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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchMicrosoft’s ideal PC specification for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 calls for 64 GB of system RAM—but that is the top of three hardware tiers, not a requirement to launch the game. The same table lists 50 GB of storage, while the simulator’s streaming model makes a persistent internet connection important too. Here are the full requirements and what they mean when deciding whether to upgrade.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 PC requirements
Microsoft’s official specification table lists Windows 10 with the latest updates and DirectX 12 across the PC tiers. The processor, graphics card, video memory (VRAM), system RAM, and storage targets differ by tier:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended | Ideal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 (latest updates) | Windows 10 (latest updates) | Windows 10 (latest updates) |
| DirectX | DirectX 12 | DirectX 12 | DirectX 12 |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or Intel Core i7-10700K | AMD Ryzen 9 7900X or Intel Core i7-14700K |
| GPU | AMD Radeon RX 5700 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 | AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 | AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 |
| GPU VRAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| System RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| Storage | 50 GB | 50 GB | 50 GB |
These figures come from Microsoft’s official FAQ. A separate launch-era report gives internet-speed tiers of 10 Mbps minimum, 50 Mbps recommended, and 100 Mbps ideal; those figures are reported by HotHardware, rather than appearing in the same table currently shown in Microsoft’s FAQ. Microsoft’s connectivity and accessibility information says a persistent internet connection is required.
What “minimum,” “recommended,” and “ideal” mean
Minimum: the entry point, not a performance promise
Minimum is the lowest listed hardware class, not a guarantee of high frame rates or smooth play in every location and scenario. A system that meets it may need restrained settings, and performance can vary with aircraft, airport complexity, weather, traffic, and streamed scenery.
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- Do not mix memory kits. Memory kits are sold in matched kits that are designed to run together as a set. Mixing memory kits will result in stability issues or system failure.
Recommended: a more practical target
The recommended tier doubles the listed system RAM from 16 GB to 32 GB and calls for a stronger CPU and GPU. It is a useful reference for a general-purpose gaming PC, but it does not promise maximum settings, a particular resolution, VR performance, or a specific frame rate.
Ideal: Microsoft’s top listed tier
The ideal tier raises system RAM to 64 GB, VRAM to 12 GB, and names high-end processors and graphics cards. It is a hardware target—not a measured benchmark or a guarantee of a particular result. Microsoft does not attach an FPS target, resolution, graphics preset, upscaling setting, or defined aircraft and scenery scenario to these tiers. The published figures therefore cannot establish how a given PC will perform at 4K, in VR, or across multiple monitors.
For triple-monitor use in particular, a Microsoft Flight Simulator community discussion notes the lack of dedicated official specifications. Treat the listed tiers as a general guide, not a multi-display performance guarantee.
Why does the ideal tier ask for 64 GB of RAM?
System RAM and GPU VRAM are separate resources. RAM is working memory used by Windows and the simulator; VRAM is the graphics card’s own memory for visual data. Microsoft lists 64 GB of system RAM and 12 GB of VRAM in the ideal tier, so adding system memory cannot substitute for a graphics card with inadequate performance or VRAM.
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A flight simulator can draw on substantial resources while loading terrain, scenery, aircraft, weather, traffic, and simulation data. More RAM provides headroom for demanding situations—such as detailed airports, complex aircraft, add-ons, or running flight-planning, browser, and recording software alongside the game. It can reduce pressure to move data to the drive, but it does not guarantee smoothness or fix every stutter.
Microsoft has continued to adjust memory and streaming behavior. The June 29, 2026 release notes for Sim Update 5.1, version 1.7.35.0, mention improved memory use and handling of texture mip streaming under memory pressure. That shows memory remains an active performance consideration; it does not establish that every player needs 64 GB.
How much RAM makes sense for your PC?
- 16 GB: Meets Microsoft’s minimum on paper, but leaves less room for Windows, add-ons, and other applications. If you already have this amount, first see how your system performs in the scenarios you actually fly before assuming RAM is the only problem.
- 32 GB: Matches the recommended RAM tier and is a sensible target for many gaming PCs.
- 64 GB: Matches the ideal RAM tier and makes the most sense for enthusiasts with heavy add-on use, demanding multitasking, or a desire for extra headroom. It is not a universal requirement.
Before buying memory, check whether your PC uses DDR4 or DDR5, whether it needs desktop DIMMs or laptop SO-DIMMs, how many slots are occupied, and what the motherboard supports. Memory kits are not interchangeable just because they have the same capacity.
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Is 50 GB of storage enough?
Fifty gigabytes is Microsoft’s published storage requirement, not a promise that the entire setup will remain within that amount over time. Updates, optional content, Marketplace purchases, community add-ons, and a rolling cache can add to local storage use, so leave more room than the stated minimum if possible.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The comparatively small base figure reflects the simulator’s use of cloud streaming. Microsoft says it streams only the textures, meshes, and map data needed for the current activity, rather than requiring the complete world to be installed locally. That shifts some of the burden from the drive to the internet connection: the game may stream substantial data, particularly when you travel to new areas, and its rolling cache can retain recently used data locally. Streaming does not make the simulator an offline game.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which component should you upgrade first?
Compare your actual hardware with all three tiers before buying. The most useful upgrade depends on where your system falls short and how you play.
- Check system RAM. Eight gigabytes is below the listed minimum; 16 GB meets it, 32 GB matches recommended, and 64 GB matches ideal. A larger capacity may help with memory headroom, but do not treat it as a cure for unrelated limits.
- Check GPU model and VRAM. The tiers specify 4 GB, 8 GB, and 12 GB of VRAM. Consider both graphics performance and memory capacity for your intended settings and resolution.
- Check the CPU. CPU performance can matter in simulation-heavy situations, including dense environments. A laptop processor and a desktop processor with similar branding are not automatically equivalent.
- Check storage and cooling. Leave space beyond the published 50 GB for updates, cache, and additional content. A component’s nominal tier alone does not describe sustained performance if the system is constrained by cooling.
- Check your connection and data plan. Persistent internet is required. Speed matters, but so do reliability, latency, local network congestion, and any data cap. A rolling cache helps with recently visited areas but does not remove the online requirement.
- Account for the rest of your setup. Community aircraft, scenery, traffic tools, head tracking, VR, and flight controls affect what your PC needs to support. Microsoft’s hardware guide covers PC peripherals such as yokes, throttles, rudder pedals, head tracking, and VR.
If a demanding flight stutters, more RAM is only one possible answer: CPU limits, GPU load, VRAM pressure, streaming, drivers, thermals, add-ons, and network conditions can all matter. Microsoft also warns that outdated community packages can affect performance and behavior on its current product page; removing or updating them is a reasonable troubleshooting check.
PC, subscription, console, or cloud play?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a standalone sequel to the 2020 simulator, not a paid expansion for it. Microsoft says existing aircraft, airports, and virtually all Marketplace add-ons are supported, subject to compatibility and content-specific limitations. The original release was November 19, 2024; Microsoft’s current product page also lists PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, and PS5 Pro availability. Platform and purchase entitlements can differ, so check Microsoft’s platform guide before choosing a store.
- PC Game Pass: Microsoft lists the game with PC Game Pass. A subscription can let you try it on your current PC before committing to a full purchase or hardware upgrade; it is less suitable if you want permanent ownership without recurring payments. See the Xbox game page.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: Avoids the need for your own PC to render the game, but puts more weight on connection quality, streaming latency, supported devices, and subscription access.
- Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5/PS5 Pro: A console avoids a PC component upgrade, but is less flexible than PC for extensive custom hardware, mods, and multi-monitor setups.
- PC purchase: Microsoft Store/Xbox and Steam have different platform and purchase-continuity considerations. Review Microsoft’s platform guide if you may move between PC and console or want Marketplace purchases to remain accessible across platforms.
The requirements are guidance, not benchmark results. Test your own system in representative flights where possible, then upgrade the part that is actually limiting it rather than buying 64 GB of RAM solely because it is the headline number.
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