Failed Anniversary update install - now MSFS won't start

While waiting for the Anniversary update to install, my PC froze due to a RAM overload and I had no choice but to force a shutdown. After attempting to restart MSFS, it gets stuck endlessly "Checking for Updates" and never starts in both normal and safe mode.

 

I have seen other threads on "Checking for Updates" taking too long, but none seem to be relevant to a failed update installation.

This happened to me with the XI update. I waited til the next day and updated with out any issues.

A couple of things you can try-

 

Reboot your PC (this has worked for me a lot)

Sign out of your MS Store account, reboot PC, then sign back in and attempt to restart the download.

 

Also, as another poster wrote, waiting until the mad rush is over might also do the trick

Microsoft HATES me,

Several months ago, I got a new computer. My old computer worked great with FSX,but would not work with MSFS. I don’t need all the bells and whistles with other versions so I decided on the Standard edition. When I tried to purchase, for whatever reason, the Standard wasn’t available. So I tried Steam. Worked OK but I didn’t want to be dependent on streaming on-line, so I deleted the Steam version. So I searched for the Standard edition and found it at Walmart. Walmart sent me a key but when I clicked on it, it told me that I already owned the game. I deleted any mention of MSFS on my computer and tried again - no luck. I contacted Microsoft help and ended up with some overseas group that wanted me to subscribe to their perpetual Windows service plan. Since they were affiliated with Microsoft, I agreed. They helped me load MSFS Game of the Century. I downloaded it and found myself an Xbox member. I don’t care about Xbox because I only want to fly and I only have a computer, no console. Yesterday, I started to fly and the new “40th Edition” welcome screen showed up, then MSFS crashed. It won’t run and I can’t even load my old version because “I already own it” I’m screwed. I’ll have to buy it all over again. But I’m not sure I can because I already own it.

Well I just bought the Standard Disk version, still having a nightmare but that is another story.

Why did MSFS go this route? What happened to the more simple way, you either download or disk install, it finished, you enetered the code, it then played, job done.

 

I often think a team sit round the table and get their heads together and think how can we complicate it, maybe there is a method in it, because now you have to phone or send emails, get on to the chat etc, thus giving people jobs, even then you don't always get the answer.

 

Col.

Microsoft HATES me,

Several months ago, I got a new computer. My old computer worked great with FSX,but would not work with MSFS. I don’t need all the bells and whistles with other versions so I decided on the Standard edition. When I tried to purchase, for whatever reason, the Standard wasn’t available. So I tried Steam. Worked OK but I didn’t want to be dependent on streaming on-line, so I deleted the Steam version. So I searched for the Standard edition and found it at Walmart. Walmart sent me a key but when I clicked on it, it told me that I already owned the game. I deleted any mention of MSFS on my computer and tried again - no luck. I contacted Microsoft help and ended up with some overseas group that wanted me to subscribe to their perpetual Windows service plan. Since they were affiliated with Microsoft, I agreed. They helped me load MSFS Game of the Century. I downloaded it and found myself an Xbox member. I don’t care about Xbox because I only want to fly and I only have a computer, no console. Yesterday, I started to fly and the new “40th Edition” welcome screen showed up, then MSFS crashed. It won’t run and I can’t even load my old version because “I already own it” I’m screwed. I’ll have to buy it all over again. But I’m not sure I can because I already own it.

 

It's very weired situation for you I understand. May be the new key you have might work if try setting up the SIM somebody else's name. for instance any other member of your family. Regards

Why did MSFS go this route? What happened to the more simple way, you either download or disk install, it finished, you enetered the code, it then played, job done.Col.

 

MSFS is no different than FSX in this regard.

Well I just bought the Standard Disk version, still having a nightmare but that is another story.

Why did MSFS go this route? What happened to the more simple way, you either download or disk install, it finished, you enetered the code, it then played, job done.

 

I often think a team sit round the table and get their heads together and think how can we complicate it, maybe there is a method in it, because now you have to phone or send emails, get on to the chat etc, thus giving people jobs, even then you don't always get the answer.

 

Col.

 

Why didn't you buy MSFS 2020 through the Microsoft Store rather than buyings the disks? It was way easier and less painful to install. That way you could have installed it and be flying by now. I think you made a huge mistake buying disks. Just my opinion.

Ty Kevin you should maybe ask to put a sticky on the forum and advise anyone thinking of buying 2020 NOT to buy the disk version.

Hey,

Thanks for your replies. I did not buy the disks - it was a download. As I said, when I was ready, the Microsoft store didn't have the Standard version available. I didn't understand that either but that is why I went searching for it in other locations. One more thing that really confused me is that in my searching, Xbox kept showing. I didn't understand what Xbox had to do with the simulator from Microsoft. I was immediately suspicious. I still don't understand the connection. So here it is Sunday morning and I am ready to buy it again. Thanks again for all of your comments.

"Microsoft" Flight Simulator is made by Xbox Game Studios in partnership with Asobo Game Studio.

Regardless of where you buy MSFS from, an Xbox account will be created for you which holds your product licence etc., so don't try to delete it.

One more point to add to Tim's answer about Xbox, is that the sim runs on both PCs and Xbox consoles. If you purchase it from the Microsoft Store, you can install on both without having to buy it again.