I recently had some issues with my pc and ended up doing a complete wipe of Windows and MSFS 2020.  I reinstalled Windows, drivers, etc. with no issues.  Then I got to MSFS.  I'm installing just like I did the very first time, to a 500GB SSD (not my OS drive).  I logged into the Microsoft Store, found the title and downloaded.  Took just a short while.  Then I fired up the sim for the first time, v1.39.9.0 and a 129GB update awaits, so I kicked it off.  It's been running for hours today and it is currently sitting at 12.95GB downloaded.  I have a 500Mbs service.  Is it just me, or does something seem fowled up?  I remember, some issues with downloading patches and updates from the MS server in the Atlanta, GA region back in the day when MSFS 2020 first released.  Were those issues resolved?  I have a VPN, but it's not connected.  I still live in the Southeast region of the US, so I assume I'm getting data from server out of Atl.  Any advice appreciated.

I would have installed MSFS on the same drive as windows and used the 500GB drive for all my addons. Before moving on to 2024, I remember it took almost 3/4 of the day to download everything for 2020. I would imagine now with all the updates and patches, it will take some time.

You will luv to just stream content.  Best idea ever.

dd

 

1 hour ago, SmokeDiddy said:

t's been running for hours today and it is currently sitting at 12.95GB downloaded. Is it just me, or does something seem fowled up?  

Nope, i'm in Florida and sometimes i've had slowdowns trying to download updates. What worked for me was exiting MSFS 2020 and restarting it. You could also try Ethernet instead of WiFi and see if that speeds things up. You also try restarting your modem/router.

15 minutes ago, Rodster said:

Nope, i'm in Florida and sometimes i've had slowdowns trying to download updates. What worked for me was exiting MSFS 2020 and restarting it. You could also try Ethernet instead of WiFi and see if that speeds things up. You also try restarting your modem/router.

Thanks for that!  I've restarted both msfs2020 and Windows.  I am wired directly to my router.  My msfs desktop doesn't have wifi.  Nonetheless, it's chugging along.  I don't know how I got it installed the first time when I was on DSL, but I remember it took days.

Is it restarting package downloads part way through? My anti-virus sw used to muck up msfs updates until I realized what was happening. 

When I first installed 2020 it took over a week of 2am downloads.

Never again since 2024 installs in minutes as does new content.

Also I don't do hardware anymore so my 500gb pcmcia should last forever since I only stream content.

dd

Edited October 27, 2025Oct 27 by Sky_Pilot071

This seems like a good time to try out 2024.. it installs MUCH MUCH faster and loads even faster.

You can keep your 2020 install running in the background. 

On 10/27/2025 at 8:39 AM, odourboy said:

Is it restarting package downloads part way through? My anti-virus sw used to muck up msfs updates until I realized what was happening. 

Actually, it's very hard to tell because it keeps flashing at Please Wait...

The only AV I have on this is Windows defender and I excluded MSFS2020 drive, so I wouldn't think that is causing it, but thank you for that suggestion.

Back when I had 2020 installed I reinstalled it a few times for various reasons.  The key to a fast install is to rename, move or backup the Official Folder - this what the sim redownloads if it cannot find it or its been wiped.  If you have a backup you can skip the 'Update' process after the initial quick install of the base sim.  Quit the sim then copy the official folder back into where it should be.  When you restart the sim it should find it and load into a complete sim without the need to download.  Takes 10 mins tops.

Quick update:

I finally got FS2020 installed a second time, it went much quicker.  Unfortunately, that pc has issues that continued even with a fresh install and MSFS2020 and nothing else, pure vanilla.  I am a IT guy and the I could deduce is or was a failing drive and or MB.  Nevertheless, since it is the holiday of giving, I gave myself an entire new hardware platform, although, I decided I would forego the self build like my last one.  I did this mainly because I wanted to control cost.  I have no self control when it comes to picking and choosing hardware components and I end up overshooting my budget.  Therefore, I purchased a CyberPower system...specs in my signature below.  I also dropped a dime on upgrading the sim to FS2024.  What a difference a day makes!!!  Everything is peachy and running well.  I cannot believe the time to download between 2020 and 2024.  It dropped and installed in like 5 mins.  So, thanks to all that piped in to help a brutha out!