Optimizing PC Performance for MSFS2020

Glitches, errors, crashes, stutters, and nothing but aggravation with running MSFS202 on your PC can sometimes seem the norm.

Peter James

Friday, December 29, 2023 at 05:37 PM ET

Verified

Sometimes everything takes a nosedive, so let’s fix it and refresh back to new. [Courtesy: Peter James]

Key Takeaways:

Achieve optimal flight sim performance by using a dedicated, high-end PC with hardware like a GSYNC display, and consider a full Windows reset for persistent issues.
Systematically optimize Windows settings by updating, disabling sleep/fast startup, maximizing power, turning off Game Mode (but setting MSFS to high performance), and enabling HAGS for modern GPUs.
Ensure GPU drivers are clean-installed and up-to-date, add the sim folder to Windows Defender exclusions, and remove all bloatware and unnecessary third-party antivirus software.
Properly manage the MSFS2020 "Community" folder by temporarily moving its contents before updates and avoiding direct copies during fresh installations to prevent conflicts.

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Glitches, errors, crashes, stutters, and nothing but aggravation with running your PC sim can sometimes seem the norm. If you’re a die hard “flight simmer” you already know all about the vast resources available via fellow hobbyists, Facebook groups, online forums, and more. They are fabulous for both resources and camaraderie. Maybe one of the best reasons for social media today. Instant help, FAQs, and fellow simmers and real world pilots ready to lend a hand when everything goes down the tubes.

Since that beautiful day in August of 2020 when Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS2020) was born, some of us have had a pretty delightful time of it. Little trouble and mostly a great experience. There are others, however, who have had nothing but headaches and misery.