Few things are more frustrating than watching Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 download at 5 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection. Whether you are installing the simulator for the first time or downloading a major Sim Update, slow download speeds can turn a quick update into an all-day process.
The good news is that slow MSFS download speeds are usually caused by network configuration, server routing, or bandwidth limits, and most of these issues can be resolved quickly.
This guide walks through the most common causes and how to fix them properly.
Quick Summary
- Slow MSFS download speeds are usually caused by network configuration or routing issues
- In-sim bandwidth limits may restrict download speed
- VPN services often slow Microsoft CDN connections
- Wi-Fi instability can reduce sustained download speeds
- Changing DNS servers can improve routing to Microsoft servers
- Server congestion during large updates can temporarily slow downloads
Why MSFS Downloads Are Sometimes Slow
Microsoft Flight Simulator downloads content through Microsoft’s content delivery network (CDN), not directly through Steam, even if you purchased the Steam version.
Slow download speeds are often caused by:
- Microsoft server congestion
- Incorrect Windows delivery optimisation settings
- ISP routing issues
- VPN interference
- Bandwidth limits enabled in MSFS
- Router configuration
Before assuming your internet connection is broken, it is worth checking the basic causes first.
Step 1: Restart Everything
Start with the simplest fix.
- Close MSFS
- Restart your PC
- Restart your router
- Relaunch the simulator
Temporary routing issues often resolve after a router reboot.
Step 2: Check the In-Sim Data Bandwidth Limit
Go to:
Options → General → Data
Make sure the following settings are disabled:
- Data Limit OFF
- Bandwidth Limit OFF
If bandwidth is capped, MSFS will not exceed that speed during downloads.
Step 3: Disable VPN
If you are using a VPN connection:
- Turn it off temporarily
- Restart MSFS
VPN routing frequently causes slower download speeds from Microsoft’s servers.
Step 4: Use Wired Ethernet Instead of Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi connections can introduce instability and packet loss.
If possible:
- Connect your PC directly to your router using an Ethernet cable
This often provides a more stable connection and faster sustained downloads.
Step 5: Change Your DNS Server
Your ISP’s DNS server may route you inefficiently to Microsoft’s servers.
Try switching to one of the following:
Google DNS
- 8.8.8.8
- 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS
- 1.1.1.1
- 1.0.0.1
After changing DNS:
- Restart your PC
- Test the download speed again
Improved DNS routing can sometimes increase download speed significantly.
Step 6: Check Windows Delivery Optimisation
Windows background delivery optimisation can interfere with MSFS downloads.
Go to:
Settings → Windows Update → Advanced Options → Delivery Optimisation
Turn OFF:
Allow downloads from other PCs
Also, make sure that no bandwidth limits are configured.
Step 7: Check for Windows Updates Running
If Windows Update is downloading updates in the background, it may be competing with MSFS for bandwidth.
Pause Windows updates temporarily and test the simulator download speed again.
Step 8: Check Steam Download Region (Steam Version Only)
Although MSFS uses Microsoft servers, the Steam client can still influence the initial connection.
In Steam:
Settings → Downloads
Try changing the Download Region and then restart Steam and MSFS.
Step 9: Disable IPv6 (Temporary Test)
Some users report improved speeds after disabling IPv6.
Open:
Network Adapter → Properties
Uncheck:
IPv6
Restart the computer and test the download speed.
If there is no improvement, you can re-enable IPv6.
Step 10: Peak Time Server Congestion
Major Sim Updates often create heavy server load.
If download speeds are slow only:
- During a major update release
- When many users report slow downloads
Then the issue may simply be server congestion.
Try:
- Pausing the download
- Waiting 30 minutes
- Resuming the update
Speeds often improve later in the day.
Step 11: Check Router QoS Settings
Some routers prioritise streaming or gaming traffic over downloads.
Check your router settings for:
- Quality of Service (QoS) rules
- Bandwidth prioritisation
Disable restrictive limits temporarily and test the download again.
Step 12: Run a Speed Test Outside MSFS
Before continuing troubleshooting, confirm your normal internet speed.
Run a standard internet speed test.
If your connection speed is already slow outside MSFS, the problem is likely with your ISP or router rather than the simulator.
Common Scenarios
Download Stuck at Very Low Speed (1–5 Mbps)
Often caused by DNS routing problems or network configuration issues.
Download Speed Fluctuates Wildly
Usually caused by Wi-Fi instability or temporary server congestion.
Download Starts Fast Then Slows
Often related to CDN load balancing or ISP traffic shaping.
Steam Shows High Speed, but MSFS Shows Low Speed
This is normal because MSFS uses Microsoft’s CDN independently of Steam.
When Nothing Improves the Speed
If:
- Your internet speed test is fast
- You are using Ethernet
- DNS has been changed
- VPN is disabled
- The router has been restarted
Then the slowdown is likely on Microsoft’s server side.
Unfortunately, there is no local fix for server congestion.
Quick Fix Checklist
If you want to try the fastest troubleshooting sequence:
- Restart the router and PC
- Disable bandwidth limits in MSFS
- Turn off VPN
- Use an Ethernet connection
- Change DNS servers
- Pause and resume the download
Most slow download issues improve after these steps.
Conclusion
Bandwidth limits, DNS routing issues, VPN interference or temporary server congestion during major updates usually cause slow MSFS download speeds. Start by disabling in-sim bandwidth caps and restarting your router before moving on to DNS changes or network adjustments. In many cases the issue resolves quickly once routing or bandwidth conflicts are corrected.