Note: this is not an issue that only effects MSFS, but 1) I was stupid and naïve enough to buy MSFS through Microsoft Store, and 2)It’s the only application and last application I’ll ever buy from Microsoft Store, so help me God! (Or whoever is running this simulation we’re currently in); 3)Next flightsim will be through Steam (or direct download).
I also know I’m not the only one that’s had issues, but everywhere I’ve looked online (not just MSFS forums), I cannot find a solution other than to create a new windows account or reinstall windows.
A little history: I bought MSFS as soon as it was released. I figured I’d buy it from Microsoft Store (a “service” I’d never used before), since well, I figured, they’re both run by Microsoft and the OS is run by Microsoft, so might have less issues–being all under the same company umbrella; where protocols might play nicely together.
However, four different times on 2 different PCs, I’ve been cursed with the inability to launch MSFS, because as it turns out Microsoft Store will NOT connect. Meanwhile:
- My old laptop that’s half dead from various hardware failures, will still connect to MS Store (using the same internet connection and MS Store login credentials as my desktop–the computer with MSFS on it);
- I’ve ended up with a second windows user account on my desktop, where now the new account’s MS Store no longer connects, but the old windows account (using same MS Store login credentials across both window’s users) that stopped connecting before, is now connecting again.
So, why is that a problem? Because of course all my settings are different from one windows login to another for other peripherals I use, and who knows when my old windows account MS Store will stop working again…
I’ve spent at least 2 weeks of free time (and 2 full weekends) trying to diagnose the MS Store issue with my old windows account, the first time on my previous desktop. It started working again one morning on its own. The other times I tried running through the long lists of possible issues that various forums and guides suggest, but nothing would ever fix the issue… each time after about 2 or 3 weeks later, it would start working again on its own… except the last time on my new PC. Having some free time, (at the time), and wanting to fly (before waiting another couple weeks for a miracle), I decided to try creating a new windows account, and copy all my settings over to the new profile. That was about 6 months ago. Last night I was going to try flying a little–and sure enough MS Store would not connect. I hadn’t installed anything new or done any configuration changes on my computer since the night before when I had last flown; well except a windows update, but that wouldn’t explain why my old user profile works now and new user profile doesn’t.
A quick way to also notice that the MS Store will not connect is seeing the “newspaper” icon near the right end of the task bar where the clock is.
On my old windows user account that NOW can connect to MS Store, it looks like this:
(Yes, it’s gotten warmer since I started ranting).
At this point, I might just try screenshotting all the settings for the support software I use, and update my settings back on my old account.
However, I may just reinstall windows. I’m not exaggerating when I say it will take me at least a week to reinstall everything and reconfigure all my settings and profiles for other applications. I’ve got one CAD application that takes a full day to install and configure–if all goes well (it’s very powerful but poorly written for the end user). Yeah, it would be better if I had one computer dedicated to just MSFS, to where a windows reinstall doesn’t mean losing a week of my life; but my wife thinks my money should have other priorities… I know a fresh re-install every couple years is probably good, but this PC is less than a year old.
All that aside, it’s absolutely ridiculous that MS Store should require a windows reinstall or new Window’s User account… but maybe I’m just spoiled.
However, if you’ve read this far, (or just skipped to the fabulous end) and have any ideas that you may have discovered yourself that aren’t public knowledge, feel free to add your suggestions. Maybe, a fresh install will buy me time till MSFS 2024, that I will then buy from STEAM and never have to face the monstrosity of MS Store again.