Launching Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and making your way to the cockpit is not always easy. There are all sorts of issues that may stay in your way to the pilot’s seat. And one of them is the Please insert disk error that pops up when players start up the game.
In this guide, we’ll explore why MFS2020 keeps on asking you to insert the disk and how you can fix it.
What causes Flight Simulator Insert Disk Errors? There are four main possible reasons for the insert disk prompt that MFS2020 players keep on getting:
- Internet connection issues (no connection, unstable connection or poor wireless signal)
- Incorrect time and location settings
- Your antivirus or firewall blocking the game
- Not using the right Microsoft account.
Troubleshooting Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Insert Disk
Quick Fix: Make sure you’re logged in to the account you used to purchase and install the game. Also, if you’re not running the newest Windows 10 OS and game updates, install them and then launch the game.
Fix 1 – Check your Internet connection
As a rule of thumb, we suggest you should restart your modem/router before launching MFS2020 or any other games for that matter. Makes sure your connection is stable and you’ve got enough bandwidth at your disposal.
Avoid using a WiFi connection and opt for an Ethernet cable connection instead. Disconnect other devices using the connection to preserver bandwidth.
Make sure you’re running the latest router firmware version or update your router if necessary.
Fix 2 – Check your time and location settings
Your time and location settings need to display your current location as well as the time zone associated with the account you used to purchase the game on.
- Go to Settings and click on Time & Language
- Select Date & time and check your time settings making sure they’re accurate
- Go to Region to check your computer has your current location right.
Fix 3 – Check your antivirus and firewall settings and whitelist Flight Simulator
Windows Security may mistakenly flag some Flight Simulator files as malicious. The same is valid or other antivirus, antimalware or firewall tools.
You need to stop your security tools from blocking the game by adding the game file to the exclusions list.
How to whitelist MFS2020 in Windows Defender:
- Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security
- Select Windows Security > Virus & threat protection
- Go to Manage settings, and select Add or remove exclusions
- Add MFS2020 as an exclusion, and save the changes.
How to whitelist MFS2020 in Windows Firewall:
- Click on Control panel
- Go to System Security and select Windows firewall
- Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall
- Click on Change Settings
- Select the MFS2020 folder to allow the access.
If you’re using a third-party antivirus or firewall, go to the official support page of your tool for details instructions on how to whitelist the game.
Or you can temporary turn your antivirus and firewall off but be aware that could potentially make your computer vulnerable to threats.
Fix 4 – Install the Digital Ownership File
If you bought the digital version of the game yet you’re prompted to insert the disk, make sure to install the Digital Ownership File from Microsoft. This tool confirms you own the digital version of Microsoft Flight Simulator.
As Microsoft explains:
In order to play the game digitally on Windows 10, you will need to have the Digital Ownership File installed as it is required to grant the necessary permissions to play. If you already have this file installed and are running in to this error, please uninstall and reinstall this file only and this should resolve the issue. There is no need to uninstall the entire 127+GB base game files. Uninstalling this small 10MB file is all that will be needed
You may also need to reinstall the game through the Xbox app for PC and not the Microsoft Store after reinstalling the Digital Ownership File.
Fix 5 – Reset and repair the game
- Go to the Start menu and right-click on Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Select More > App Settings
- Go to Reset and click both the Repair and then the Reset buttons
- Wait until the system repairs and resets the game and then it again.
There you go, we hope something helps.
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