Simulator doesn't start, This app cannot be opened

Discussion Hub General Discussion
1

Hello,

My simulator could be started without problems but since yesterday no longer.
When I start it, I get the following error message:

Microsoft Flight Simulator was not found and cannot be opened. The storage device may be missing or disconnected.

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21393×443 15.4 KB

I have not changed anything on the system, but Windows has automatically installed an update.

Does anyone have the same problem and know a solution?

Greetings
Tim

2

I’ve had similar problems a few times.

Have you tried running it from the Microsoft Store app? That usually resolves it for me. Find FS in the store, initially it shows ‘Purchase’ but this changes to ‘Play’ after a few seconds when it realises I own it.

Then it usually asks for permission to make some changes and then it runs the sim.

Worth a try!

1 Like
3

Oh wow. That is either a removable drive or one that’s failing?
If its a HDD try a defrag (to mark bad sectors) if its an SSD try the appropriate SSD software Optimizer and update your firmware.

4

Thank you very much for your comment.
I just tested this, but unfortunately get the same error message.

5

The simulator is installed on an internal SSD.
The system check does not show any error.

I also have no other problem accessing the SSD.

Can I have the simulator repaired without reinstalling it?

6

Hi check your drive data cable.
I has a loose fitting one and relaced it with type that had clip ends
No problems since.
Cheers

7

OK that’s a pity - the other thing I’ve tried successfully was a repair reinstall. I think I did this from the store too, but sorry I can’t remember.

I thought this might take ages, but it actually only took a couple of minutes. It did reset all my control settings back to defaults, which was a pain, but at least it got me going again.

Steve

8

You can “Repair” or “Reset” the MSFS app by going to:
Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Microsoft Flight Simulator > Advanced Options

Try the “Repair” first, then restart your PC
If that doesn’t work, then do the “Reset” and restart your PC

9

I use an M.2 SSD directly on the motherboard so no cables to check.

10

Sata or M.2 Onboard?

If it is a Steam install you can verify the integrity of files. Pretty sure MS Store doesn’t have this option.
What is your SSD and are you running the appropriate software?

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Doing this will force a full reinstall of MSFS as Steam can not verify the MSFS files.

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MS Store Install was unaware of that.

1 Like
13

Have you been messing with the registry?

Update was Windows or MSFS?

14

Have you switched from an Admin account to a User or different account?

Try right clicking the MSFS Icon selecting More and Run as Administrator.

15

Now I tried “Repair” but it does not solve the problem.
Have now also done the “Reset”, but the app has now disappeared from the apps.

In the store I can now select “Install”, now I get the error code:

0x80070424

16

That error is related to Windows Updates. When your Windows did the update, was a cumulative one or a feature update?

Try checking Windows Update again. If it gives an error doing this, let me know.

17

It was a cumulative update.
No further updates are available at the moment.

Updates
Updates865×159 6.87 KB

1 Like
18

Perfect.

Now “Get Updates” in the MS Store App. Let me know if any errors. Don’t install anything manually if there are items to update.

19

No updates in MS Store.
No errors, except for the Flightsimulator.

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If that doesn’t work navigate to your “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download” folder Rename the download folder to Download.Old and do another check for Windows Updates on Windows after a restart.