DCS World Won’t Install the Latest Version 2.9 – Only Installs 2.5? Here’s the Fix.
UPDATED 17/11/25
If you’re trying to install DCS World 2.9, but the installer keeps falling back to the older 2.5 version, you’re not alone. I have been having this issue and its frustrating trying to instal DCS WORLD 2.9 only to find its only DCS WORLD 2.5 when I run the simulator.
This issue isn’t well-documented online, but after running into it myself, the cause and fix became clear and it’s absolutely worth sharing.
Here’s exactly what’s happening, why it occurs, and how to fix it permanently. It has to be said that if your Windows drive is already full then there’s more of an issue. If you can get the base download done then move it to your preferred drive is the only option I can see at the moment then further update it by downloading your own modules.
Lets get started.
Symptoms of the Problem.
When installing DCS World, you may see:
- A message saying DCS 2.9 requires Windows 8.1 or higher
- The installer downloading and installing DCS World 2.5 instead of 2.9 (No Indication is given that its not installing DCS 2.9 until finished).
- No clear explanation from the installer
- You selected another drive (e.g., **D:*) instead of your Windows C:\ installation drive (**C:*)
This can be confusing because your PC is running Windows 10/11 yet the installer behaves as if you’re on an outdated OS.
What’s Causing This?
The DCS installer checks for the operating system version, but there’s a catch:
If you install DCS World onto a drive other than the drive Windows is installed on, the installer may fail to correctly detect Windows 10/11.
In these cases, and it appears they are rare events the installer assumes your OS is incompatible and defaults to the legacy 2.5 build, which still supports older Windows systems. Its a problem I believe I found last time I reinstalled DCS WORLD as I have an install on my C and D drives prior to cleaning up my system.
This is where I failed and deleted the wrong install causing my issue. Be careful! USER ERROR!
This behaviour isn’t documented on Eagle Dynamics’ site, which makes the problem even more frustrating.
The Fix – Step by Step (UPDATED & Fixed)
Here’s the solution that finally worked consistently:
After posting this post I was set to install the DCS 2.9 to my C drive but now the installer reported not enough space. I was frustrated now!
This was the reason I made a mistake in the first place seeing DCS and EAGLE DYNAMICS folders on my C drive as well as my D Drive which I actually used. I intended to delete the unwanted folders on C Drive but mistakenly deleted the D Drive and then It wouldn’t reinstall back in the same place. It said an old install was present and to do a repair.
Updated Repair Option.
Please save all your HOTAS/JOYSTICK profiles unless you want to redo them. I’m now using two joysticks currently so I wanted to make this update anyway.
STEPS:
1. Delete ALL DCS WORLD FOLDERS – any on the C/D/E drive etc. Use the windows uninstaller to remove the bad install first if it appears in your Settings – APPS.
Anything else go ahead and delete it!
2. Go to your USER/Saved games folder and delete all the DCS WORLD folders but if you can save the MODS in a new folder if you have any there. HOTAS profiles too I think!
3. Delete all remaining TEMP files is %Temp% in the Run menu.
4. Run Disk Clean and ensure everything’s clean!
Now download the DCS WORLD 2.9 installer and select your desired drive and go ahead an install. I found once the PC was clear of all DCS/EAGLE DYNAMICS folders it went ahead and reinstalled on the D Drive OK. I’m all reinstalled now!
Unintended Consequences – DCS Account 2FA
I also fell foul of my account no longer being able to access it. The 2FA blocks you as your Google Authenticator codes will NO LONGER WORK. This is frustrating but easily fixable.
Not being able to log into your account because of the 2FA is fixed by having ED delete your 2FA but not your account. Emailing DCS Support and request they disable 2FA on your account. You cannot do this if you cannot log in.
Give SUPPORT your USER NAME – EMAIL ADDRESS and maybe say thanks for helping. They have helped me twice for the same reason in 12 months.
Email: [email protected]
Why do you want 2FA on your account.
You DONT NEED 2FA in DCS normally unless you wish to use the TRIAL option. I don’t think you need it to purchase a new module though! Its been a while since I did a trial or got a new module.
If your not using 2FA you can log into your account and maybe still purchase Modules but you defiantly CANNOT use the TRIAL OPTION for the available trial modules.
This overall process of emailing and then resetting 2FA worked ok last time. I just need to log into my DCS WORLD today and recreate the 2FA for it.
It only took about 6 hours on a SUNDAY of all days from initially emailing support, getting an email notification (AUTO), to getting a your account 2fa has been removed email! I was impressed really! Probably faster on a work day but again this was Sunday!
Thanks Eagle Dynamics for being on the game! Much appreciated!
Next Option!
1. Install DCS World on the Same Drive as Windows (Usually C:)
This is an option if all else fails.
- If Windows is installed on **C:**, then select a folder on *C:* for DCS (e.g.,
C:\DCS World). - Avoid installing on a secondary drive like **D:*, **E:*, etc.
Once you choose the Windows drive, the installer correctly detects the OS and downloads the latest 2.9 version. We can move the install latter which is inconvenient but seems necessary in some cases.
What you can then do is move the installation of DCS 2.9 to another drive as explained below and all will be ok.
2. Delete Old or Corrupt DCS References
If you previously attempted installs, leftover files can cause conflicts.
Delete these folders:
A. User configuration folder
C:\Users\<YourUserName>\Saved Games\DCS\
C:\Users\<YourUserName>\Saved Games\DCS.openbeta\
(Back up anything important like inputs if needed.)
B. Old DCS installation folders
Remove any:
I didn’t do this initially and it wouldn’t reinstall with 2.9!
D:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\
D:\DCS World\
E:\Games\DCS\
Basically, delete any old DCS folders on non-Windows drives.
3. Download the Latest Installer Again
Get the official fresh installer from the Eagle Dynamics website:
- DCS World 2.9 Installer
Run the installer and select the same drive Windows uses.
4. Installation Should Now Detect Windows 10/11 Correctly
You should now see:
- No OS compatibility warning
- The installer downloading 2.9 files
- No fallback to 2.5
Problem solved.
Final Result
Once DCS World is installed on the Windows system drive, everything works perfectly:
- Installs the correct 2.9 version
- No Windows 8.1+ warnings
- No reversion to DCS World 2.5
- All modules and maps stay compatible
This simple fix can save someone hours of troubleshooting which is why it absolutely deserved a dedicated post
DCS DOWNLOADED – OK!
How to Move DCS World to Another Drive and Keep Full Functionality (Safe Method)
This process can be used anytime such as you get a new SSD and want to migrate the massive install you have to a new dedicated drive.
Moving DCS World off your Windows drive is a great way to free up space especially with DCS now taking 300+ GB when fully loaded with modules and maps.
However, moving it incorrectly can break updates, shaders, mods, and even cause version-detection issues (like installing 2.5 instead of 2.9).
Here is the correct, safe method to move your DCS install without breaking functionality.
Method 1 – The Official Safe Way (Using DCS_Updater.exe)
- You must keep your Saved Games folder on the Windows drive
(C:\Users\<You>\Saved Games\DCS\).
This is required for settings, inputs, mods, liveries, OpenXR, etc. - Only the main program folder should be moved.
- Use the built-in DCS Updater for a perfectly clean move.
Step 1 – Create a New Folder on the Target Drive.
Example:
D:\Games\DCS World\
Step 2 – Open Command Prompt
Right-click Command Prompt → Run as Administrator
Step 3 – Navigate to Your Current DCS Folder
For example:
cd "C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\bin"
Or Open Beta If your on an Old Install – There is no longer an OPEN BETA version:
cd "C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World OpenBeta\bin"
Step 4 – Use the DCS Updater to Relocate the Install
Run:
DCS_updater.exe relocate "D:\Games\DCS World"
What this does:
- Moves all files internally
- Regenerates file links
- Updates paths
- Ensures integrity (SRS, TacView, mods, VR, etc.)
- Prevents version mismatch issues
This is the proper way to move DCS.
Step 5 – Let the Relocation Complete.
After the move finishes:
- Start DCS normally
- It should launch from the new drive
- Updates will continue to work correctly
Method 2 – Manual Move (Only If Updater Method Fails)
This works, but is less ideal.
Step 1 – Copy the Entire DCS Folder to the New Drive
Example:
Copy: C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World
Paste to: D:\Games\DCS World
Step 2 – Delete the Old Folder
After confirming the copy is complete, delete:
C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\
Step 3 – Fix the Registry Path (Required)
DCS uses a registry entry to know where the program lives.
Open Registry Editor:
Press:
Win + R → regedit → Enter
Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World
Update the key “Path” to:
D:\Games\DCS World
Step 4 – Run a Repair
Go to:
D:\Games\DCS World\bin\DCS_updater.exe repair
This ensures nothing broke during the manual copy.
Method 3 – Redownload & Preserve Your Modules.(Fastest Clean Reset)
If you prefer a clean install:
- Delete the program folder (not Saved Games)
- Download the latest installer
- Install directly to the new drive
- DCS will automatically detect all purchased modules
This is often faster than copying 300–500 GB manually.
What Stays on the C: Drive and MUST Stay There.
Regardless of where DCS is installed, the following must remain in your Windows user folder:
C:\Users\<YourUserName>\Saved Games\DCS\
This contains:
- Input bindings
- Mods / liveries
- Mission files
- Settings
- Shader cache
- Track files
- Log files
Do not move this folder unless you know how to update Windows junction links (not recommended).
VR Users (OpenXR / SteamVR / Pico / Quest)
Moving DCS does not affect:
- OpenXR
- OpenComposite
- ReShade
- VR runtimes
- Toolkit settings
- MT/ST launch options
Everything inside Saved Games stays intact.
Done – DCS World Is Now Moved Safely
Using DCS_updater relocate is the cleanest, most reliable method.
Your install will:
✅ Stay fully functional
✅ Continue updating normally
✅ Keep all modules and settings
✅ Free up space on your C drive
✅ Avoid the “DCS 2.5 instead of 2.9” issue during reinstall
Author
Brendon McAliece (Aka Gunnie) is a military veteran with 23 years working on Jet Fighters, their weapons systems and ejection seat/module systems as well as munitions and R&D. Involved with flight simulation since the 1980s, he has flown all the major flight simulators over the years.
He is an Australian expat who has lived in Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia and more recently Thailand. He is a multi-lingual blogger who loves to share his life experiences here on LetsFlyVFR.com and DreamingGuitar.com, with his lifestyle and Travel experiences Blog plus his Dreaming Coffee website.
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