Hi Steve,
I am Sumit, an Independent Advisor and a 3 year Windows Insider MVP here to help.
How to troubleshoot crashes & CTDs at the loading screen
https://flightsimulator.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/ar...
INVESTIGATE
Before attempting the troubleshooting steps below, we invite you to investigate the likely cause of the crash.
Start your PC in Safe Mode with Networking
This step will help identify if the issues lie with the hardware or software: if the sim doesn't start in safe mode, it is likely a problem with the hardware (for instance: corrupted drivers or overclocking) but if the sim runs normally in safe mode, it's likely a problem with a program (antivirus/firewalls, conflicts).
Please refer to this article from the Microsoft help-center for detailed instructions:
Start your PC in safe mode in Windows 10
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12376/...
Once you have found the likely cause of the problem, proceed with the troubleshooting.
THE CRASH IS CAUSED BY THE HARDWARE
Make sure your system meets the minimum requirements
Please ensure that your Windows 10 version is 1909 or higher and that your system is fully updated.
Make sure Windows is up to date:
Select Start , then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates.
For more information/troubleshooting, see: Update Windows 10
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/402766...
Make sure all the updates in the Microsoft Store are installed, especially Gaming Services and Xbox Companion app.
In the top right-hand side corner of the Microsoft Store, click on the Arrow icon or the three-dot menu > Downloads and updates. Then click "Get updates" > Update all
Note: You can turn on automatic updates in the Microsoft Store to make sure you won't miss future updates.
Select the Start screen, then select Microsoft Store
In Microsoft Store at the upper right, select the account menu (the three dots) and then select Settings.
Under App updates, set Update apps automatically to On.
Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ programs
Press the Windows Key + R, type "appwiz.cpl" and then press Enter.
Locate the Microsoft Visual C++ programs in the list.
Select each entry and then click Uninstall.
Download a fresh copy of Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime from here and then install it.
Update the drivers of your GPU
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause crashes at start-up. We recommend that when trying this step that you completely remove your old drivers before updating to the latest versions. To remove your old drivers and then update to the latest:
Press the Windows Key
Type Add or Remove Program
Scroll down the list and find your graphics driver
Click the driver once and select uninstall. Confirm this by clicking Uninstall again.
Once complete reboot Windows
Download the latest drivers from here:
Nvidia - Click Here
https://www.nvidia.co.uk/Download/index.aspx
AMD - Click Here
https://www.amd.com/en/support
Install to the latest driver and then reboot your PC again
THE CRASH IS CAUSED BY A SOFTWARE
Disable ALL background software or applications including, Antivirus, Firewalls, and any FPS boosting or monitoring software.
Alternatively, you can find the problematic service or application by performing a clean boot. You'll find detailed instructions here:
How to perform a clean boot in Windows
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/929135...
Deactivate Windows Defender
Open Start. . ...
Open Settings. . ...
Click. Update & Security. ...
Click Windows Security. This tab is in the upper-left side of the window.
Click Virus & threat protection. ...
Click Virus & threat protection settings. ...
Disable Windows Defender's real-time scanning.
Set game priority to high
Turn off any overlays
Check your antivirus is not causing a conflict with the game
Sample of Virus checkers that have been known to prevent games and apps from launching:
Trend Micro Maximum Security
Comodo Antivirus
Sophos
Emisoft Anti-Malware
Avira
Avast
If your antivirus falsely flagged Microsoft Flight Simulator, remove the file from quarantine then whitelist Microsoft Flight Simulator. To do so follow the instructions from your antivirus manufacturer.
Check that a 3rd party software is not causing a conflict with the game.
Sample of 3rd party software that may prevent games and apps from running:
Nahimic Audio
Logitech G Hub
MSI Afterburner / Riva Tuner Statistics Server
EVGA Precision
OBS
Xsplit
Discord
MacType
Warsaw Banking App
Wallpaper Engine
A-Volute Sound studio
Sonic Audio
Please make sure you either disable or uninstall to ensure successful gameplay.
Turn off any extra Power monitoring software
Sample of power monitoring software that may cause issues at start-up:
MSI DragonCenter
RyzenMaster
Gamefast from Dells Killer Control Center
Any software installed that may be adjusting or monitoring power settings
Then, make sure that your Power settings are correct
Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options
Change to High Performance
Perform a Full Shutdown (not restart).
Disclaimers:
- Please do not turn off Anti-virus for a longer period of time. Do this only to isolate the cause. Disabling Security program may pose a risk.
2.There are links to non-Microsoft websites which would provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the websites which are frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers as they do more harm than good sometimes.