks.com)
Thanks for the tip. I’ll look into it before I run it. I’m just not sure why Microsoft feels that level of security is needed for games from their store why every other launcher don’t think it’s necessary. Even worse is that Microsoft has ignored my requests for assistance from the day after the game launched.
I’m just curious how long on average does it take to get a reply to a submitted support ticket? I submitted a ticket 6 days ago and haven’t heard back yet.
Microsoft had to know that the release of FS2020 would be huge. If anyone has doubts, just look at how it’s trending on streaming services a month after release.
I realize that COVID-19 has created challenges. Most work from home now (if they have a desk job) which means a lack of oversight. Is there a better place to submit a support ticket to Microsoft besides this site? If not, I might have a long wait before I can start using my accessibility gaming equipment with this game. Why they’d “lock” access to the executable file via their store and not Steam is beyond me.
Take Ownership sadly didn’t help for some reason. It should have since it changes the folder and file access within the registry. I tried doing this with Take Ownership and also by manually making changes to the registry. The only thing I haven’t tried is reinstalling Windows. Since I do a lot of alpha/beta testing of software and hardware, I usually restore Windows from an image every 6 months. While it’s a bit early, I might try that as a “last ditch” attempt. Perhaps changing the registry afterwards will work.
Thanks for the suggestion. 
Yeah no problem. Oddly enough I have a 60GB Microsoft gaming folder that I tried Take Ownership on right after posting my comment here, and it didn’t work as well. Idk, maybe Microsoft did something in their patches that changed it. Might have to dig more on the internet to find out. I’m going to as well. I’ll post my findings. I do a system restore image as well. Around six months too. It’s also frustrating because I’ve noticed even a system restore will cause the Microsoft info for the games to change so you can’t access them even in your windows gaming if you had it before. Man I swear, why Microsoft has to do this garbage is beyond me. Just having like Steam and others, it’s accessible at any time, no matter how your Windows is changed, and you can have your Windows games there without needing to re-install EVERY time.