Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Crimson Desert
  • Pokopia
  • Arc Raiders
  • The Boys S5
  • Starfield
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
Jump to:
  • Flight Simulator 2020 slow download speeds
  • Flight Simulator 2020 unable to launch on Windows Insider/pre-release version
  • Flight Simulator 2020 please insert disc error message
  • Flight Simulator 2020 loading blue bar stalled
  • Flight Simulator 2020 missing deluxe or premium content
Don't miss these
Headshot of Todd Howard, executive producer and game director of Bethesda Game Studios. Image supplied to GamesRadar by BGS.
Games Ex-Bethesda senior artist says Todd Howard would tell devs "we can do anything but we can't do everything"
Starfield screenshot
RPGs Starfield Cruise Mode and Free Lanes encounters explained
Starfield Terran Armada
RPGs How to start the Starfield Terran Armada DLC and Incursions explained
Starfield artwork ahead of the release on PS5
RPGs Starfield's Free Lanes update comes with QoL feature fans have spent months begging Bethesda for
Key art for Marathon shows a squad of players in a red-lit room hiding in the shadows of data towers from an ominous, tall, floating red robot thing
FPS Games The ultimate Marathon guide to help you escape and make yourself god
Astarian looking pensive with his hand resting on his chin in Baldur's Gate 3
Games The 25 best Steam games to play in 2026
The Future of Starfield hero image
RPGs The Future of Starfield: How Bethesda Game Studios is beginning to breathe new life into its most misunderstood RPG
The Future of Starfield
RPGs Bethesda's Tim Lamb on the biggest changes coming to Starfield, the PS5 release, and why all those load screens are necessary
Starfield Free Lanes update
RPGs Everything new added with the Starfield Free Lanes update
Starfield screenshot
RPGs If NASA's Artemis II mission has you gazing at the stars, there are worse places to be than Starfield on PS5
Two Point Museum - a dinosaur bone display
Simulation Games The 15 best simulator games to play in 2026
Arc Raiders characters drinking at a bar
Third Person Shooters As Arc Raiders gets stale for some, dev says players "reaching the end of our content" are a focus
A player looks out at a ringed planet in Starfield on PS5
RPGs 9 Starfield tips to help you chart space
Crimson Desert open world gameplay showing the dragon mount flying above Pywel
Open World Games Crimson Desert players are speed-gliding using this amazing hack that may or may not be a bug
Samson screenshot shows the protagonist stood in a bar.
Action Games As Just Cause lead's new game stumbles to mixed reviews, dev promises fixes for "unacceptable" bugs
  1. Games
  2. Simulation
  3. Microsoft Flight Simulator

Flight Simulator 2020 issues: How to fix common problems and errors with Microsoft Flight Simulator

Guides
By Iain Wilson published 19 August 2020

If you're encountering any Flight Simulator 2020 issues, here are solutions to resolve the main errors

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Flight Simulator 2020 issues
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Jump to:
  • Flight Simulator 2020 slow download speeds
  • Flight Simulator 2020 unable to launch on Windows Insider/pre-release version
  • Flight Simulator 2020 please insert disc error message
  • Flight Simulator 2020 loading blue bar stalled
  • Flight Simulator 2020 missing deluxe or premium content
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

The much anticipated simulator has seen early adopters encounter a number of Flight Simulator 2020 issues. Slow downloads, loading crashes, missing content and more. There are several common obstacles preventing potential pilots from entering the cockpit and rolling onto the runway, and that's why we're here to help. We've got advice and fixes for the most widely reported Flight Simulator 2020 issues so far, which should help you get the necessary clearance from air traffic control to begin your next journey.

Flight Simulator 2020 beginner guide | Flight Simulator 2020 num del key | Flight Simulator 2020 keyboard controls

Flight Simulator 2020 slow download speeds

Flight Simulator 2020 slow download speeds

Flight Simulator 2020 slow download speeds

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Flight Simulator 2020 is a hefty download, and with many players attempting to access it at the same time the servers are straining under the load. If you're experiencing Flight Simulator 2020 slow download speeds then Microsoft suggest the following:

You may like
  • Two Point Museum - a dinosaur bone display The 15 best simulator games to play in 2026
  • Battlefield 6 Season 2 Battlefield flying tips and tricks to help you pilot jets and helicopters
  • A player looks out at a ringed planet in Starfield on PS5 9 Starfield tips to help you chart space
  • Find Command Prompt (type "command" into Windows search bar) and select Run as Administrator from the menu
  • Type: netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=normal then hit enter
  • Restart your computer

Other methods to increase your download speed are to use a wired connection and avoid downloading over Wi-Fi, turn off any security software such as Firewall or Antivirus which could be affecting it, or changing the installation destination to another folder or drive. If you find the download is hanging then close the app then restart it rather than waiting, and your download will continue from where it was before.

Flight Simulator 2020 unable to launch on Windows Insider/pre-release version

Flight Simulator 2020 unable to launch on Windows Insider/pre-release version

Flight Simulator 2020 unable to launch on Windows Insider/pre-release version

(Image credit: Microsoft)

There is currently a known issue with this version of Windows, where beginning installation will report an error code, so as a temporary workaround you can try using the Xbox App to launch the program instead. To get it, open the Microsoft Store App, search for Xbox then select the Xbox (Beta) App. Once installed, sign in then launch Microsoft Flight Simulator through there.

Flight Simulator 2020 please insert disc error message

Flight Simulator 2020 please insert disc error message

Flight Simulator 2020 please insert disc error message

(Image credit: Microsoft)

If you previously received this error message, it should have been resolved now the official release date has passed. If you're still experiencing the issue, check your computer date, time, and region settings to make sure they are correct and match the region of purchase. You may also have to access Windows Defender settings and temporarily disable real-time scanning, set game priority to high, and turn off any overlays.

Of course, if you own the physical version of Microsoft Flight Simulator, then ensure that the correct disc is inserted in your computer.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Flight Simulator 2020 loading blue bar stalled

Flight Simulator 2020 loading bar stalled

Flight Simulator 2020 loading bar stalled

(Image credit: Microsoft)

If you're starting up Microsoft Flight Simulator and find the loading process stops with the blue bar hanging, then exit the program by pressing Alt+F4. Try to restart the sim a couple more times, and if that doesn't resolve the issue then run the program as an Administrator. This error is currently being investigated, so it should be resolved soon.

Flight Simulator 2020 missing deluxe or premium content

Flight Simulator 2020 missing deluxe or premium content

Flight Simulator 2020 missing deluxe or premium content

(Image credit: Microsoft)

If you're using the sim on Steam or Windows Store and are not seeing the Deluxe or Premium content you are entitled to, then completely log out of both Microsoft Flight Simulator and Steam/Windows Store. Next, reload Steam/Windows Store then launch the sim again and head to the marketplace, where you should see the Deluxe or Premium content is now marked as owned and available for download.

If this doesn't resolve the missing deluxe or premium content issue, you'll need to submit a support ticket via Zendesk for investigation.

Want to read more? Here's why Flight Simulator 2020 is as much a zen masterpiece as it is a hardcore sim.

Today's best Microsoft Flight Simulator prices
Microsoft Flight Simulator:...
Microsoft Flight Simulator (Standard
Amazon
$56.99
View Deal
See all prices
Microsoft Flight Simulator...
Microsoft Flight Simulator (Deluxe
Amazon
$85.49
View Deal
See all prices
Microsoft Flight Simulator...
Microsoft Flight Simulator Premium
Amazon
$119.99
View Deal
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
CATEGORIES
PC Gaming Platforms
Iain Wilson
Iain Wilson
Social Links Navigation
Guides Editor

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has over 1,000 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.

Read more
Two Point Museum - a dinosaur bone display
Simulation Games The 15 best simulator games to play in 2026
 
 
Battlefield 6 Season 2
Battlefield Battlefield flying tips and tricks to help you pilot jets and helicopters
 
 
A player looks out at a ringed planet in Starfield on PS5
RPGs 9 Starfield tips to help you chart space
 
 
Marathon UESC Recruit robot
FPS Games Possible fixes for Marathon error codes, including centipede, broccoli, marmot, stingray, tapir, and weasel
 
 
best joysticks
Gaming Controllers The best joysticks for PC 2026
 
 
Crimson Desert
RPGs Crimson Desert devs fix missing pre-order bonuses, instruct Steam players to "restart your game" to find them
 
 
Latest in Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Microsoft Flight Simulator Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 disastrous launch meant it briefly surpassed Overwatch 2 as one of the worst-rated games on Steam ever
 
 
Microsoft Flight Simulator Australia
Microsoft Flight Simulator Microsoft Flight Simulator now lets players glide over the Great Barrier Reef with World Update: Australia
 
 
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator Microsoft Flight Simulator 2022 roadmap teases new World Updates and Local Legends
 
 
Microsoft Flight Simulator GOTY
Microsoft Flight Simulator Microsoft Flight Simulator GOTY edition will be a free update to existing players
 
 
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator Microsoft Flight Simulator delays Top Gun: Maverick DLC to 2022
 
 
Microsoft Flight Simulator Mario Kart tracks
Microsoft Flight Simulator Trippy Microsoft Flight Simulator mod adds Mario Kart tracks
 
 
Latest in Guides
Starfield Free Lanes update
RPGs Everything new added with the Starfield Free Lanes update
 
 
Incineroar gets ready for battle in Pokemon Champions.
Pokemon The best Pokemon in Pokemon Champions
 
 
Waking the Grid walkthrough in Arc Raiders
Third Person Shooters How to complete Waking the Grid in Arc Raiders
 
 
Tatora, the Pokemon Champions ranked battle NPC, smiles.
Pokemon All Pokemon Champions ranks
 
 
Anchorpoint Station in the Starfield Algorab system
RPGs How to reach the Starfield Algorab system and find the Anchorpoint Station
 
 
A blonde-haired rancher stands next to a Tauros in Pokemon Champions.
Pokemon How to link Pokemon Champions with Pokemon Home
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Homelander (Anthony Starr) saluting
    1
    3 best new to Prime Video shows to watch this weekend (April 10–April 12)
  2. 2
    Capcom artist says Elden Ring's visuals hold up against newer games because your "imagination is constantly stimulated"
  3. 3
    3 best new to Prime Video movies I recommend you watch this weekend (April 10–April 12)
  4. 4
    Pokemon Champions matches end in draws when the timer runs out, and no one can decide if that's a good thing
  5. 5
    The Boys Homelander actor Antony Starr says fans constantly offer him milk as a joke

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...