Hello folks,
I have received word from our Zendesk support team that they were able to successfully resolve the “low bandwidth” issue for several players. In many cases reported by Zendesk so far, the impacted players were using an unauthorized map data mod (originally released for MSFS 2020), and completely removing all references to this mod from their system resolved the problem they were experiencing with low bandwidth messages.
If you are experiencing low bandwidth issues and have previously used a non-authorized map mod, you can fully restore the default map data and undo any modification made to your hosts file by the mod by following these instructions.
- Use the Windows search bar and search for Notepad. Right-click and select Run as Administrator.
- In Notepad, go to File > Open and then navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and open the hosts file.
- Delete these entries:
- Save and exit Notepad
- Reboot your PC
Warning: we do NOT recommend using any streamed map data mod that replaces the default maps.
When using mods, consider these factors:
- You mod at your own risk — the stability and security of your Windows 10/11 device and your Microsoft Flight Simulator installation might be affected
- Mods are not owned, operated, or tested by the Microsoft Flight Simulator Team. The Microsoft Flight Simulator Team is not responsible for mods or actions taken by mods installed on your device.
- Future Microsoft Flight Simulator updates may not be compatible with the installed mods
- Your Xbox Live and device data may be accessed by the mod’s creator. Your personal data may also be exposed.
Thanks,
MSFS Team
8 Likes
I opened the hosts file and found the following entries:
127.0.0.1 kh.ssl.ak.tiles.virtualearth.net
127.0.0.1 t3.ssl.ak.tiles.virtualearth.net
127.0.0.1 t2.ssl.ak.tiles.virtualearth.net
127.0.0.1 t1.ssl.ak.tiles.virtualearth.net
127.0.0.1 t0.ssl.ak.tiles.virtualearth.net
127.0.0.1 khstorelive.azureedge.net
127.0.0.1 cdn-shared-wca-endpoint.azureedge.net
The only map tool I ran was “MSFS Map Enhancement” for MSFS2020. I’m not even running it for the new sim. It was just to get updated Bing maps for 2020.
Hello @tbltpANDROID,
This mod is unauthorized, uses unlicensed data, and is known to cause issues with the sim. We recommend removing it by following the instructions in the OP of this thread.
Thanks,
MSFS Team
1 Like
I’m cool with removing the app. I think I’m confused because the app isn’t running. I’ll still remove it, just wondering how it’s affecting the sim when it’s not open is all.
Edit. I think I get it. The app made changes to my host file. That makes sense. So; my host file should only have those two entries from the OP.
Thank you. That fixed it. I misread the original post. I got stuck on the initial loading screen after that around 97% so I had to reset my cloud storage. I’m up and running now. Thanks again.
1 Like
After a full week of troubleshooting and trying a lot of changes, this was 100% THE fix!
The unauthorized program will negatively impact the sim even if it’s not running.
I had extremely slow loading, blurry ground textures, and very long waits to get to every screen. 20- 30 minutes from the time I clicked “FLY” until the plane appeared on the runway.
I followed the instructions in this post and the sim immediately began to run properly. Resolved all of the symptoms mentioned above.
5 Likes
Personal Comments and Observations
Just remember folks - the reason it’s impacting you is the hosts file is being read in addition to your Domain Name Server assigned to you by your ISP, so it’s effectively overriding the sim, even if you think you have this unauthorized mod down / disabled.