How to Fix Flight Simulator Failed to Launch?

Microsoft Flight Simulator may fail to start, close immediately after the splash screen, or not open at all. This usually happens when the game cannot connect to one of the essential services it depends on, such as Xbox authentication, Gaming Services, or the Microsoft Store. When these services fail to respond, the simulator stops loading before reaching the main menu.

In most cases, this issue is caused by damaged cache data, incomplete updates, or missing folder permissions. Outdated graphics drivers, corrupted game files, or blocked connections by antivirus or firewall software can also prevent the game from launching.

Now that you know the common causes, let’s go through the working solutions below.

1. Launch the Game Through Steam

Launching Microsoft Flight Simulator directly from Steam can help if the desktop shortcut becomes corrupted or points to an incorrect file path. Opening the game from Steam ensures it launches from the right directory and avoids issues caused by faulty shortcut links.

1. Open Steam on your computer.
2. Click on Library.
   
3. Find Microsoft Flight Simulator and launch the game from Steam.

2. Sync Your System Clock

The issue can also occur if your system clock is out of sync. Microsoft Flight Simulator uses your local time to validate your game license with its online servers. If the clock is inaccurate, the verification process can fail. Syncing your system time ensures proper communication with Microsoft’s authentication servers.

1. Right-click the clock in your taskbar and select Adjust date/time.
2. Click Sync now to synchronize your system clock with Windows’ time server.
3. Relaunch the game and check if it starts properly.

3. Uninstall the Nvidia App and Launch the Game

Third-party utilities such as the Nvidia App can interfere with the simulator’s startup process by automatically applying optimizations, overlays, or recording features that conflict with Flight Simulator. Uninstalling the Nvidia App ensures the game runs without interference from these background enhancements.

1. Press Win + S > type Apps and features > Open it.
2. Search for Nvidia App > Click on the three dots > Select Uninstall.
3. After uninstalling, relaunch the game to see if it opens correctly.

4. Install Missing Runtime Components

Microsoft Flight Simulator relies on runtime components like the .NET Framework and Visual C++ Redistributables to function properly. If these are missing or outdated, the game may fail to start. Installing the latest versions ensures your system has the necessary runtime environment for the simulator to launch successfully.

1. Go to Download .NET Framework 4.8.
2. Click on Runtime to download it.
3. Run the installer as an Administrator.
4. Follow the installation instructions to complete setup.
5. Next, go to Download Visual C++ Redistributable.
6. Download and install the versions compatible with your Windows system.
7. Once installed, restart your computer and relaunch the game.

5. Change the Install Path to Another Drive

If the current installation directory contains corrupted or incomplete files, moving the game to another drive can resolve the problem. A clean installation path ensures that Microsoft Flight Simulator loads from a stable and fully functional location.

1. Open Steam > Settings.
2. Go to the Storage tab and select a different drive.
3. Check the box next to the game and click Move.
4. After moving the game, verify the old directory and delete any leftover files to avoid conflicts.