Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sim Update 6 Beta Now Available for Testing

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 pilots have a new update to put through its paces, as Sim Update 6 Beta is now available for public testing.




The new beta build, version 1.8.5.0, was posted on the official Microsoft Flight Simulator forums on July 6, 2026, giving simmers an early look at what is coming next for MSFS 2024. The update brings several technical improvements, visual upgrades, and quality-of-life changes that should make plenty of virtual pilots lean forward in the captain's chair.




One of the biggest highlights is support for NVIDIA DLSS 4.5, which is now used as the default native upscaler for supported systems. The beta also adds Dynamic Frame Generation with in-game VSync support, giving RTX users another round of performance and visual improvements to test. AMD users are not left parked at the gate either, as the update also adds FSR 4 support.




For many pilots, though, one of the most welcome changes may be much simpler: Microsoft and Asobo have added an option to start a Free Flight without the mandatory walkaround. That means pilots who want to get straight into the cockpit can now do so without taking the scenic preflight stroll every time. The option can be found in the assistance settings.




The update also adds lighting to generic airports, with more improvements planned as Sim Update 6 continues development. That should help improve nighttime operations, especially at smaller fields where things could previously feel a little too "bring your own flashlight."




Other changes listed in the beta notes include updates to the World Photographer reward screen, new logbook notifications during Free Flight, toolbar tooltip improvements, avionics fixes, visual updates, and a long list of aircraft, activity, and stability improvements.




As always with beta software, this version is meant for testing and feedback. Pilots may encounter bugs, odd behavior, or the occasional gremlin trying to chew on the avionics bus. Anyone who prefers a stable flying experience may want to wait for the final public release.




Still, Sim Update 6 is shaping up to be an important step forward for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, especially for pilots looking for better visuals, stronger performance, improved airport lighting, and fewer barriers between "I want to fly" and "wheels up."




The full Sim Update 6 Beta release notes are available now on the official Microsoft Flight Simulator forums.



via: https://news.skyblueradio.com/2026/07/08/microsoft-flight-simulator-2024-sim-update-6-beta-now-available-for-testing/