Simulator is showing version 1.11.7.0, although 1.12.x.x should be available. (date 15.1.2021). As the program is loading, “Checking for Updates” is shown, there is network traffic, then briefly a black screen, then the program continues loading without performing any update or showing any other message. The simulator runs but there are updates to items pending e.g. because version 1.12.4 is needed.
Have checked the MS Store for updates. Other apps are being updated (Xbox, MS Store, Gaming services), but it never shows any update for the Flight Simulator. “Get updates” returns “You are good to go”.
Have tried the advice in the FAQs - logging in and out, resetting cache, terminating MS Store, disk check, reboot etc but no change.
Other information:
Originally installed from DVD: Premium Delux Version
MS store- when I select “Installed” , the Simulator app is initiially not listed. If I click “Ready to Install” and then go back to “Installed” it appears but only shows “Microsoft Flight Simulator - Modified 12/9/2020”, with no mention of Premium Delux.
Edition Windows 10 Home
Version 20H2
Installed on1/8/2021
OS build 19042.746
ExperienceWindows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.551.0
Hi, Thanks for the suggestion. Tried uninstalling and re-installing as described but this made no difference.
What I would like to understand is whether the updates will be downloaded by the Simulator or by MS Store (or maybe both are possible) ?
Happy to try any further suggestions…
Ok, try this. My zone alarm firewall blocks the “base package files” from downloading form the store, don’t ask why, ZA cannot figure it out. Turn off, you may have to uninstall aftermarket package, but if MS version, turn off all of them to be safe. I think MS Built in version does it, but again cannot prove it. See if that works.
As last resort, MS Store can get corrupted, videos on YT showing how to uninstall, but caution, ANY updates/software downloaded from the store might be gone, so all may have to be reinstalled again. There are several programs in MS Windows 10 which are supposed to “fix” things. If that does not work, try these from admin command prompt, and not sure if they will work either, worth a try.
SFC /scannow - once complete, close CP window and restart system
CHKDSK /F/R - This needs complete access to Primary Drive-you may have to restart and it begins after POST, prior to any windows loading. Depending on drive size it can take several hours to complete.
Now before “experts flame me” this is what I had to do to get it working on my system. Every patch update, must uninstall ZA because as stated, it blocks MSFS base package files. Once base package files is downloaded, then the game will download updates at the correct point. NOTE-There may be some “content manager” items which still need to be updated so after the above, check it too.
Thanks for the detailed suggestions.
I have Norton 360 not Zone Alarm. I can disable the firewall without uninstalling but I don’t think that was the problem.
Here is what I have done to fix it:
I unstalled MS Store and then re-installed (Powershell with Admin needed.)
I checked in MS Store for updates - still none showing for the Sim
Out of frustration, I selected “Install” the Flight Simulator (already recognised as owned and installed)
Then selected “Run” the Flight Simulator from MS Store
I think there was a question like “Run the installer ?” which I ok’d
Then the Flight Simulator started and checked for updates this time with the Installation Manager popping up with Release 1.12.13.0. Yay !
Not sure if I can delete this, but for the time being I am going to leave it there.
Thanks to all for the suggestions. Hope this experience will prove useful for others who are stuck with update problems.
Afterthoughts:
It’s a pity that there are no error messages, log files or more transparent view of what MS Store is doing. I guess MS wanted to keep it simple for inexperienced users. Also the directory structure is confusing to say the least. There is no visible .exe file and I have had to keep a record of directory paths to try and figure out what is kept where. Still - it’s an amazing app, when it works!
I may have customised this when originally installing. I recall having problems because the installation claimed to need a further 100+ GB storage. I was only able to put this on a second hard drive and then after freeing up some space I was able to move the data (which was only about 20GB in reality) to the solid state drive.
So the Packages (containing Community and Official) are where they have been from the beginning
Next time I know there is update will try your steps except don’t need to uninstall store, which may have fixed the issue.
There is a number of diagnostic and fix’s built into W-10. You get to them by going to All settings, Update and Security, troubleshooting, and additional troubleshooting. The so called store fix is the last one in my list. Not sure if they do any good.
And again, like OP, and others say, the process of “getting this game” to download, and install is horrible. PLEASE Asobo, setup a place to download the actual install files from, and a disc creator method, so we can make media install discs. I would imagine 40% of user base has very slow internet, which severely limits their (mine) ability to update or reinstall this game with any reasonable time frames. If it crashes, PC takes a hit, I aint spending two days plus to download it again. I’m done, I got way better things to do with my time than that. FSX works fine for me, (actual media to install from, and backed up copies of both Service Packs 1-2) would go back to it. Plus, like OP, path to where it should be going and path to where it went has changed, this cannot be a good sign his issues are resolved.
This has been asked for by many from day one, created Zendesk request, and it was never acted upon. The install issues/downloading, et-al, should have gotten someone’s attention, sadly it’s been ignored.
How did I move the directory? I can’t remember how I did this exactly. Possibly by going to Windows settings, Apps, and then “Move” but I just checked it is currently greyed out.
Agree that it would be cleaner to re-install, but for the time being I am happy that it works. The update has resolved another issue I was having: CTD when loading a flight with airliners (e.g. A320NEO) - it crashed very time unless I set graphics settings to “LOW” AND set the screen resolution lower. If not, it seemed to run the GPU and the CPU at 100% and crashed towards the end of loading process.
Since my Internet speed is only 16 MBits/s, I am reluctant to re-install if it means downloading many GB of data. It would be useful if you could just keep the official packages (currently over 100 GB) and install all the other stuff around that.
