MSFS2020 CTD since March 2025 latest update

Bug Reporting Hub Crashes (CTDs)
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ISSUE DESCRIPTION

Description of the issue:
Since installing the compulsory 6.4Gb update on 21st March 2025 for MSFS2020, my desktop continues to CTD approximately halfway through the loading screen (ie. after checking for updates).
Please note - I am yet to try this on my laptop.

My sim was working perfectly until this latest update!

[PC Only] Did you remove all your community mods/add-ons? If yes, are you still experiencing the issue?
Yes

FREQUENCY OF ISSUE

How often does this occur for you (Example: Just once, every time on sim load, intermittently)?
Every time on sim load

REPRODUCTION STEPS

Please list clear steps you took in order to help our test team reproduce the same issue:

  1. Followed the listed standard procedure on how to resolve a CTD on loading
  2. Unplugged all peripherals
  3. Disabled Microsoft Defender
  4. Removed existing Community folder

YOUR SETTINGS

If the issue still occurs with no mods and add-ons, please continue to report your issue. If not, please move this post to the User Support Hub.

What peripherals are you using, if relevant: Saitek X-56, Saitek rudder, TrackIR5, but All unplugged.

[PC Only] Are you using Developer Mode or have you made any changes to it?
No

[PC, MSFS 2020 Only] Are you using DX11 or DX12?
DX11

[PC Only] Many issues may be due to an outdated graphics card. Please state your Graphics Card Driver Manufacturer (NVIDIA, Intel, AMD) and Version:
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060Ti (8gb), with latest Nvidia drivers. These we updated this past week.

[PC Only] What other relevant PC specs can you share?
i7-3770k CPU, 32Gb RAM

MEDIA

Please add a screenshot or video of the issue occurring.

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[END OF FIRST USER REPORT]

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Do you have the same issue if you follow the OP’s steps to reproduce it?
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Provide extra information to complete the original description of the issue:
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FYI, with Nvidia driver 572.16/572.42/47/60/70/75/83, Nvidia app and DX12 selected in MSFS 2020 a CTD won’t occur.

However, with DX11 selected in MSFS 2020, using the same latest Nvidia driver and Nvidia app, a CTD will occur.

Until Nvidia fixes the application and Asobo MSFS 2020/2024, please check what happens if you select DX12 instead of DX11 by manually editing cfg file.

To do this, you need to edit usercfg.opt file and modify the line
PreferD3D12 0

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Change the number 0 to 1

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and save the changes.

OR

If you need Nvidia app, make sure to select DX12 instead of DX11 in Nvidia app and the profile for MSFS 2020.

OR

If Nvidia app installed go to:
c:\ProgramData\NVIDIA
delete folder named NGX

Source https://forums.flightsimulator.com/t/ctd-fresh-install-no-addons-new-build-ctd-on-load-up-everytime-code-0xc0000005/709606/11?u=tenpatrol

1 Like
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Morning,
Thanks for the comprehensive reply!

Since posting, I decided to rollback to Nvidia driver 566.xx and have had success with no CTD.

If I decide to go to latest Nvidia drivers I will implement your recommendations.

Thanks again!

4

I have just tried installing 2020 after using 2024 for a while now. It doesn’t work, crashes to desktop every time I try to load :confused:

5

https://forums.flightsimulator.com/t/msfs2020-ctd-since-march-2025-latest-update/712355/2?u=tenpatrol

6

I was having the exact problem and what I did was optimize MS2020 from the NVIDIA app and deleted NGX which fixed it. I didn’t have the same problem with MSFS2024

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My bad for not reading the whole thread, but this fixed it. Thanks!

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You just can go to the Nvidia app and click optimise the game. By default setting you are supposed to get DX12 which is causing the problem with the crashing. :slightly_smiling_face:

9

Mine is doing the exact same thing as msfs20 crashes half way thru just like the screenshot here. Nothing in community folder and no peripherals connected. Any suggestions?

10

https://forums.flightsimulator.com/t/msfs2020-ctd-since-march-2025-latest-update/712355/2?u=tenpatrol

1 Like