After a nearly 20 year break I’m back to Siming.
I do have some questions about getting MSFS.
I’m trying to figure out the most reliable way to get an English copy of MSFS in Germany. So far I read disaster stories about the dvd version, not to mention that dvd versions are language locked. I also read disaster stories about the downloads, which seem to require multiple accounts on multiple platforms (Microsoft, Microsoft store, xbox, and who knows what other platforms need an account), and no clear way to download MSFS after payment has been made. This is from comments on various places online, and some were quite old.
The account thing kinda got confirmed when I had to create a Microsoft account and an Xbox account I wanted to register here.
So I was hoping if there was a five year old guide to buying and installing MSFS?
Having found several threads on the topic since I posted this (apologies for that. In fairness, the posts were older), it sounds like steam is the better option.
Shame that Microsoft makes it so difficult. That’ll be them in the long run (not to mention get them in trouble with the eu, like with the explorer debacle several decades ago)
Get it via steam - the most hassle free experience.
The sim is multilingual - there is no dedicated English or German version.
You can select in sim what language you like to use.
I’ve been very happy with my Steam version. You do need a Microsoft account, but as has been pointed out, you’re already logged in to a Microsoft account to post here, so that shouldn’t be an issue.
With my Microsoft Live/Hotmail/Xbox Account (all these are a single one), I was able to buy and download MSFS without any trouble via the Microsoft Store. And operate it since Alpha version in 2020.
The secret maybe to have a stable and up to date Windows setup as MSFS relies on several Windows services (xbox game, xbox services… can’t figure the name… thus the MS Store app + Windows Update are my best friends). Finally, you also need a capable Internet bandwidth to the Microsoft CDN (Content Delivery Network) which could be different from just having a high speed Internet.
All in all, with every 2 months an update you’ll have to download gigs of data not to mention the stream data during your flight.
Same here… I downloaded from the MS Store shortly after it was released. INstalled on my Win10 and have “Never” had to re-install. The MS Store for a PC users point of view works well. Download it and have a wonderful Flight Simulation experience.
Steam is the best experience to go, however Microsoft Store is not as bad people make it seem to be. You will still need to sign into a Microsoft Account if you go the steam route. Reason for the account is so you can access online features such as Live Weather, Photogrammetry, Online Multiplayer, etc. A Microsoft account is absolutely needed to enjoy the sim to its fullest.
Like others have mentioned, if you already have a account here on the forums, you are already set to go. Just use the same login as you did here and everything will be hassle free.
My preference is the MS Store over Steam purely because I get dismal download speeds from Steam (seems to cap out at 15mbs). Via the MS Store I get download speeds of 100mbs+
If you use Steam for other stuff, may as well stay with it. If not, the Microsoft Store works just fine. A few clicks and you’re done…not difficult at all.
Steam user here, and I’m also very happy with it. I’ve essentially memorized the process to back off the betas. I don’t know how easy it is through MS Store, but it’s really easy with Steam.
All I can say is that I’ve read a lot more complaints from MS Store users than Steam users, but as Vincent1064 pointed out, that may be related to your PC setup and keeping it up to date.