Cant run microsoft flight simulator 2024 on my windows 11 system brand new Acer laptop

Question

Hello Evy everyone,

                      All four disk load fine onto my pc but once I try to start the game it doesn't do anything but turn the screen black for a split second like its gonna start and then nothing. I've tried to run it in 97,98, vista, all the different modes. Nothing. 

   Does anyone have any suggestions? 

Sincerely,

Mike

Answer 1

Hello,

Please open Event Viewer and locate any error events related to Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Then provide the event information so I can see if I can identify the issue.

Answer 2

Use the following steps to troubleshoot Flight Simulator not starting on Windows 11 after disc install:

1. Verify DirectX/3D support
   • If the game briefly shows a black screen and closes, it can be due to missing or disabled Direct3D/DirectDraw or unsupported video hardware.
   • Run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (Win+R → dxdiag):
     • On the Display tab, check that Approx. Total Memory is not blank or N/A.
     • Confirm DirectDraw Acceleration and Direct3D Acceleration are enabled.
   • If Direct3D/DirectDraw are unavailable or memory shows as blank, follow the next steps.
2. Install the latest DirectX runtimes
   • Download and install the latest DirectX End-User Runtimes Web Installer from:
     • http://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?FamilyId=2DA43D38-DB71-4C1B-BC6A-9B6652CD92A3&displaylang=en
   • Complete the installation, then restart Windows and try starting Flight Simulator again.
3. Update the video driver
   • Out-of-date or incompatible video drivers can prevent the game from starting.
   • Use Windows Update to check for and install any available display adapter updates.
   • If the manufacturer provides a newer driver, install it, restart, and test the game again.
4. Check hardware requirements
   • If the video adapter does not meet the minimum 3D hardware or video memory requirements, the game may fail to launch with only a brief black screen. In that case, the only fix is to run it on hardware that meets the game’s 3D and memory requirements.
5. Try a clean startup
   • Background programs (antivirus, utilities, overlays) can interfere with games.
   • Perform a clean startup as described in the referenced article (disabling non‑Microsoft services and startup items), then try launching Flight Simulator again.

If, after these steps, Direct3D/DirectDraw remain unavailable or the game still only flashes a black screen, the issue is likely a combination of hardware capability and driver support on the new laptop.

---

References:

• DirectDraw or Direct3D option is unavailable
• Error message when you install a Microsoft game or mapping program
• Make older apps or programs compatible with the latest version of Windows