To Steam or not to Steam that is the question

[yellowjack 28]

I am in the process of buying a new PC (still going to keep current PC). I did have MSFS up on my current PC but took it down after many issues started cropping up. The issue appears to be related to my Xbox and Xbox membership. After trying all tricks I could muster and keeping an eye on this forum and many re downloads from the MS store I got nowhere so I uninstalled MSFS and have continued to use Prep3D for my flight sim satisfaction.  

I am in the process of buying a new PC and was thinking about installing the Steam version of MSFS which apparently does not (as far as I know) have the Xbox issues of the MS version. I would appreciate any comments members may have regarding the Microsoft versus the Steam versions of the simulator. 

When MSFS was first published and I installed it on my PC all was fine including the early updates then it all turned sour after another update and never worked again even after several downloads. I don't remember the problem number but I do know know that I was not alone and Xbox ownership and the ongoing sub were.

I am leaning toward going the Steam route on my next PC and would appreciate any advice and info members could provide.

[cmpbellsjc 2,960]

@yellowjack I approved and moved your post from the Tips and Tricks section to the main forum. The other forum you posted in is not for questions or support.

[RobJC 2,069]

Steam all the way. 

[mikeymike 360]

Was it wrong if me to purchase from MS store?

mike

[Todd2 2,095]

Ms Store for me no regrets

 

[pmb 5,137]

Steam for me. See here

https://www.avsim.com/forums/topic/602314-why-we-should-purchase-from-the-msfs-marketplace/?tab=comments#comment-4558326

Kind regards, Michael

[F1Fan 121]

I purchased mine through the MS Store recently and since I have the XBOX/S it will be there as well for free. I seen it there for download soon and it already says "Owned"  I guess that is one of the perks if you have the XBOX/S/X consoles.

[zihmer001 67]

My only issue with steam is that 90% of the time after a CTD I must restart my computer. Steam launcher gets hung and I cannot always kill it in task manager. 
 

I don’t have a lot of CTDs but as increase add-ons and use VR they have increased. 

[Glenn Fitzpatrick 3,798]

TBH not a lot of difference,

MS version gets updates a fraction earlier and the Steam version file system is easier to work with if you find computers a struggle.

In terms of playing the game though NADA difference.

[regis9 4,013]

I bought from Steam and have had no issues.  

[FlyBaby 659]

i have many games on steam, but the civilian sims (both XP and MSFS) I get directly from their respective stores.

The installs / updates (to me) seem to be more straightforward. Also, if you want to participate in betas for MSFS, this option is currently only available to the MS store users.

[Richard Sennett 2,499]

STEAM STEAM STEAM  🙂  

[yellowjack 28]

OK Richard but why are you advocating "STEAM STEAM STEAM"? What are Steam's good points and are there any downsides. I just want a "reliable" flight sim that doesn't stop working and is impossible to fix which was my MSFS experience and I know that I wasn't the only one flying that flag. This is exacerbated because my network connection is copper to the nearest fiber box. To download MSFS takes most of a day and if that doesn't work its back to re-downloading  that gets very monotonous  very quickly.

[remilton 66]

MS Store for sure. I have it on "D:\ MSFS" and it has been a breeze to work with.

[johnbow72 2,722]

I have used Steam for years with XP , not sure why I bought MSFS from the Store ...... Senior moment I guess . Tho I have had Zero issues with the Store version .