I tried to launch MSFS in the normal way this afternoon and, after multiple tries, including after a system restart, MSFS is stuck at “Checking for Updates”!
I am using Windows 11, Version 23H2. MSFS version 1.37.19.0
Unable to do anything - any suggestions would be appreciated!
We are aware of a current outage linked to Azure services, which may prevent users from successfully loading into Microsoft Flight Simulator. Please see the Azure Status website for regular updates regarding this outage:Azure status
Anyway, i founded a soluition.
- I closeded the sim
- I logged off from microsoft store
- i logged off from xbox app
- i did a disk clean on win C: drive
- re loged in (Ms Store and then Xbox)
- I launched the Sim
it works
It’s step 2 & 3 that have me concerned in scenarios like this which could cause your profile to be lost.
On my PC, I could get the MSFS home page after 25min from start. No Metar, No shop images, no starting screen images, but I could start my flight. See what’s going to happen during LIML/EDDH b738 flight. I didn’t logout from xbox user.
Azure is down for the world. They are working on the problem.
The Azure problem is causing timeout issues, so you may be lucky enough to get connected first try, or you may not get connected at all.
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same here, US east coast
same here, The Netherlands
Stuck on checking for updates, Scotland
Also unable to progress beyond the ‘checking for updates’ screen. Seems like this issue has been persisting most of the day.
Just read on Azure Status page that the problem is partially solved and things are supposed to go back to normal within 1h from now… keep your fingers x-ed!
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I’ve been up an running last 45-50 mins. Just finnished an Innsbruck tour around. 
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Working now for me.
This has been the case for these outages forever now. All these claimed “fixes” and “workarounds” are mere coincidence. There is nothing you can do but keep trying with the hope of lucking out, or sit and wait for it to stabilize.
Experienced same issue today (location Belgium): installation manager hangs endless “Checking for updates”.
Could solve / work-around by:
- Create VPN-connection to server in US and restart game: worked fine!
- On basis of observation above changed connected server in gameprofile from Auto (was default Western Europe) to East USA. Then restarted game WITHOUT VPN: works also fine!
So there seems to be a serverside issue with Western Europe server?
All things considered after todays Azure outage, My faith in 2024 in Nov. is waning fast. I’m definately not gonna be in any rush to move over to that platform. Gonna be a well thought out decision if I pull the trigger on it if at all. 
Right. So many outages and delays the past months. Not really inspiring of solid infrastructure
Nope, I sad now lol 
The Azure problem was a double whammy with Meta MESSING up yet another update forced on unsuspecting users with Meta Quest Pro VR sets. Solved: Todays update destroyed VR for MSFS and DCS - Page 2 - Meta Community Forums - 1223235