Can I Run Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)?
2020 · Simulation · Check your PC against the official system requirements below.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) system requirements
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Intel i5-4460 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200 | Intel i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X |
| Graphics (GPU) | NVIDIA GTX 770 / AMD Radeon RX 570 | NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD Radeon RX 590 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Video memory | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage | 150 GB | 150 GB |
Source: published system requirements
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) FPS benchmarks (estimated)
Estimated frame rates
| GPU tier | 1080p | 1440p | 4K |
|---|---|---|---|
| EntryGTX 1650 / RX 6500 XT | 50-65 | 35-45 | 20-25 |
| MainstreamRTX 4060 / RX 7600 | 120-155 | 80-105 | 50-65 |
| High-endRTX 4070 Super / RX 7800 XT | 205-260 | 140-180 | 85-110 |
| EnthusiastRTX 4080 Super / RX 7900 XTX | 280-355 | 190-245 | 120-150 |
FPS figures are estimates derived from the published minimum and recommended requirements at high settings, not measured benchmarks. Real-world results vary with CPU, RAM, drivers and in-game options.
Steam Deck & laptop compatibility
Microsoft Flight Simulator technically runs on Steam Deck, but it is heavily CPU-bound: expect roughly 20 to 30 FPS on low settings with long load times. Fine for a slow scenic flight, frustrating for anything more.
Microsoft Flight Simulator demands significant graphical power; for 60 frames per second (FPS) at 1080p, a gaming laptop needs at least an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 Laptop GPU. For merely playable settings, a surprisingly powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU is suggested, highlighting the game's intensive nature. Laptop GPUs often perform slower than desktop cards of the identical model.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) is Asobo Studio’s photorealistic flight sim that streams real-world satellite and terrain data to recreate the entire planet. Its published minimum lists a Core i5-4460 or Ryzen 3 1200 with a GTX 770 or RX 570, though the experience at that level is limited and the title is heavily reliant on a fast internet connection for live world streaming.
The recommended specification pairs a Core i5-8400 or Ryzen 5 1500X with a GTX 970 or RX 590 and 16 GB of RAM. In practice the simulator is both CPU and bandwidth sensitive, and dense scenery over major cities is among the most demanding scenes in any PC game. A 150 GB install plus ongoing world streaming means a solid-state drive and stable broadband connection are strongly advised for the smoothest results.
Frequently asked questions
What are the minimum requirements for Microsoft Flight Simulator?
The minimum is a Core i5-4460 or Ryzen 3 1200, a GTX 770 or RX 570, and 8 GB of RAM, plus a broadband connection for world streaming.
Does Microsoft Flight Simulator need a fast internet connection?
Yes. The simulator streams live satellite, terrain and weather data, so a stable broadband connection is important for the best experience.
Is Microsoft Flight Simulator CPU-heavy?
Yes. It is both CPU and bandwidth sensitive, and dense scenery over large cities is among the most demanding parts of the sim.