I think the easy way is to:
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Save your UserCfg.opt file. (or rename it to myUserCfg.opt)
The location of your “Installed Packages” is on the last line of this file.
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Save any mods
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Delete the UserCfg.opt file.
Run FS2020.
This will make the FS2020 install run.
It will download and run the 2 GB Launcher to your C: (or boot) drive.
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When the install screen displays,
click the address box and tell it where your “Installed Packages” are.
FS2020 will check and require you to download any folders/files that are corrupted or missing.
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Run FS2020 with the installed default UserCfg.opt.
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If okay, replace the default UserCfg.opt with your saved one.
Replace your saved mods.
Guys, i really highly doubt that there is any need to do these things.
As one can read in other posts, this is often caused by broken cloud storage files. You dont have to install anything at all.
In the rare cse you can fix this by relogging in store + xbox app, you dont have to install anything.
This doesnt work always so one has to manually sign out inside the sim as well.
Then to make sure sign out and in in store as well as xbox app, restart pc and it should be back, including all your settings etc.
This is the second time I’ve encountered this same error. Each time it’s a result of me switching from NVIDIA Synch mode (combining all 3 of my 27" monitors into one Virtual ultra-wide config for Forza Horizon).
The first time I had to execute a complete re-install after trying both types of Repair Tools (Win 11 App Repair tool and the Repair tool included within the XBox App, mentioned above under My Library). I suspect that several of you have also changed your Video resolution or the number of monitors being reported to the MSFS2020 App.
Please tell me someone else has come across this same reason for the Runtime execution error Msg regarding “Missing Packages that are essential to run MSFS2020…” I really don’t want to have to blow away my complete installation and all the extra add-ons (well over 500GB AGAIN).
Update to my post, above:
The first error occurred immediately after I turned ON NVIVIA Surround PhysX mode. At that point, after trying all known Repair tools (and also deleting the “wgs” folder within AppData), I had to uninstall and Re-Install MSFS2020 Clean. And that Fixed the initial error.
However, I’m now experiencing the SAME Missing Essential Packages Error, after Turning OFF NVIDIA Surround PhysX engine, as that Stretches out the left and right screens in a triple screen Config.
I realize that MS will undoubtedly include a better multi-screen spanning config editor capability within the new MSFS 2024, that’s to come in the next few months. However, there MUST be a better way to switch between Spanned monitor setups and back without having the re-install MSFS2020 Every time.
Has anyone else solved this problem, consistently?
BTW: My hardware Config is exactly what is recommended for the upcoming MSFS2024:
- OS: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, Version 10.0.22631
- DirectX runtime version: DirectX 12
- Driver: Game Ready Driver - 560.94 - Aug 19, 2024
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 8-Core Processor
- RAM: 64.0 GB
- Storage (3): HDD - 931.5 GB,SSD - 931.5 GB,+1 more
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER
Displays (1-3): HP Inc. HX Armada 27
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh rate: 165 Hz
Desktop color depth: Highest (32-bit)
Display technology: G-SYNC Compatible
HDCP: Supported
I got the same error but didn’t have a flightsim package to delete. I tried renaming roaming, then it started but wanted a 163GB download… ugh ■■■■■■ made this game. google earth has much more data, it’s a 500kB app, starts instantly without the idiotic pause music and gets all the data live. which can be cached locally to not waste bandwidth. instead you opted for 100GB download so the houses could all look soviet era. And the cities could look like mudscapes. You had one job 
but on the plus side the flight model was hopelessly sluggish/laggy so after overpaying for the game and the 6 hour install, I plaid it once in dismay and barely played it since. sigh.
And I’m a computer scientist, I’ve coded d3d with pixel shaders, nice high res large scale terrain, I’ve worked with terrain data, I know a little bit about it.
Did you find the WGS folder?
I had the same thing happen two weeks in a row. Has anyone figured out why this is still happening or a permanent fix? Thanks.
Hi @BlackSheepCT,
I’ve seen corrupted Game Services on my PC cause this. Following the steps outlined in this article may assist in helping those affected:
Gaming Services Repair Tool for PC | Xbox Support