I recently upgraded to Windows 11 but knew my PC was carrying a bit of bloat and fancied a proper clear out. To that end, I performed a Windows reset but chose the option to remove all user files and settings, essentially like doing a clean install. My MSFS community was on a separate drive but I didn't realise that would also get wiped as part of the reset.

So now with a fresh Windows 11 containing no 3rd party apps/tools, I needed to reinstall MSFS and add back in all the World updates via Content Manager. I fired up my first session in VR post install and was shocked just how well things were performing. I reviewed my graphic settings which were all still on Ultra with the one change being render scale at 80% instead of 100%. Now this was just using the stock Caravan flying between a Glasgow and Edinburgh airport but hitting the Pico 4 limit of 90fps over the default scenery. The smoothness was also really noticeable. It seems having a clean install of Windows without other tools running in the background (Except Virtual Desktop and Open XR Toolkit to handle the VR connection) and forgoing the likes of custom airports, Orbx GB add ons and other tools like JF FS Traffic and We Love VFR makes a massive difference. I'm impressed just how performant MSFS is stock. I'm starting to add back in some custom airports like PD Edinburgh and Glasgow but performance is still way better than it was previously. I will see some very minor stutters as I approach these airports but nothing compared to how these used to impact frames.

 

TLDR; A clean install of Windows and MSFS does wonders for performance. Worth a try if you are not happy.

I completely agree.  I reinstalled windows and all files.  A clean MSFS looks much better after a few years of tweaking and modding.

I do a full-reinstall of Windows and all my programs twice a year. I do this for other reasons but I have also found that doing so helps keep everything operating quite smoothly. There is a reason that Reset feature is there.

Fearing to derail this thread and yes I have a slight idea as I did this some years ago with Win10 😉 but how do you re-install win11? Put some installer files on an USB, boot from there, select C drive and then choose to do a fresh/clean install formatting the C drive before installing from scratch? When I installed win11 some 2 years ago I fear I upgraded from Win10  which is far from a clean install and an eben bigger mess than just re-installing win11 twice a year…

11 minutes ago, DAD said:

but how do you re-install win11?

I rarely do a complete re-format of the hard drive and reinstall, as this seems to be overkill unless there is a specific issue. My main aim to to clean up from the many programs and project files I create for work projects, but it has the benefit of keeping my simulator lean and I have found I have very few issues with stability and performance. I simply use the Windows reset feature and choose to remove all programs and files and Windows handles the rest. It generally works with little issue, but once I did have to create a recovery drive and use that. It takes me about 2 days from the time I start verifying I have a full backup to when I am up and running, simulator fully installed, etc. 

36 minutes ago, DAD said:

Fearing to derail this thread and yes I have a slight idea as I did this some years ago with Win10 😉 but how do you re-install win11? Put some installer files on an USB, boot from there, select C drive and then choose to do a fresh/clean install formatting the C drive before installing from scratch? When I installed win11 some 2 years ago I fear I upgraded from Win10  which is far from a clean install and an eben bigger mess than just re-installing win11 twice a year…

Yup, the traditional way is to use an install media, usually USB these days and boot from that allowing you to wipe the 😄 drive and perform a clean install. The reset method I used and mentioned by Cognita is much simpler and found under Windows settings. It allows you to perform a Windows reinstall via the cloud without the need to prepare any boot media - it's all automated. It also provides the option of wiping everything including user programs and files or wiping only the Windows files while retaining user programs and files. For a true clean out, I would recommend wiping everything. This means you need to manually reinstall your apps but it's a good way to trim down by not installing apps you haven't used in a while or no longer need.

Think of it as a D check for your flight sim 🙃

It’s probably a good idea to swap out your hard drive (if you’re using an M.2) when you do a windows wipe too. I try to do it every few years or so, and backup airports/planes/programs so it’s easy to get the sim up and running. But I’d be lying by not saying it’s a major PITA. 

I also do a clean install about every 6 mths. When it starts to slow up, or issues start increasing is when i bite the bullet and reinstall. With everything backed up, including the Official folder it takes a couple of hours to get it all back up and running great again..

30 minutes ago, V1ROTA7E said:

It’s probably a good idea to swap out your hard drive (if you’re using an M.2) when you do a windows wipe too. I try to do it every few years or so, and backup airports/planes/programs so it’s easy to get the sim up and running. But I’d be lying by not saying it’s a major PITA. 

Or better yet, buy a whole new PC. 😉

I haven’t tried a fresh windows install, but have found similar smoothness and performance by ditching all of my very expensive add on airports, my beloved AI ships, etc. but keeping add on aircraft.

Stutters, freezes, etc. are no more...not as pretty when I land, but I like the simple, smooth experience.

5 hours ago, DAD said:

but how do you re-install win11?

Windows reset built in to W11 - no need for boot media etc.  Just a few clicks and a couple of hours for a brand new install.