Fix: Microsoft Flight Simulator Stuck at “Checking for Updates”

Microsoft Flight Simulator often gets stuck in an endless loop while attempting to check for updates. This issue occurs when the game stops communicating with the server for update verification, leading users to get stuck at “checking for updates.”

 You may also encounter this issue due to a server-side problem or a disruption with your internet connection. Therefore, ensure that the game’s server and your internet connection are functioning properly before proceeding any further.

1. Disable and Re-enable the Network Adapter

This issue occurs when the game loses connection to the server, resulting in an endless loop of checking for updates. Disabling and re-enabling the network adapter will refresh the connection and prompt the game to re-establish it with the server.

If you have a Wi-Fi adapter, simply disconnecting the Wi-Fi should suffice.

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Device Manager to open it.
   
2. Expand the Network Adapters section and right-click on your network adapter.
3. Select Disable device and click Yes to confirm.
   
4. Now, re-enable the network adapter by right-clicking and selecting Enable device.
   
5. Once done, check if the MSFS Checking for updates loop is resolved.

2. Delete the Recent Update Content

Deleting the recent update files will prompt MSFS to re-download them, which can resolve the issue of being stuck at “checking for updates.” This also ensures that you do not have any corrupted or incompatible data from the latest update that might be causing the issue.

1. Open the MSFS directory and navigate to the following destination.

   LocalCache > packages > official > OneStore

   

2. Sort the folders by date and delete the recent folders. For example, if the date is 10/7/24, delete the folders that were created on 10/7/24.
   
3. Once done, launch MSFS and check if it is still stuck on checking for updates. 

3. Sign Out and Sign Back In to the Xbox/Microsoft Store

Signing out and signing back in will refresh the connection between the client and the server. This could resolve the issue if there are any syncing issues or authentication problems preventing the game from checking for updates.

1. Click on your avatar at the top-left and select Sign out.
   
2. Once you have signed out, click the Sign in option from the top-left and proceed to sign in again.
   
3. Once done, launch MSFS and verify whether the problem is resolved.

As a last resort, you may need to reinstall the entire game, especially if none of the solutions worked for you. This is the only solution that should allow you to bypass the “checking for updates” screen by installing the latest updates and uncorrupted data.