Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 7: What’s New and What to Check Before You Fly

When Was Sim Update 7 Released?

Microsoft released Sim Update 7 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on October 13, 2026.

The public release version is 1.9.18.0.

Microsoft’s October 15 weekly briefing confirmed that the update was available across supported platforms and described it as containing hundreds of fixes and improvements.

The update is particularly notable because it introduces a major new activity rather than focusing exclusively on technical corrections.

What’s New in Sim Update 7?

1. National Championship Air Races

The biggest new feature is National Championship Air Races, available through the simulator’s Activities menu.

This expansion brings competitive air racing into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, including racing inspired by the historic Reno Air Races and the newer Roswell, New Mexico setting.

Instead of simply flying from one airport to another, players can experience aircraft handling in a more competitive environment.

2. Five Racing Classes

The new air racing activities feature five classes:

• Unlimited: high-performance racing associated with aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang.
• T-6: racing built around the classic North American T-6.
• Biplane: competition featuring aircraft such as the Pitts Special.
• Jet: higher-speed racing involving the L-39.
• STOL Drag: short-takeoff-and-landing racing focused on rapid acceleration, precision and stopping performance.

These classes provide different handling challenges, making the mode more varied than a single aircraft racing event.

3. Is National Championship Air Races Free?

Yes. Microsoft describes the National Championship Air Races mode as a free expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 owners.

The free mode is included with Sim Update 7.

However, there is an important distinction between the racing activity and optional additional aircraft.

4. What Is Paid?

Microsoft also announced a separate paid racing-aircraft pack containing 40 additional racing aircraft.

This is optional content, not a requirement to receive the core Sim Update 7 improvements or access the free racing mode.

5. Improvements to Aircraft Systems

Sim Update 7 includes numerous aircraft-specific fixes across the default fleet.

These changes range from small visual corrections to more substantial adjustments involving avionics, flight controls and autopilot behavior.

The exact improvements vary by aircraft, so it is worth checking the official release notes for models you fly regularly.

6. Boeing C-17 Improvements

One of the more significant aircraft-specific areas of work involves the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.

The update includes changes to its flight-control simulation, with improvements involving the aircraft’s control system, manual trim, autopilot functionality and flight-model behavior.

For players who enjoy military transport flying, these changes make the C-17 worth revisiting after updating.

7. Navigation and Avionics Fixes

Navigation behavior is another important part of Sim Update 7.

The update addresses lateral-path calculation issues at flyover waypoints in various default avionics implementations.

This matters because a flyover waypoint is intended to be crossed before the aircraft begins the subsequent turn.

Incorrect calculations can affect how a programmed route is followed.

After updating, pilots who regularly use GPS navigation or automated flight-management systems should test familiar routes to understand any changes.

8. A New Ground Services EFB Interface

Sim Update 7 introduces a new ground-services interface accessible through the simulator’s Electronic Flight Bag.

The interface is designed to make it easier to manage common ground operations, including supported pushback and aircraft-service functions.

This can be especially useful for airliner and business-jet enthusiasts who want a more organized departure workflow.

9. Career Mode Improvements

Career Mode also receives fixes and refinements.

The changes address selected mission behavior and improve aspects of the career experience.

Players who previously encountered mission-related issues should review the latest notes and test the affected activities after updating.

10. Long-Flight Visual Improvements

One useful stability-related fix addresses a memory leak associated with visual degradation during extended flights.

Long-haul simulator sessions place different demands on the system than short flights.

Fixes that improve behavior over longer sessions can be especially relevant for pilots who regularly simulate multi-hour flights.

11. Instrument Rendering Improvements

Microsoft also reports improvements to rendering performance for HTML/JavaScript-based cockpit instruments.

Modern simulator aircraft increasingly rely on complex electronic displays.

Instrument performance can therefore be an important part of the overall experience, particularly in aircraft with multiple glass-cockpit screens.

12. Does Sim Update 7 Improve Performance?

The official release notes contain stability and performance-related fixes, but that does not guarantee a measurable frame-rate improvement on every computer or console.

Actual performance depends on hardware, graphics settings, aircraft, scenery, add-ons and the specific flight situation.

The best approach is to compare the simulator using the same aircraft, airport, weather conditions and settings before drawing conclusions.

13. Important: The Sim Update 7 Drag Issue

After the initial release, users and third-party developers reported unusual aircraft performance involving reduced aerodynamic drag.

Affected aircraft could fly faster than expected and become more difficult to slow down.

This is particularly noticeable during descent, approach and other phases where realistic energy management matters.

14. What Is Sim Update 7.1?

Microsoft introduced Sim Update 7.1 beta, version 1.9.20.0, to address the drag-calculation issue.

The beta also includes fixes for selected National Championship Air Races problems.

As of October 21, 2026, the 7.1 build is being tested through the public beta program.

15. Check Your Version Number

Before troubleshooting, confirm which simulator version is installed.

For reference:

• 1.9.18.0: Sim Update 7 public release.
• 1.9.20.0: Sim Update 7.1 public beta as of October 21, 2026.

Version numbers are especially important when reporting problems to developers or asking for help in support communities.

16. Update Your Third-Party Aircraft

Major simulator updates can affect aircraft developed by third-party companies.

If an aircraft suddenly behaves differently after SU7, check whether its developer has released a compatibility update.

Look for official developer announcements, release notes and installation instructions.

Do not assume that every aircraft issue originates from the simulator itself.

17. Check Your Community Folder

Microsoft specifically warns that outdated Community Folder packages can affect performance and behavior.

If you encounter stability issues or unusually long loading times, Microsoft recommends temporarily moving Community packages to another folder before relaunching the simulator.

This is a diagnostic step, not an instruction to permanently delete your add-ons.

18. How to Troubleshoot the Community Folder

1. Close Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 completely.
2. Locate the Community Folder for your installation.
3. Move third-party packages to a temporary backup location.
4. Restart the simulator without those packages.
5. Test whether the problem remains.
6. Restore compatible packages gradually to identify conflicts.

The folder location varies by platform, installation method and user configuration.

19. Test Your Flight Controls

After a major update, check your flight-control hardware before starting a complex flight.

Important devices may include:

• Joystick
• Yoke
• Throttle quadrant
• Rudder pedals
• Trim controls
• Autopilot panels
• Button boxes

Verify that axes, buttons and profiles still behave as expected.

20. Review Your Control Profiles

Even if your controller is recognized, check the active profile for the aircraft you intend to fly.

A profile designed for a single-engine airplane may not be appropriate for a multi-engine jet.

Take a few minutes to verify:

• Pitch and roll
• Rudder
• Throttle response
• Brake controls
• Flaps
• Landing gear
• Trim
• Camera controls

21. Start With a Short Test Flight

Rather than immediately beginning a six-hour flight, start with a short familiar route.

Choose an aircraft and airport you know well.

This makes it easier to identify unusual behavior after the update.

22. Test Aircraft Handling

Pay attention to:

• Acceleration
• Climb performance
• Cruise speed
• Descent behavior
• Aircraft drag
• Autopilot operation
• Approach stability
• Landing behavior

Given the reported SU7 drag issue, descent and speed management deserve particular attention.

23. Test the Avionics

If you regularly use GPS or flight-management systems, try loading a familiar flight plan.

Check:

• Waypoint sequencing
• Route display
• Autopilot tracking
• Navigation source selection
• Altitude modes
• Approach procedures

This is especially useful for aircraft with complex glass cockpits.

24. Review Graphics Settings

If the simulator feels different after updating, review your graphics settings before assuming that performance has become worse.

Pay attention to resolution, render scaling, terrain detail, traffic density and other performance-intensive options.

Try changing one setting at a time so you can identify what actually affects performance.

25. Check Marketplace and Add-On Updates

Some purchased content may require updates after a major simulator release.

Review the relevant Marketplace or developer distribution platform for updates.

The simulator update and an aircraft add-on update are separate things, so one does not necessarily install the other.

26. What If MSFS 2024 Crashes After SU7?

If crashes began immediately after updating, use a structured troubleshooting process.

1. Confirm the installed simulator version.
2. Restart the computer or console.
3. Check for pending simulator updates.
4. Temporarily remove outdated Community Folder packages on PC.
5. Test with a default aircraft and airport.
6. Check third-party add-on updates.
7. Review official known issues and support discussions.

Avoid changing many unrelated settings at once because that makes it harder to identify the actual cause.

27. What If Loading Takes Too Long?

Long loading times can have several causes, including add-on conflicts, storage performance, network conditions and simulator issues.

Microsoft specifically identifies outdated Community Folder packages as a possible source of long loading times after updates.

Testing without third-party packages is a useful first step for PC users.

28. What If Your Aircraft Is Too Fast?

If an aircraft appears unusually fast or difficult to decelerate after SU7, check whether it is affected by the reported drag-calculation issue.

Review the developer’s latest announcements and Microsoft’s Sim Update 7.1 release status.

Do not assume that changing controller sensitivity or unrelated flight-model settings will solve a simulator-level drag issue.

29. What If Your Add-On Aircraft Stops Working?

First determine whether the issue occurs with the add-on alone or with default aircraft as well.

If only one third-party aircraft is affected, the developer’s compatibility information is a logical starting point.

Check whether the product requires an update specifically for Sim Update 7.

30. Should You Install Sim Update 7?

For players using the standard public release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Sim Update 7 is the current major update.

It delivers new activities and a large collection of fixes.

However, players who depend on complex third-party setups should check compatibility announcements and current known issues.

There is also an important difference between installing the regular public update and voluntarily joining a beta build.

Sim Update 7 vs Sim Update 7.1 Beta

Pre-Flight Checklist After Sim Update 7

Is Sim Update 7 Worth Getting Excited About?

For players interested in competitive flying, National Championship Air Races is the obvious attraction.

For general aviation and airline simulation enthusiasts, the aircraft fixes, avionics corrections and ground-service changes may be more relevant.

For long-haul simmers, the memory-leak correction is particularly worth noting.

The update is substantial, but the post-release drag issue is a reminder that even major updates can introduce new problems.

Official Sources and Release Notes

For the latest technical information, check the original Microsoft Flight Simulator announcements:

• 
  Official Sim Update 7 Release Notes
  
• 
  October 15, 2026 Weekly Briefing
  
• 
  Microsoft Flight Simulator Official Website
  

Because simulator updates continue after release, the official sources should take priority over older troubleshooting guides.

Frequently Asked Questions