Microsoft Flight Simulator often gets stuck in an endless loop when trying to check for updates. This issue occurs when the game stops communicating with the server for checking for updates, causing users to get stuck in “checking for updates”.

You may also encounter this problem due to a server-side issue or an interruption in your Internet connection. Therefore, make sure that the game server and your Internet connection are working properly before continuing.

1. Disable and re-enable the network adapter

This issue occurs when the game loses connection to the server, resulting in an endless loop of checking for updates. Disabling and re-enabling the network card will refresh the connection and prompt the game to re-establish it with the server.

If you have a Wi-Fi adapter, simply disconnecting the Wi-Fi should be enough.

1. Right-click Start Menu and select device Manager to open it.
   
2. Expand it Network adapters and right-click on your network adapter.
3. Select Disable device and click Yes to be confirmed.
   
4. Now re-enable the network adapter by right-clicking and selecting Activate device.
   
5. Once done, check if the MSFS update checking loop is resolved.

2. Delete recent update content

Deleting recent update files will prompt MSFS to re-download them, which may resolve the stuck on “checking for updates” issue. This also ensures that you don’t have corrupted or incompatible data from the latest update that could be causing the problem.

1. Open the MSFS directory and navigate to the following destination.

   LocalCache > packages > official > OneStore

   

2. Sort folders by date and delete recent folders. For example, if the date is 10/7/24delete the folders created on 10/7/24.
   
3. Once finished, launch MSFS and check if it is still stuck checking for updates.

3. Sign out and sign in again to the Xbox/Microsoft Store

Disconnecting and reconnecting will refresh the connection between the client and server. This might fix the issue if there are sync or authentication issues preventing the game from checking for updates.

1. Click on your avatar at the top left and select disconnect.
   
2. Once logged out, click on the button Log in at the top left and log in again.
   
3. Once finished, launch MSFS and check if the problem is resolved.

As a last resort, you may need to reinstall the entire game, especially if none of the solutions worked for you. This is the only solution that should allow you to bypass the “checking for updates” screen by installing the latest updates and uncorrupted data.