Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Launch Options Steam

Caroline Mae

2 min read

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27-12-2024

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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, a breathtakingly realistic flight sim, offers a range of launch options via Steam to fine-tune your experience. These options aren't immediately obvious, but mastering them can significantly improve performance and gameplay. This guide will walk you through the key launch options and how to use them.

Accessing Launch Options on Steam

First, you need to locate the launch options section within Steam. Here's how:

1. Open Steam: Launch the Steam client.
2. Locate MSFS 2020: Find Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 in your game library.
3. Access Properties: Right-click on the game and select "Properties."
4. Find Launch Options: Navigate to the "General" tab. You'll find a text box labeled "Launch Options." This is where you'll enter your commands.

Key Launch Options and Their Uses

Several command-line arguments can be used to adjust MSFS 2020's behavior. Here are some of the most useful:

Performance Tweaks:

• -lowmem: This option is useful for systems with lower RAM. It forces the simulator to use less memory, potentially preventing crashes or stuttering, but it might reduce visual fidelity. Use with caution, as it can impact the overall quality of the simulation.

• -UseLargePages: This argument enables the use of large pages of memory. This can improve performance in some scenarios, particularly for high-end systems with ample RAM. However, it may not benefit all systems. Experiment to see if it provides any noticeable improvement.

• -dx11 or -dx12: Force the game to use DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 respectively. If you're experiencing graphical glitches or performance issues, switching between these APIs might resolve the problem. Experiment to see which API runs better on your system.

Graphics Settings:

• -Windowed: This will launch the simulator in windowed mode instead of fullscreen. This can be useful for multitasking or for troubleshooting graphical issues.

• -NoShaderCache: Disables the shader cache. This is mainly for debugging purposes and is generally not recommended for typical gameplay.

Other Useful Options:

• -DevMode: Enables developer mode, providing access to various debugging tools. This is primarily for developers or advanced users familiar with the simulator's inner workings.

Important Considerations

• Experimentation is Key: The ideal combination of launch options will vary depending on your specific hardware and preferences. Try different combinations to find what works best for you.

• Restart the Simulator: After making changes to launch options, remember to restart Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 for the changes to take effect.

By understanding and utilizing these launch options, you can significantly enhance your Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 experience, optimizing performance and tailoring the game to your system's capabilities. Remember to always back up your settings before making significant changes.