MSFS 2024 Troubleshooting Guide

By Peter / 16 February 2026

THIS POST IS CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED

Fix Common Problems Fast and Get Back in the Air

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

The Most Common Microsoft Flight Simulator Problems

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Crashing to Desktop (CTD)

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Low FPS and Performance Problems

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Stuttering During Flight

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Simulator Stuck on Loading Screen

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Installation and Update Problems

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Add-on Conflicts and Community Folder Issues

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Internet and Server Problems

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Graphics Settings That Cause Problems

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Controller and Hardware Issues

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Rolling Cache and Data Streaming Problems

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

VR Performance Troubleshooting

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Audio and Sound Problems

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Black Screen on Startup

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Marketplace Download Issues

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

When a Full Reinstall May Be Necessary

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Preventing Problems in the Future

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Final Thoughts

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the most technically advanced consumer simulators ever created. Because it streams large amounts of real-world scenery data and simulates extremely complex aircraft systems, performance issues and technical glitches can sometimes occur. Fortunately, most of these problems have clear solutions once you understand what is causing them.

Many issues are related to graphics settings, driver versions, add-ons installed in the community folder, or network streaming conditions. In other cases, the simulator may simply require a cache reset or a small configuration change.

This section explains the problem in plain language and then outlines practical solutions that simulator pilots commonly use to restore smooth performance.

Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Restart the simulator and your computer.
Temporarily empty the Community folder.
Clear the rolling cache inside the simulator settings.
Lower Terrain Level of Detail and Object Level of Detail.
Disable unnecessary background programs.
Check that Windows and the simulator are fully updated.

IMAGE
(Example screenshot illustrating this troubleshooting topic)

Installation, Loading, and Startup Issues

Graphics, Performance, and Stability Problems

Controls, Camera, and Interaction Issues

Aircraft, Autopilot, and Navigation Problems

Online Services, ATC, and Content Issues

Quick Checks That Solve Many Problems

Before looking at specific faults, a few simple actions often resolve the issue immediately.

Restart the simulator after making any change, temporarily remove recently installed add-ons, which confirm the simulator and graphics drivers are fully updated, clear or rebuild the rolling cache, and make sure the correct control profile is loaded.
These quick checks alone fix a surprising number of problems.

Autopilot and Navigation Issues

Autopilot behaviour that seems incorrect is usually related to flight-plan setup, mode selection, or avionics state rather than a simulator bug. Problems such as failing to follow the route, ignoring altitude constraints, or missing the glideslope typically come from incomplete procedures or incorrect mode engagement.

Working through the flight plan carefully and confirming the correct navigation modes usually restores normal behaviour.

Aircraft and System Problems

Aircraft that will not power on, glass cockpit displays that remain blank, or controls that fail to respond are most often caused by startup configuration, control bindings, or conflicting settings.
Testing the aircraft in a clean default state helps identify whether the issue is aircraft-specific or related to the wider simulator setup.

Performance and Stability Problems

Severe stutters, long loading times, freezes, or performance degradation during long flights are commonly linked to graphics configuration, memory limits, background applications, or problematic add-ons.
Balanced graphics settings and a clean Community folder are frequently tested to restore smooth performance.

Installation and Add-on Issues

Add-ons that fail to appear, Marketplace downloads that do not install, or flight plans that refuse to import are usually caused by incorrect folder placement, compatibility problems, or account synchronisation issues.
Verifying installation paths and confirming version compatibility resolves most of these situations.

Camera, ATC, and Miscellaneous Problems

Resetting camera views, missing ATC audio, or aircraft that refuse to taxi typically relate to control bindings, assistance settings, or incomplete flight setup.
Careful review of configuration menus often reveals the cause.

A Simple Method for Troubleshooting Any Problem

The fastest way to solve simulator issues is to work step by step.

Change only one setting at a time, test using a default aircraft and airport, temporarily empty the Community folder, and restart the simulator after each adjustment.
This structured approach prevents confusion and makes the real cause much easier to identify.

Preventing Problems Before They Start

Good habits dramatically reduce the number of issues encountered in MSFS 2024.

Keep add-ons organised and updated, avoid installing many modifications at once, maintain current graphics drivers, use balanced rather than maximum graphics settings, and close unnecessary background applications before long flights.
These simple practices lead to a far more stable and enjoyable simulator experience.

Fix Specific MSFS 2024 Problems

The following focused guides solve the most common simulator faults in detail. Each article expands on the core troubleshooting principles explained in this MSFS 2024 Troubleshooting Guide, helping you diagnose and fix issues quickly so you can return to smooth flying.

Installation & Loading Fixes

Graphics & Performance Fixes

Controls & Camera Fixes

Final Thoughts

Almost every MSFS 2024 problem has a clear explanation and a reliable solution.
Once you understand the common causes, troubleshooting becomes calm and logical rather than frustrating.

Use this guide whenever something goes wrong, and you will be able to diagnose faults faster, apply the correct fix with confidence, and spend far more time flying instead of searching for answers.

Many troubleshooting techniques described in this MSFS 2024 Troubleshooting Guide reflect best practices shared across the wider flight simulation community, where official discussion forums provide updates, known issues, and additional technical insight for simulator pilots.