I would guess that I got the information in about 1995 when that version of windows came out.

5 minutes ago, Fielder said:

I would guess that I got the information in about 1995 when that version of windows came out.

However, this is a MSFS2020 topic question?

35 minutes ago, Fielder said:

If you use the emergency exit, namely the X at the top of the window

Where did you get emergency exit from?

Edited May 14, 20251 yr by vonmar

A simple Google search provided this. Take it as you will:

While you can close Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS 2020) by clicking the "X" button, it's generally not recommended as the primary method. 

Here's why and what you should do instead:

Why avoiding the "X" is preferred:

• Potential data loss: Closing with "X" or Alt+F4 might interrupt the game's save process, possibly leading to lost flight progress, settings changes, or logbook entries not being recorded, according to some users.
• Incomplete shutdown: Some users have reported that using the "X" button can leave background processes running even though the main window closes, potentially impacting performance or stability. 

Recommended ways to exit MSFS 2020:

1. Use the in-game "Quit to Desktop" option:
   • Press the Esc key to access the in-game menu.
   • Navigate to the main menu.
   • Select "Quit to Desktop" or a similar option to properly shut down the simulator.
2. Shutting down the aircraft properly before exiting:
   • Taxi to a parking spot or gate.
   • Follow the correct procedures to shut down the aircraft engines and systems.
   • Then, use the in-game "Quit to Desktop" option. 

When you might use "X" or Alt+F4:

• If the game is unresponsive: If MSFS 2020 freezes or becomes unresponsive, you might have no other choice but to use the "X" or Alt+F4 to force quit and then restart the game.
• For quick exits: If you're not concerned about saving a particular flight or settings, using "X" or Alt+F4 is a quicker way to exit the sim. 

In conclusion:

While closing MSFS 2020 using the "X" button is possible, it's best practice to use the in-game "Quit to Desktop" option to ensure a proper shutdown and minimize the risk of losing data. 

Google AI is jealous of Microsoft Bing and is maybe deliberately giving false information?

Okay, here is the Microsoft Bing search answer:

It is generally fine to close Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS 2020) by clicking the "X," but be cautious as it might not save all settings or flight data.

Considerations for Closing MSFS 2020

Normal Closure: Closing MSFS using the "X" or by pressing Alt + F4 typically works fine and should close the application cleanly in most cases. Users have reported that this method is effective for exiting the sim without major issues 

2

.Potential Data Loss: If you have made changes to settings or are in the middle of saving flight data, exiting abruptly may prevent those changes from being saved. Some settings might not be preserved if you force close the application 

1

.Issues with Closure: There have been reports of MSFS 2020 not shutting down completely and hanging in the task manager, necessitating a force close through the task manager instead. This can happen more frequently if the program has been modified with heavy mods or updates 

2

.Persistence of Processes: Sometimes, even after clicking the "X," users noticed that the MSFS icon stays on the taskbar, which can indicate that background processes are still running. This is something to be aware of as it might affect performance until all processes have terminated 

2

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5 Sources

Recommended Approach

If Everything is Working Well: Clicking the "X" to close MSFS is perfectly acceptable if the sim is functioning properly and there are no current issues you’re facing.

If You Encounter Issues: If the application seems unresponsive or does not close as expected, consider using the task manager or waiting a moment to ensure all processes have finished before fully closing it. This can help prevent potential data loss or future errors on startup 

1

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1 Source

In summary, feel free to close MSFS 2020 with the "X" if you're not experiencing any issues, but remain mindful of the possibility of losing unsaved changes and unexpected hanging of the application.

The quick way to end a flight in real life is to pull the eject seat lever.

Just now, Fielder said:

The quick way to end a flight in real life is to pull the eject seat lever.

Lol...that would do it. 

15 minutes ago, sniper31 said:

A simple Google search provided this. Take it as you will:

Was this information from a MSFS2020 document?

11 minutes ago, sniper31 said:

Recommended Approach

If Everything is Working Well: Clicking the "X" to close MSFS is perfectly acceptable if the sim is functioning properly and there are no current issues you’re facing.

That is what I do.

Was the information you posted from a MSFS2020 document?

 

Edited May 14, 20251 yr by vonmar

It was a combination of internet scrubbed information from the AI search. That is why I said take as you will. Feel free to close the sim your way, I was just providing some further information. 

1 minute ago, sniper31 said:

It was a combination of internet scrubbed information from the AI search. That is why I said take as you will. Feel free to close the sim your way, I was just providing some further information. 

Thanks for confirming not provided by MSFS2020.

 

Well, for me, I have never closed MSFS 2020 by the X UNLESS it is non-responsive. I always use the Quit to Desktop method from the MSFS 2020 main menu (why else would they put that there if not recommended). 

Further, I am not experiencing this "failure to fully shut down" problem that many others are having. Why is that? I have no idea, other than my system seems not to be infected by the problem. 

 

 

7 minutes ago, sniper31 said:

Further, I am not experiencing this "failure to fully shut down" problem that many others are having

After you shut down MSFS2020 to the Desktop:

How do you verify MSFS2020 is not still running in the background?

4 minutes ago, vonmar said:

After you shut down MSFS2020 to the Desktop:

How do you verify MSFS2020 is not still running in the background?

I check the task bar, and then also Task Manager.

8 minutes ago, sniper31 said:

I check the task bar, and then also Task Manager.

Thanks for the reply.

I do that now only to verify this problem.

However, I normally never have to worry about the not fully shutting down problem because I reboot the PC after each test, flight or saved flight.

Note: I do the same reboot for FSX (steam), Xplane 11/12, P3D4,5,6 and MSFS2020.