Microsoft Flight Simulator: Editing UserCfg.opt for Cloud Detail

The rendering engine in MSFS uses a specific configuration file called UserCfg.opt to store advanced post-processing and volumetric settings. Many of the game’s most demanding features, such as “Film Grain,” “Lens Flare,” and the “Volumetric Cloud Grid,” are controlled here. For virtual pilots looking for the ultimate realism, we can use this file to force the clouds to render at a higher resolution than the “Ultra” preset allows, while simultaneously disabling performance-heavy post-processing effects that often blur the cockpit instruments.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

• High-End Enthusiasts: Recommended for RTX 3080 / RX 6800 XT and above to unlock “Beyond Ultra” cloud sharpness.
• VR Pilots: Essential for disabling “Bloom” and “Blur” settings that cause eye strain in VR headsets.
• Mid-Range Users: Can be used to lower the VolumetricClouds resolution while keeping other settings high to maintain 30-60 FPS in dense airports.

Backup and Preparation

Because MSFS updates frequently, it may overwrite this file during a patch.

1. Close Microsoft Flight Simulator.
2. Navigate to the directory below (it differs based on your version).
3. Right-click UserCfg.opt, select Copy, and save a backup to your desktop.
4. Open the original with Notepad.

File Location

The location depends on whether you purchased the game through Steam or the Microsoft Store:

Microsoft Store / Game Pass Version: %LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.FlightSimulator_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\UserCfg.opt

Steam Version: %AppData%\Microsoft Flight Simulator\UserCfg.opt

Best Config Settings

Scroll to the bottom of the file to find the {Video and {PostProcess sections. Modify these values for the best balance of cloud detail and performance:

{VolumetricClouds
	Enabled 1
	Quality 3 // 3 is Ultra, 4 is "Hidden" Extreme
}
{PostProcess
	Enabled 1
	EyeAdaptation 1
	ColorGrading 1
	Sharpen 1
	Fringe 0 // Disables Chromatic Aberration (Blurry edges)
	LensFlare 0
	Dirt 0
	Bloom 0
	FilmGrain 0
	Vignette 0
}

Pro Tip: Locate ObjectsLoD and TerrainLoD in the same file. You can manually set these to 3.000000 or 4.000000 (300-400) to see landmarks from much further away than the in-game slider (200) allows.

Key Parameters Explained

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
Quality (Clouds)	3 or 4	Setting this to 4 provides the sharpest cloud edges possible in the engine.
Fringe	0	Removes the “rainbow” blur at the edges of the screen, making gauges clearer.
FilmGrain	0	Eliminates the “noise” effect, which is especially distracting at night.
ObjectsLoD	300 – 400	Dramatically increases the distance at which buildings and trees render.
Bloom	0	Prevents bright clouds from “glowing” too much, which can hide detail.

In-Game Settings vs. Config

To ensure these tweaks work effectively with the MSFS engine:

• Anti-Aliasing: Use DLSS (Quality) or TAA. TAA is generally better for reading small cockpit text.
• Offscreen Terrain Pre-Caching: Set to Ultra. This prevents stutters when you turn your head/camera quickly.
• DirectX Version: DX12 is recommended for newer NVIDIA/AMD cards to better handle the increased LoD.

Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

• Clouds Look “Blocky”: This usually happens if VolumetricClouds is set too low. Ensure Quality is at least 2 or 3.
• FPS Drop Near Large Cities: If increasing the LoD in the config causes lag, lower the TerrainLoD back toward 2.000000 (200).
• Settings Resetting: MSFS often resets this file if you change any graphics settings in-game. Once you are happy with the results, set UserCfg.opt to Read-only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually overriding the UserCfg.opt file, you gain control over the post-processing filters that often “muddy” the image in Microsoft Flight Simulator. You can expect sharper cockpit instruments, more defined cloud formations, and better long-distance visibility. These tweaks are a must-have for any serious simmer looking to maximize the visual fidelity of their global journey.