I thought my CTD problems had stemmed from MSFS update 5, but I am now clear that I was wrong

I am in the exact same boat as you. I haven’t played it in a few weeks because of the annoyances with the last update but decided to try and play today.

I get the exact same crash as you. Checked for updates, then that is complete and I hear the music and see the load bar. It moves very slightly for a few seconds and then the sound cuts out and crashes to desktop.

I have not changed anything. I have been away a few days and my system has been off.