If Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 crashes on your Steam Deck, first update SteamOS and restart, then test the game’s Proton compatibility setting one change at a time. There is no verified Proton version that fixes every Deck crash: SteamDB currently marks SteamOS unsupported while recommending Proton stable, so treat that setting as a troubleshooting test—not a guaranteed fix.
Why Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 may crash on Steam Deck
The compatibility warning is real, but it does not identify the cause of an individual crash. Steam’s listing specifies Windows 10 and minimum PC hardware including 16 GB of RAM, a Radeon RX 5700 or GeForce GTX 970, DirectX 12, broadband, and 50 GB of storage. Those requirements do not establish SteamOS support. SteamDB’s configuration record, last updated October 6, 2026, likewise reports SteamOS as unsupported and recommends Proton stable. SteamDB is a third-party status source, not a Microsoft guarantee.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
That makes compatibility a reasonable possibility to investigate before assuming the Deck is simply underpowered. Steam Deck HQ has also reported scene-dependent performance problems and crashes in demanding areas in its review, but that is the outlet’s experience, not proof that every Deck will reproduce the same result.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Steam’s Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 listing and requirements
- SteamDB’s configuration and compatibility metadata
- Steam Deck HQ’s review and Deck performance observations
Try these troubleshooting steps in order
1. Install SteamOS updates and restart
Valve recommends installing available system updates and restarting to address Steam Deck instability. On the Deck, open Steam > Settings > System > Software Updates, install any available updates, then restart via the Software Updates section or Steam > Power > Restart. This is general Deck troubleshooting, not a game-specific fix.
#1 Best Overall
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
Valve / Steam Support: Steam Deck software troubleshooting
2. Test a Proton compatibility tool and record the result
- In Steam Library, highlight Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and open its Properties.
- Choose Compatibility and enable the option to force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.
- Select a Proton tool to test. SteamDB currently recommends Proton stable; start there if you need a baseline, but do not treat it as a known fix.
- Launch the game and note the selected tool and the exact failure stage: startup, sign-in, loading, or during a flight.
- If the behavior does not improve, return to the same menu and test another available Proton tool separately. Change one thing at a time so you can tell whether the setting affected the result.
No Proton-version comparison in the available evidence establishes a reliable winner for this game on Steam Deck.
Rank #2
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
3. Check whether the problem is wider than your Deck
If other players are also unable to launch, check official Microsoft Flight Simulator announcements before making more local changes. Microsoft acknowledged a launch issue affecting both Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 on February 7, 2026, then updated its notice to say a fix was in place and systems were recovering. That is a past incident, not evidence of a current outage.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Forums: February 7, 2026 launch issue notice
4. Use Windows-specific steps only if your Deck runs Windows
Microsoft’s general crash checklist is written for Windows. It recommends checking Windows and GPU-driver updates, looking for conflicts from background applications, and considering a reinstall if crashes persist. These directions are more directly relevant if you installed Windows on the Deck; do not assume Windows menus or driver steps apply to SteamOS.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Support: general crash troubleshooting
Rank #4
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
What to do if crashes persist
Keep a short record of the SteamOS update state, Proton tool selected, failure stage, and whether the same launch problem is being reported more broadly. That gives you useful information when seeking help and keeps troubleshooting focused on observable changes.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Microsoft’s June 29, 2026 Sim Update 5.1 notes describe general crash and memory improvements. They also suggest moving community packages elsewhere if PC users encounter stability problems or long loading times. The notes do not announce a Steam Deck-specific fix, so do not treat package removal as a universal SteamOS remedy.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Team: Sim Update 5.1 release notes, June 29, 2026
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
