I have been with the beta testing from the start and have version 1.21.18.0 installed.
Have not been on msfs2020 for about a week and today when starting FS i have a 114.72 Gb update. What in heavens name is going on ?
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The release version of your 1.21.18.0 beta.
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If you did not update from the beta prior to yesterday, the mandatory update will install itself.
When it does, it downloads the sim again.
Part121 has already explained what is going on.
As for the huge download, you just have to point the installer to where you moved your Packages folder(s) before installing the beta.
Because you did do that, didn’t you? 
Boy oh Boy this is a mess! Why Why Why ???
If you beta test and dont know what the procedure is it might be best to skip it next time.
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Because, because, because you didn’t follow the instructions on how to participate in the beta without having to download the whole thing again once the beta was over.
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Next time don’t rush to a Beta test.
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There have been like 30 posts explaining the process. When you are in a beta it is even more important to stay current on what’s posted here. This behaviour has been the same since my first beta which was for su4. I also learned this the hard way.
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OK hold on just a minute. When joining the beta I told msfs where my packages folder and all the rest was, so what has changed. How many time does one have to instruct MSFS and Windows 11 where the F*&& I installed MSFS. There is another thing…I do not sit on forums all day long, as I have more important things to do.
Ok all of you hit it and start writing.!!! I am amazed how smart you all are.
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I totally get your frustration. I won’t pile on. I noticed the folder change yesterday when I updated as well. You should only need to do it once. If you use Navigraph, you’ll need to make sure the path is right there too as it resets to the default. Good luck.
When you are participating in a beta it’s not just to casually fly ahead of the rest, Mr. Grumpy. You temporarily are volunteering to test things with all the mentioned risks. In your case I would stay far from any beta in the future.
It is a flaw, for sure. I have been frustrated too. I recommend that you take your sentiments to the section where the mods are gathering questions for the Q&A.
I do understand your frustration and Asobo’s instructions are not always very clearly written. Having said that, you did choose to opt in to a BETA. The point of a beta is to test the software version and report issues back to the developer. I suspect you simply opted into the beta to get bug fixes/updates before their official release. If you are going to choose to run a beta version in the future, I would suggest paying very close attention to related forums and communications from the developer during your beta test period. If you are too busy and have better things to do with your time, maybe stick to the release version 
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One might think that in 2022 Microsoft might be able to develop an intelligent installer that is able to update its software in the default location.
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(quoted/replied to wrong person sorry, supposed to be @Grumpy3355 )
I understand your frustrations but that’s beta testing, it’s a bit of a risk to use any beta software and to be fair there was plenty of warnings of what might happen before you signed up and downloaded it.
But, that does not defend the very convoluted installation process, the various log ins required for Xbox and the poorly designed Updating process. Fortunately as a Steam user the use of Beta is very easy and largely prevents the mess that appears to affect MS Store users much more. this Sim however cries out for a separate Launcher to control the Base & Beta updates in a more standardised fashion as seen with hundreds of other titles.
In future, just avoid the Beta, it’s sometimes not worth the hassle.
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Exactly. Very disappointing in 2022. This is like 1982 technology.
The reason I joined the beta program was to give some input in case the new update was going to be harmful or positive to MSFS. We have over the past year or so had some extremely harmful updates to MSFS and if joe public can be involved then that’s a positive.
Now … I have bought some addons and when coming to install them I have not had to tell the installer where MSFS is as the installer of said addon has already identified where msfs is and it installs with zero problems.
Unfortunately Windows 11 and Asobo’s MSFS has not a clue where it is installed, so just does what the hell it wants and screws everything up. I do not want to or should need to tell MSFS at every update where it is installed. We are in the 21st century or has Microsoft and Asobo not noticed that.
Rant over, you all have a nice day.
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