How to restore the sim to its vanilla state

Restoring the sim to its vanilla state is essential when troubleshooting a wide range of issues. Before contacting support, restore the sim to its vanilla state and test if the issue persists or not. Friendly reminder that you mod at your own risk. 

1. MOVE OR RENAME THE COMMUNITY FOLDER

• Some mods may have become obsolete
• Some mods are resource hogs
• Some mods are not optimized
• Some mods may contain malware or virus

To eliminate the possibility that the issue is caused by mods, move or rename the community folder.

• Navigate to the Community Folder that is located by default at the following location:

Microsoft Store version

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Packages

Steam version

AppData\Roaming\Microsoft Flight Simulator\Packages

Retail boxed version

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\MSFSPackages

NOTE: If you have installed the packages on a different drive than C: you'll need to look inside your custom installation folder instead.

• Copy-cut (CTRL + X) the Community Folder
• Paste (CTRL + V) the Community Folder on your desktop or a drive of your choice

Alternatively, if you do not have free space on your other drives, simply rename the folder into "Test_Community" 

2. UNINSTALL FREEWARE, PAYWARE AND PERIPHERALS

• Running freeware and payware alongside the sim consumes a lot of resources
• Some plug-ins modify config files without your knowledge/consent 
• Some freeware or payware content may become unstable or stop working over time
• The more peripherals are plugged into your system, the more energy they consume and require 
• Some drivers may have become obsolete or corrupted
• Some config files may have become obsolete or corrupted

To eliminate the possibility that the issue is caused by a plug-in or peripherals, uninstall freeware and payware plugged into the base sim and the peripherals you use to play Microsoft Flight Simulator. 

For example:

• Undo any modification made to your config file by yourself or by a plug-in you use. 
• Remove plug-ins and software additions that allow for the customization or add new functions to Microsoft Flight Simulator. (Examples: OnAir, Liveries Manager, FSEconomy, Self Loading Cargo, ATC Renamer, Splashtop, Pilot Path Recorder, Weather Force, ModManagerX)
• Uninstall Navigraph  and use NavData Nav Center to remove the Navigraph database)
• Unplug non-essential peripherals. Keep a keyboard, a mouse and a monitor.
• Restore Bing Map. 

For detailed instructions visit your add-on creator's FAQ/documentation or the manufacturer's support site.

3. UNINSTALL PAID CONTENT FROM THE MARKETPLACE

• Paid content might become obsolete 
• Paid content might not be optimized

To eliminate the possibility that the issue is caused by a 3rd party content, uninstall marketplace purchases.

• Go to the Content Manager and uninstall any free or paid content that isn't developed by Asobo Studio (Garmin G1000, aircraft, airport etc...)

4. DELETE THE ROLLING CACHE

• Some cached data may be obsolete or conflicting with more recent data
• Some cached data may be corrupted

To eliminate the possibility that the issue is caused by data corruption or outdated data, delete the rolling cache.

• Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator
• Go to Options > General
• Go to Data
• Scroll to the bottom and go to Delete Rolling Cache File. Toggle Delete
• Confirm your choice by selecting Apply & Save

5. TRY AGAIN

Once the sim is restored to its vanilla mode, try again.

• We recommend launching a flight or two. You must try to reproduce the conditions in which you experienced the issue before. 

OUTCOME #1. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS IN VANILLA STATE

If the issue persists in vanilla mode, visit our knowledge base, search the Bugs & Issues forum and visit the knowledge base to find solution to common issues.

• If the issue has been reported in the forums already, simply add your vote.
• If the issue hasn't been reported yet create your own topic by following this template. This is important to know how many pilots are experiencing the same issue.
• Contact the support team. They will gather more information.

 

OUTCOME #2. THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARS IN VANILLA STATE

 If the sim is stable in vanilla mode, reinstall all your mods and plug-ins.

• Find the community folder renamed or moved earlier
• Rename the folder or Copy-cut (CTRL + X) the Community Folder 
• Navigate to the Packages folder
• Replace the (CTRL + V) empty Community Folder with your Community folder
• Reinstall your plug-ins.
• Redownload your marketplace content via the content manager.

OUTCOME #3. THE PROBLEM REAPPEARS AFTER REINSTALLING THE MODS AND PLUG-INS

If the sim starts crashing or behaving abnormally after reinstalling the mods and plug-ins, you'll need to investigate which third-party element is not compatible anymore with the base sim.

Repeat steps 1 to 3 then reinstall your mods and plug-ins one by one.