How to find Microsoft Flight Simulator DVD Installation-Software Launcher in Windows 11

Captain Rock · May 12, 2023

Hello Folks,

I am writing this post for all those who have run the DVD installation procedure and accidentally lost the mystic "software launcher".

Brief explanation: After I had installed all the DVDs, the next installation window (from the Microsoft store) gave me the option to continue with installation or to "Speicherplatz freigeben" ("release storage space" as freely translated). Since I was curious about what it means, I clicked on it and then - closed the window because I found it not applicable in my case.

Problem: the installation window was completely gone and it took me hours to find it again.

There is no such name to be found "software launcher" in the store. Since I installed the german version, you will find german words in here as well.

The solution in my case was:

1. when in the Microsoft store, click on "library" in the lower left corner of the app window.

2. Click on "Games" or "Spiele" to list all games.

3. BEFORE clicking on the famous "get all updates" or "Updates abrufen"-Button (upper right side), check the button "sort & filter"(or "sort by...") or ("Sortieren und Filtern"). It is on the right side of the store window above the list of all games.

4. Here you have to make sure to uncheck "show only installed products" ("Nur installierte Produkte anzeigen")

If you are using the english language in windows it may be labeled differently (just think of making it show all products, including not yet installed ones).

Once you check that option, you will also see the desired program parts yet to download!

:)

CarTzy

Hello Captain Rock,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

MSFS has a dedicated support for PC Disc installation concerns. If you need assistance with the PC retail disc version of Microsoft Flight Simulator, head to Microsoft Flight Simulator – Aerosoft

Reference: Retail disc version troubleshooting & support – Microsoft Flight Simulator Support (zendesk.com)

If there are any inquiries about our description or if there are any misconceptions, do reply to the post.

CarTzy

Hello!

We haven't heard from you in 72 hours, so we assume that your issue has already been resolved. We will not be monitoring this thread moving forward so, if you need further assistance, please create a new thread to discuss these concerns by clicking this link: Microsoft Community.

Thank you for understanding.

AaronPMbb

Its happening in PC Windows 11 and no, when i installed Microsoft Flight Simulator the first time, it crashed, so i never played it

andersonpassos

It sounds like your son may have purchased and downloaded the Flight Simulator software digitally, rather than on physical disks. To reinstall the program, you will need to locate the original source where it was downloaded from and redownload the software. If your son purchased the software, he should have the information on where and how it was downloaded.

If the Flight Simulator software was purchased on the Microsoft Store, you should be able to reinstall it by following these steps:

Open the Microsoft Store app on your computer.

Click on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the window to open the menu.

Select "My Library" from the menu.

Locate Flight Simulator in your library and click on it.

Click the "Install" button to begin the reinstallation process.

If you're having trouble finding the software in your library, you may need to sign in with the Microsoft account that was used to purchase the software. If your son purchased it, he may have to give you the credentials to access it.

Tommy - MSFT

Hello Dfg93210.

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

Regarding to your information I assume that you want the driver for Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Joystick 2.

This device is too old and it's not supported now. We find a post about this device that using on Windows 11 and Windows 10 from the

Flight Simulator BBS where some professional flight simulation gamers gather.

According to the post in Flight Simulator, it seems that this device doesn't need to install the driver as before.

Is "Force Feedback" gone in Windows 11? Any Sidewinder FF2 users here? - General Discussion & Community Support / Tech Talk - Microsoft Flight Simulator Forums

Which game do you play now with this device?

It may be some compatibility issues, and in this post, some people just disconnect and connect several times and it works maybe you can try it.

Best Regards,

Tommy-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

How to find Microsoft Flight Simulator DVD Installation-Software Launcher in Windows 11