DCS World Won’t Install the Latest Version 2.9 – Only Installs 2.5? Here’s the Fix.
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This can be confusing because your PC is running Windows 10/11 yet the installer behaves as if you’re on an outdated OS.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, 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 behaviour isn’t documented on Eagle Dynamics’ site, which makes the problem even more frustrating.
The Fix – Step by Step
Here’s the solution that finally worked consistently:
1. Install DCS World on the Same Drive as Windows (Usually C:)
This is the key.
- 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.
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:
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)
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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