Flight Sim X will not work on Windows 8.1

I've had problems too.  everything worked fine FSX, TrackIR, PlanG3, until an update in late January.  Since then I've paid to join 2 companies who claim they can fix PC's and I've paid for lots of new fixit software.  Microsoft Help can't fix it. I've now got FSX partially fixed but cannot load my Playsims British scenery.  the first disk of each volume loads OK, but the page showing the files on the disk comes up and then each subsequent disk takes 8 hours! So far I've been upgraded to Win10, down?graded to Win8, upgraded to Win8.1 and I've had my PC reset to factory settings 3 times. Reloading everything else after these is a nightmare. Time to buy another PC with Win7?

Thanks for the info

i have been running it on Win X and it is working with the same issue you mention of sound in cockpit mode.

the only problem I occasionally have not is stops and tells me my computer is low on memory. Have (4)gb and it worked in Win 8.1 without that warning

Jammerjonn,

Thank you for your reply. I got FSX to run fairly reliably in Windows 8.1 by installing it in the root directory, running as Administrator and compatibility to Windows 7. I have now installed Windows 10 and find performance to be very reliable there. I have a ton of addons installed and all work just fine. I recommend Windows 10. I am having a minor problem with the sound with my Realtech High Definition when in cockpit mode. It has some static it is a minor irritant.

Microsoft sold FSX to Steam Software and hasn't supported it for years. In fact they suggest you buy the Steam Edition of FSX for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. They made changes so it's compatible. Also install FSX into the C:\ FSX, NOT in program files. Also a lot of joysticks are losing connection while in FSX and this is a windows issue. The work around is installing the joystick program instead of allowing windows to do it. Then right click on the icon and change the compatibility to windows 7. Run the troubleshooter program, verify windows can use it and then accept it and  "it should solve the problem" per Microsoft. Unsure if windows 10 will have this same problem or not. Some say it's ok others say no.

I just did a fresh install of windows 8.1.  I ensured all updates were in place as best I could and then installed Flight Sim X. I then installed the service packs and then ran the program.  No files modified but flight sim runs great so far. I installed My Traffic and a Captain Sim C-130 plane pack.  Still runs good.  I tried to install edit voice pack but that had problems running. I will try with some other compatibility stuff later.  But so far it runs good.  I ran it in compatibility mode for Windows Vista (service Pack 2) and Run program as Administrator. Will keep updates as to what other actions happen.

Processor: Intel Core i5-4690K

16 GB Ram

64 Bit Windows 8.1 with Media Center

Asus z97 Motherboard