In attempting to reinstall MSFS2020 from the Microsoft store, I click on "install" and after a short time it says "We'll install this game to a new folder in this location: " , but the location cannot be entered and is greyed out. Some files actually do load (as seen in File Explorer), but basically it stalls and never completes the loading. There is no loading bar to follow the progress.

I have done a re-installation of MSFS in the recent past with no problems.  I have tried the usual remedies, e.g., logging off X-box and logging back in, but this does not help. Any ideas?

Try browsing to the root folder (the >> Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe folder), and making sure it's deleted before trying the installation again.   Also check Windows add/remove programs to ensure that MSFS is definitely uninstalled before reinstalling. 

These are just common ideas that come to mind for this type of problem.   Others may have more in depth ideas.

Many thanks -- I have already checked, and MSFS is gone. In the attempted re-installation that I described, it does load some of the MSFS2020 files into the Package folder, then apparently stalls. I let it run all night last night just to be sure. It does recognize that I own the program. Very strange. Update:The X-box troubleshooter says the problem is a "hanging app" (no specifics).

Edited February 9, 20242 yr by cobalt

Sometimes when your simulator gets corrupt or isn't working properly, a reinstall might be the best solution. The reinstalling process has been made a lot more simple than the previous version of the flight simulator because of the stores (Steam & Microsoft Store) that the new MSFS 2020 uses.  

Most of the uninstall reinstall process goes via these stores. However, you do have to check if all the folders and files related to the simulator are deleted after the uninstall. Sometimes files and folders can be left behind, and with these files and folders left behind, your reinstall will be useless if these files and folders are the cause of your problems.  

When uninstalled, please check if the following folders are no longer present: 

• X:\Users\xxxxx\AppData\Local\FlightSimulator

• X:\SteamLibary\Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (Or your own selected install folder)

• X:\WindowsApps\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_xxxxxx_x64__xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

• X:\WpSystem\S-1-5-21-2465596884-3737215462-1520570664-1001\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.DigitalOwnership_8wekyb3d8bbwe

• X:\WpSystem\S-1-5-21-2465596884-3737215462-1520570664-1001\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe 

If 1 of these folders are still on your computer, please delete them manually before you start the installation process.      

Polosim, many thanks for these suggestions. I did find and remove the first one in your list, but I do not seem to have any WindowsApps or WpSystem folders in my C drive (which I use for flight simulator ). This did not solve the problem, however. Clearly the installer is trying to install MSFS, but is somehow blocked from doing so. It does give me the option "Change defaults in settings" -- any thoughts on that? I am not sure what to change, and want to careful if I do change anything. My system has Windows 10 with the latest updates installed.

Another question: on investigating how to change the download location for apps in Microsoft Store, I am told that if I go to Microsoft Store and click on settings, there will be a "storage' tab, but I don't see it. Is this now controlled via the Windows control panel, rather than in Microsoft Store?

Edited February 9, 20242 yr by cobalt

Let CCleaner give your registry a once-over?

1 hour ago, HiFlyer said:

Let CCleaner give your registry a once-over?

Thanks. The computer has been checked out and is free of problems. There are no issues other than the current one, i.e. downloading MSFS from Microsoft Store.

Problem solved, it appears -- now downloading MSFS. The Xbox app was not working properly with Microsoft Store, and had to be reinstalled. Just another learning experience with this amazing (but at times exasperating) sim! Thanks for your help, guys.