Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS 2024) now offers the opportunity to participate in the Sim Update 2 Beta (Version 1.4.7.0). This beta program is provided by Microsoft and Asobo Studios to test new features and improvements before their official release. Interested users can sign up via the official Microsoft Flight Simulator forums and download the beta version.
Risks of Participation
As documented in a previous incident involving the so-called Phantom Update (source), beta versions come with an increased risk of losing personal settings or data. The prior update (Version 1.3.23.0) caused issues where user settings were reset to default values. This primarily affected users who participated in the beta for Sim Update 1 but did not leave the beta test program afterward.
Why Beta Testing Is Important
Beta programs allow developers to collect feedback on new features and stability improvements. At the same time, users get early access to new content. However, beta testers should be aware that these versions are not final and may include technical issues.
Registration and Features of Sim Update 2 Beta
According to the official release notes (details here), Sim Update 2 Beta includes:
- Stability and performance improvements.
- Changes to the Career Mode and Challenge League.
- New features and bug fixes, such as:
- Enhancements in VR, flight models, and weather depiction.
- Optimizations for community packages and WASM compatibility.
Important Notes for Participants
Participating in the Sim Update 2 Beta is an exciting opportunity to actively contribute to the development of MSFS 2024. However, users should be aware of the potential risks. Those who register for the beta should back up their data and be prepared for possible issues.
For more information and to sign up, visit the official Microsoft Flight Simulator forums.
