CORRECTION: As it has now turned out, the problem only occurred with those users who participated in the SU1 beta and did not leave it after its completion

Despite its release in November and the first major update (SU1), Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS 2024) appears to be continuing to struggle with stability issues. A recent problem involving a mysterious update has once again raised doubts about the smooth functionality of the simulator. On March 21, 2025, an 8.7 GB update for MSFS 2024 was released. Although the version number remained unchanged (1.3.23.0), users reported that their settings (except for control settings) were reset to default values.

This incident, documented by some users in the Microsoft Flight Simulator Forum, raises several critical questions, especially given that the simulator is already on the market and has received a major update:

• Recurring Instability: The fact that an update that supposedly does not involve a version change has such serious effects on user settings indicates ongoing and profound stability problems in the code base. This is particularly worrying after the release and the first Sim Update.
• Lack of Transparency: Microsoft has once again failed to provide clear information about the purpose and content of this extensive update. The lack of communication fuels uncertainty and distrust in the community, which is already unsettled by the simulator’s bumpy start.
• Impact on User Experience: The MSFS community has made significant investments in add-ons, customizations, and personal settings in recent months. An update that invalidates these investments without warning is unacceptable, especially for a product that is already on the market.

The “Phantom Update” incident is another setback for the community’s trust in Microsoft and Asobo Studio. It is essential that the development team improves communication, prioritizes stability, and puts the interests of users at the center of its decisions. Otherwise, Microsoft risks further straining the already tense relationship with the community and jeopardizing the long-term success of MSFS 2024.

In contrast to the perfect world of MSFS2024 that hundreds of ‘creators’ and other ‘propagandists’ would have us believe, the reality is somewhat different. Perhaps Microsoft should consider a reorganization of the management structure of the title.