MSFS 2024 FPS FIX! This Simple Mistake Is Costing You 10+ FPS

Easyjetsimpilot

3 chapters5 takeaways8 key terms5 questions

Overview

This video addresses a common performance issue in Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC, specifically focusing on how using multiple monitors or applications can lead to significant FPS drops. The core problem identified is that when the flight simulator window is not the active, focused application on your computer, its performance is throttled. The solution is simple: always ensure the flight simulator window is the active one after interacting with other programs to regain lost frames and maintain optimal performance. This guide is intended for PC users experiencing unexpected performance degradation.

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Chapters

Microsoft Flight Simulator performance issues discussed are specific to PC users, not console players.
The number of screens in a flight sim setup can impact performance.
A noticeable FPS drop occurs when the flight simulator is not the active window.

Understanding this issue is crucial for PC flight simulator enthusiasts who use multiple displays or applications, as it directly impacts their in-game performance and visual smoothness.

The video demonstrates an FPS counter dropping from around 59-60 FPS to 51 FPS when the user switches focus away from the flight simulator to another application, and then back up when focus returns.

When using multiple screens or applications (e.g., charts, streaming software, Notepad), the mouse is frequently used to switch between them.
If Microsoft Flight Simulator is open but not the currently selected (active) window, the system reduces its processing priority.
This reduction in priority leads to a direct decrease in the frames per second (FPS) rendered by the simulator.

This explains the underlying mechanism behind the FPS drop, highlighting that the simulator isn't malfunctioning but is being intentionally deprioritized by the operating system when not in focus.

The presenter shows that while the simulator is running in the background and another application (like Notepad) is active, the FPS is lower. Clicking back into the simulator window instantly restores the higher FPS.

The primary fix is to ensure Microsoft Flight Simulator remains the active window.
After interacting with any other program or screen (e.g., checking charts, adjusting settings), always click back onto the flight simulator window.
This simple action re-establishes the simulator as the priority application for your PC's resources.

Implementing this habit requires minimal effort but can yield a significant and immediate improvement in flight simulator performance, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

The presenter explicitly advises users to click back onto the Microsoft Flight Simulator window after finishing with charts or other applications on a different screen to regain optimal FPS.

Key takeaways

1For PC users of Microsoft Flight Simulator, performance can be significantly impacted by whether the simulator window is the active application.
2Switching focus to other applications or monitors while the simulator is running causes Windows to deprioritize the simulator, leading to FPS drops.
3The simple act of clicking back into the Microsoft Flight Simulator window after using other programs is the key to restoring lost FPS.
4This performance fix is particularly relevant for users with multi-monitor setups or those who run auxiliary applications alongside the simulator.
5Even if it seems obvious, actively remembering to keep the simulator window focused can prevent a common and frustrating performance bottleneck.

Key terms

Microsoft Flight SimulatorFPS (Frames Per Second)Performance DropsActive WindowMulti-monitor SetupPC UsersThrottlingProcessing Priority

Test your understanding

1What is the primary reason for FPS drops in Microsoft Flight Simulator discussed in this video?
2How does using multiple screens or applications affect the performance of Microsoft Flight Simulator on a PC?
3What is the simple, actionable step a user can take to regain lost FPS when running Microsoft Flight Simulator?
4Why does Windows reduce the performance of Microsoft Flight Simulator when it is not the active window?
5Who is this performance tip intended for, and who will it not apply to?