loki

As Jim touched on, a number of the changes to the Steam Edition are under the hood, meaning there is no way you can apply them to the boxed version. I've copied a link to the Steam Edition release notes for reference. Note the first point regarding recompiling the sim with a more modern compiler in particular. https://web.archive.org/web/20141219113120/http://steamcommunity.com/app/314160/discussions/1/626329820729615790/ For tweaks, as they are very system and user dependent, you should start with the settings in the sim and then work through one of the FSX setup guides. Make sure to try each tweak individually though to see if they actually make a difference for your system and use case. Someone flying PMDG airliners is going to need different settings and tweaks than someone flying around the bush somewhere, for example. https://kostasfsworld.wordpress.com/fsx-software-and-hardware-guide/ And with the laptops, have the fans and heat sink (dust blocking airflow etc) been cleaned recently? Laptops aren't the greatest when it comes to cooling.

As Nels is no longer directly involved in the running of the site, it would be better to contact Adrian K about this.

Steam will be dropping support for the Windows 7 and 8 operating systems on January 1st, 2024. Anyone still running on those systems will presumably lose access to any games bought through Steam, including FSX Steam Edition. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/03/steam-will-end-support-for-windows-7-and-8-in-january-of-2024/

In addition to the tips provided above, make sure the Microsoft Store app and Xbox Gaming Services are updated as well.

For those looking to purchase the sim, all editions are 25% off on Steam right now. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1250410/Microsoft_Flight_Simulator_40th_Anniversary_Edition/

Yes, it can be used that way, though Acronis (often included with drives these days) and other programs are usually easier to use and handle migrating to larger drives better.

Those third party programs are better supported, have more features and typically work better. Microsoft doesn't really seem to care about Windows Backup Image feature at this point either as it's a little buried in the settings (I suspect they would rather you paid to use OneDrive for backing up your files).

Who makes the SSDs? Many SSD makers have a free version of Acronis True Image for this purpose. A link is often provided in the box with the SSD.

Alright people, let's ease off on the speculation and wait for Ducktooth to respond.

Thanks to Valve with their Steam support on Linux, there are plenty of games available on Linux now. Some, like Microsoft's sims, will probably always be an issue, but there are plenty of games to choose from. The Unreal Engine that many games use has supported Linux for over a decade now too, making it easier for developers to support multiple operating systems from the start. https://store.steampowered.com/linux?offset=12 With the increasing levels of control Microsoft, Apple and Google are pushing, not to mention subscriptions popping up everywhere, I suspect Linux desktops could become more popular as time goes on. Dell, HP, System76 and others sell decent systems that come with Linux out of the box, which was always a hurdle for many people. I've had Pop_OS running on an old MacBook, and it runs quite well with far less hassle than I had with Linux desktop systems years ago.

While it looks like they do get a MS Store key for the sim, they will still need to load disc 1 into their DVD drive. https://helpdesk.aerosoft.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4574437978653-Does-the-boxed-version-of-Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-include-a-download-or-Steam-key-

That is not right. As others have said, you should be able to reinstall without purchasing again. Where did you originally purchase the sim? You should try reaching to the store and see if they can help you with reinstalling using the original licence, and refund the second one.

There are three potential parts to a MSFS update, the base update of the sim itself (Microsoft Store, Steam, the update check when the sim opens), updates to existing content (Content Manager), and new content (The Marketplace). Depending on which update is being released, you will need to check at least one of these, and possibly all.

Whether you agree with the pricing or not, the bundles in the Marketplace are how you upgrade editions. So yes, you can upgrade editions.

Same thing for the PC version. https://flightsimulator.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017706059-Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-FAQ

Per Microsoft's FAQ: https://flightsimulator.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4402318233874-Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-Xbox-FAQ

I have to agree with Larry on the communication part, especially with changes such as the URL that stop people from getting into the site and/or forums.

What he's asking is whether you have checked the settings in the sim to make sure nothing has changed. Sometimes an update will change a setting or two. Try removing everything from the Community folder, and then running the sim. Some add-ons need to be updated after a sim update and can cause problems until then. If this fixes the problem, add the add-ons back one at a time, or in small groups if you have lots, until you isolate the one causing problems.

Note that the best place for feedback and questions about the new layout is the New Forum Software section. https://forums.flightsim.com/forums/forum/165-new-forum-software/

You can fly from the cockpit or external views as you like. Here's a pilot using MSFS to teach flying with both cockpit and external views.

It works fine for me going through just my ISP's connection, but when I connected my VPN through an Austrian server, I get a 403 error. Looks like there is an issue somewhere along the way for Austrian connections. Is there some sort of geoblocking or filtering going on?

The two primary ways to purchase MSFS are the Microsoft Store or Steam. Both are online digital stores for games and other software, and neither require a subscription. The advantage with the Microsoft Store is that it allows you to install the sim on both a Windows PC as well as an Xbox Series X or S console. Many people already had Steam accounts, so it was easy to buy one more game or sim from it. Microsoft does have a subscription option, Xbox Game Pass. This can be useful as you can sign up for the first month for only $1 and try any of the available games, including MSFS. After that you can either keep the subscription if access to the other games is worth it for you, or cancel and buy the sim outright. https://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-game-pass/pc-game-pass MSFS is heavily dependent on the internet, so not having your PC connected is going to remove some of the major reasons for using the sim, such as the photogrammetry and streamed scenery data. Also, I've had trouble running the sim offline in the past as well whereby it forgets that it was authenticated and refuses to run.

Di you build the PC yourself, or buy it pre-built?

Probably the biggest issue with the Steam edition was that you could install it alongside the original boxed version. In this case the Steam Edition would create separate config and registry settings that add-ons, mostly commercial ones, wouldn't recognize without an update. If you only installed FSX SE on the computer, it would create identical config and registry to the boxed version and would essentially appear identical to add-ons.