Windows fresh install - Uninstall MSFS first?

User Support Hub Hardware & Peripherals
1

I am going to do a fresh install of Windows and reformat my drives. Do I have to do anything to MSFS beforehand, or will MS Store recognize that the game is not installed and just let me download it and install?

Thanks for any advice.

2

I would be a bit shocked if this is not the case :wink: ā€¦ but.. Iā€™am Steam user :face_with_hand_over_mouth:

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3

Just to be safe, uninstall anything Program Files related including MSFS.

Youā€™re probably aware of the Packages trick to save yourself the full 100+ GB download, but if thatā€™s not a concern or you really want a full reinstall, disregard.

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4

I just upgraded to Windows 11 and didnā€™t have to change a thing - and I canā€™t see why a fresh install of Windows 10 would be any different. Just select to keep your files

5

I did a full windows reinstall a few weeks ago and didnā€™t uninstall anything first. Just remember to back up your community folder if you have a lot of stuff in it ā€¦ that will save you some downloading time. Also remember to install the prerequisites first ā€¦ microsoft store app and the Xbox app. Also check for the English US language pack. Basically just follow the ā€˜new installā€™ instructions.

I had absolutely no issues reinstalling the MS Store version again like that ā€¦ except for the 20 hours downloading through the thin piece of copper wire that passes for the internet round here :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

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6

Thanks for all the help guys. I truly appreciate it.

7

You should be GTG to reformat and reinstall.

I would highly recommend backing up your packages folder so you will only have to install the 1GB MS Store application and not the 100+ GB of content, plus whatever community content you have.

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8

I donā€™t think the X-Box app is a prerequisite. I do not have that app on my system, and have had no problem installing/running MSFS. I only have the MS Store app and gaming services.

New PC MSFS query
9

You might be right. I just made sure that I could log in before reinstalling MSFS. To be honest, I lose track of the apps that are needed vs. all the cr@p that gets routinely installedā€¦

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10

Iā€™m not 100 percent certain if you are ā€œsupposedā€ to have the X-Box app for MSFS, but for me it works fine without it. It may be more important if you have the same game title on both PC and X-Box, and want to play it on both platforms while preserving your settings and achievements between sessions.

11

Is it running ok on Windows 11?

12

Better than ever

13

Just reinstalled MSFS 3 times. I had some issues that took some sorting. I really wish I knew this one. Thanks.