I purchased MSFS 2020 in April 2023.  I dabbled with it only a few times as work demanded my time.  Having been a veteran of Microsoft’s Flight Simulator for 0ver 25 years, I know my way around the software and had been flying the PMDG 747 since it came out for FS9 and FSX.

One sad day in mid-2024, I fired up MSFS 2020 and much to my surprise, I now had to log in to access the App.  I diddled with getting the log in details worked out (I thought).  Then work precluded any further thoughts of flying.

Finally, in late 2024, I attempted to again fire up MSFS 2020.  I could not log in, numerous attempts to have Microsoft send me a six-digit code to my email account never arrived.  Likewise, attempts to gain access to Microsoft’s help desk failed. 

What am I doing wrong?  There is absolutely no manual, or Youtube video, that I can find, to show me the steps to log in.  Is it the Xbox that is the issue?  Again, I can find no manual to assist me.

Please help!!

Thank you,

Captain Tom

MSFS 2020 runs on two platforms:
1. Steam (for PC Desktop)
2. Store (for PC Desktop and Xbox)

In each of the platforms there are 3 versions: Standard, Deluxe and Premium Deluxe.

1. What platform are you using?
2. What version?
3. Have you tried searching for old email sent to you regarding MSFS? How about your spam folder?
4. Are you using the same PC or have you upgraded it since the last time MSFS worked?
5. Do you have a receipt for the purchase?
6. Are you able to log-in to forums.flightsimulator.com?
7. If you're using the Store version you might want to try these tips:
How to fix Xbox Live Sign-In issues – Microsoft Flight Simulator Support

Hi Captain Tom,

Like most things with Microsoft and cloud-based apps you need a valid account linked to an email address. So that's a must do first.

@Matt Sdeel - advice is spot on - nice one

Definitely check your spam or junk folder as the email could have been marked as spam and put in the junk folder automatically.

 

Matt, to answer your questions:

1. What platform are you using? Store PC Desktop
2. What version? 1.38.2.0
3. Have you tried searching for old email sent to you regarding MSFS? How about your spam folder? Nothing in there
4. Are you using the same PC or have you upgraded it since the last time MSFS worked? Same PC, same Window 10
5. Do you have a receipt for the purchase? Yes
6. Are you able to log-in to forums.flightsimulator.com? Yes

Have reset my password 5, or 6, times and then restarted MSFS 2020 each time to no avail.  Very close to scrapping MSFS 2020 and staying with FSX.  BTW, I'm very familiar with passwords, my work requires dozens of them for various applications.  Microsoft should be ashamed of itself for such an arcane password process.

Thanks Matt very much for your help!!!

Captain Tom