Where Are X-Plane 12 Preferences Stored?
X-Plane 12 stores preferences in Output\preferences inside the installation folder. The install location is chosen by the user, with C:\X-Plane 12 as a common default on Windows.
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X-Plane 12 does not place core preferences in AppData or Documents. Settings live next to the simulator in Output\preferences under the folder you selected during install.
Key files include X-Plane.prf and related screen and joystick settings. Deleting selected preference files resets graphics to defaults while leaving aircraft and scenery in place.
Where X-Plane 12 stores this, by platform
<install-dir>\Output\preferences
<install-dir> is the X-Plane 12 root folder selected at install, often C:\X-Plane 12. It holds X-Plane.exe alongside Aircraft, Resources and Output. Open Output then preferences to find X-Plane.prf. Avoid Program Files because permission limits can block writes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reset graphics without reinstalling?
Close X-Plane, back up Output preferences, then remove X-Plane.prf and X-Plane Screen Res.prf. Start the simulator to generate fresh defaults, then restore joystick files from backup if needed.
Why do preferences keep reverting?
Confirm the install folder is writable and not under OneDrive or a network path. Run from a local SSD path such as C:\X-Plane 12 and keep the simulator closed while restoring backups.
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