Flight Simulator 2020 - Stuck in Microsoft security login loop

Zzubnik · Aug 4, 2022

At the point where the game asks you to "press any key to continue", it connects to a Microsoft account. This has always worked in the past. Now, I am asked for a security key. A window appears which says "Windows Security, making sure it's you", and tells me to insert my security key into the USB port. Using "Other ways to sign in" on this screen merely restarts the loop. No option I can find can exit this loop of sadness.

I don't have a security key and never have. I have looked in my account, and that is not an enabled option. I do have 2FA enabled. I have tried turning this off with no better result. I have logged in and out of my Windows and Microsoft accounts and reinstalling the software.

I am really stuck, and it seems others have had this in the past and never found a solution. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

:)

Zzubnik

Hi Lucas, and thanks. I am on Windows 10, and I purchased the game through Steam.

Lucas Lauer

Hello, Zzubnik. Thanks for reaching out! My name is Lucas. I'm an Independent Advisor and a Microsoft user just like you. I'll be happy to assist you today.

May I know if you are playing the game through the Xbox app or through Steam?

Also, are you running Windows 10 or 11 on your computer?

Waiting for your kind reply.

Lucas Lauer

In this case, please try the steps below:

- Click on Start > Search for Credential manager > Windows credentials. Search for Xbl|DeviceKey, click on it and then Remove. Also, remove all the XblGrts and XboxLive credentials.

- Delete Accounts and Cache folders at:

%userprofile%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.XboxIdentityProvider_8wekyb3d8bbwe\AC\TokenBroker

- Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Microsoft Store > Advanced Options > Repair, then Reset.

- Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Xbox App > Advanced Options > Repair, then Reset.

Restart your computer. Sign in with the local account but use your main Microsoft account for the game. See if the issue persists and please let me know.

Lucas Lauer

For the Steam version, first please check the game files integrity:

- Load Steam.

- From the Library section, right-click on the game and select Properties.

- Select the Local files tab and click Verify integrity of game files.

- Once the process is completed, the Check Window will automatically exit.

After that, please create another local account on Windows:

- Press Windows + R.Type netplwiz and press Enter.

- Click Add button.

- Click Sign in without a Microsoft Account. If you do not see that option, disconnect from the Internet.

- Click Local account if prompted.

- Type the username you want, and the password. You must also specify a hint. Click Next, then Finish.

Make the new local account an admin account:

- Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users > Select the Account Owner Name (you should see "Local account" below the name) > Change Account Type. Select Administrator, then OK.

- Sign in with the new Administrator Account.

Try to run the game again and please let me know how it goes.

Lucas Lauer

You are welcome. I'm really glad it is working now!

If you need any further assistance, please let me know. Else, have a nice week and great gaming!

Flight Simulator 2020 - Stuck in Microsoft security login loop