“Loading unusually long” bug frustrates Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 fans at launch

What you need to know

• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launched on Xbox and PC today, November 19, at 11:00 AM EST.
• Pre-loading was offered before launch but offered a fraction of its expected install size.
• Now, players are met with “loading unusually long” messages with a progress bar commonly stuck at 97%. There is no known workaround fix at this time.

In what is supposed to be an exciting time for simulation enthusiasts around the world, many expectant gamers are left disappointed as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is stuck in an endless loading screen. “Loading unusually long” remains on display with progress bars stuck around the 97% mark, something I’m personally experiencing with my installation.

There are no signs of specific error messages or tips on how to bypass this roadblock, and tensions are rising as many feel the same disappointment I did towards the game’s awful pre-install offering that barely prepped 330.09MB of the expected 50GB filesize. As it stands, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is essentially unplayable for a large player base, as Xbox players vent their frustrations on X and PC players follow suit on Valve’s Steam community forums.

When will the game be fixed?

Around an hour has passed since Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launched on Xbox and PC, but developer Asobo Studio and publisher Xbox Game Studios haven’t commented on the shaky launch situation. The situation is developing, and I’ll update you when I know more, but I’m currently in the same boat (or plane?) with a seemingly infinite loading bar stuck between 95 and 97%.

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