Microsoft moves past Flight Simulator 2024’s server issues

The server issues are gone, but user reviews are still “mixed” for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

The launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was bad. The game launched with “overwhelmingly negative” reviews on Steam, with many players being unable to install and play the games on their systems. Now, Microsoft has addressed Flight Simulator 2024’s server issues, though some problems persist.

Microsoft has confirmed that their latest update has increased reliability to over 99.999%. Servers and services are now performing “as expected.” However, further patches are on the way to address stability issues and other bugs. One update is due to be released on December 2nd, while another is planned for the week of December 9th.

We are happy to report that the issues regarding access and streaming have been resolved. The distribution layer capacity has been increased to handle the immense interest in the simulator and the reliability is now above 99.999%. Our servers and services are also all performing as expected.

We successfully deployed hotfix 1 last Friday, Nov 22nd, which increased stability and addressed several experience issues. We are currently preparing another patch for the week of Dec 2nd with further stability improvements and other fixes. Subsequently, we are planning on providing a third, larger patch during the week of Dec 9th.

Sadly, not all marketplace content from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is working on its successor. Some 3rd party add-ons are causing “significant issues.” This includes issues that are stopping players from entering the simulator. For now, all MSFS 2020 non-aircraft content has been disabled in Flight Simulator 2024. Microsoft hopes to identify the problematic content and address the issue behind its compatibility issues soon.

Next month, an option will be available to disable or enable marketplace content, allowing users to enable this content on an item-by-item basis. A safe boot option will also be added that can deactivate all 3rd party content after a crash occurs.

We have recently ported much of the marketplace content from Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS 2020) to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS 2024). Recent reports from the community show that some 3rd party add-ons are causing significant issues, including preventing some users from entering the simulator. Until we identify which content is causing these issues, we will temporarily deactivate all MSFS 2020 non-aircraft content from MSFS 2024.

As part of the patch planned for the week of Dec 9th, we will add the ability for users to disable/enable content on their own. We will also add a safe boot option to deactivate 3rd party content in case of a crash when booting up the simulator.

Now, Steam’s review score for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is “Mixed.” In time, Microsoft may be able to improve this game and achieve a more positive user review rating.

You can join the discussion on Flight Simulator 2024 moving past its server issues on the OC3D Forums.