How to troubleshoot crashing on the loading screen issues

The following steps are especially useful when the loading screen bar goes up to X% and the simulator shuts down. If the simulator gets stuck on the loading screen but doesn't crash, follow the steps listed in these articles before moving on to the solutions listed on this page.

• How to get past the "Checking for Updates" screen
• How to fix loading issues after clicking "Play"

CHANGE SYSTEM LOCALE

If you're using a non-English Windows setup, change the system locale.

• In the "Type here to search" field type "Control Panel"
• Click on the "Administrative" tab click on "Change system locale" and set up Current language for non-Unicode programs to "English US" 

 

LEFTOVER OR CORRUPTED INSTALLATION FILES 

Run cleanmgr.exe and System File Checker to get rid of obsolete and potentially corrupted files. For detailed instructions, visit: 

• Automating Disk Cleanup tool in Windows
• Using System File Checker in Windows

 

CREATE A NEW LOCAL PROFILE WITHOUT USING SPECIAL CHARACTERS

If your Windows profile contains special characters, such as à, ù, Å, ò, create a new local user or administrator account without special characters and run Microsoft Flight Simulator from that profile.

• Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 

TEMPORARILY DISABLE YOUR SECURITY SOFTWARE

Antivirus and malware checkers can close down or prevent certain applications from launching, even if they are legitimate and safe.

Open Windows Defender and turn off real-time protection.

• In the Cortana search box, type "Windows Security"
• Open "Windows Security" > "Virus & Threat protection" > "Manage settings"
• Disable "Real-time protection"

Stop Windows Defender from blocking Microsoft Flight Simulator by adding the launcher to the exclusions list

• Go to Start  > Settings  > Update & Security  > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
• Under Virus & threat protection settings, select Manage settings, and then under Exclusions, select Add or remove exclusions.
• Select Add an exclusion, and then select Microsoft Flight Simulator. A folder exclusion will apply to all subfolders within the folder as well.

Temporarily disable your security program(s) before launching Microsoft Flight Simulator

False positives occur when your antivirus software incorrectly identifies safe software as malicious. If your antivirus or anti-malware falsely flagged Microsoft Flight Simulator remove the file from quarantine if necessary then whitelist Microsoft Flight Simulator. To do so follow the instructions from your manufacturer.

• Sample of Virus & malware checkers that have been known to prevent Microsoft Flight Simulator from launching:
  • Malwarebytes
  • Trend Micro Maximum Security
  • Comodo Antivirus
  • Sophos
  • Emisoft Anti-Malware
  • Avira
  • Avast & Avast Cleanup
  • Bullguard​

If the sim loads normally after disabling your security program, whitelist Microsoft Flight Simulator before turning the program back on. To do so, refer to your security software's support website.

DISABLE NON-MICROSOFT APPS

3rd party programs such as backup software, tune-up utilities, resources management, or photo/video editing apps can prevent Microsoft Flight Simulator from loading fully. 

• Samples of apps and programs preventing Microsoft Flight Simulator from launching
  • Seagate Toolkit
  • Nahimic service
  • Asus Sonic Studio 2
  • Windows Audio Service
  • Garmin Express
  • WD Backup
  • Logitech G Hub
  • MSI Afterburner / Riva Tuner Statistics Server
  • EVGA Precision
  • OBS
  • Xsplit
  • Discord
  • MacType
  • Warsaw Banking App
  • Wallpaper Engine
  • A-Volute Sound studio
  • Capture One
  • MSI afterburner
  • Process Lasso
  • FRAPS
  • Citrix

To investigate, please do the following:

• In the Windows Search bar, type "Task Manager" 
• Select Open
• Go to the Start-up tab
• Disable all non-Microsoft apps
• Reboot the computer
• Try launching Microsoft Flight Simulator again

If the sim loads normally after disabling non-Microsoft apps, investigate which app is preventing the sim to load.

• Enable one non-Microsoft application
• Reboot the computer
• Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator
• Enable a second non-Microsoft application
• Reboot the computer
• Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator

Repeat this process until you find the application preventing the sim from loading. You can then disable this application or stop the process in the task manager before launching Microsoft Flight Simulator.