If you’re like me, there’s nothing more frustrating than sitting down to play The Sims 4, only to find SIMS 4 won’t open. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many players have reported this issue in 2025, especially with new system updates and patches from EA. Let’s dive into why this happens and how to fix it so you can get back to building your dream Sims world.

Why Won’t The Sims 4 Open?
Before we get into solutions, it helps to understand the possible reasons The Sims 4 won’t launch. Here are some common causes:
- Outdated Game or Mods: If your Sims 4 game or mods aren’t updated to the latest version, conflicts can arise.
- Corrupted Game Files: Over time, game files can become corrupted, especially after updates or improper shutdowns.
- Incompatible System Updates: New operating system updates (like Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma) may cause compatibility issues.
- Third-Party Conflicts: Background apps like antivirus software or overlays (Discord, Nvidia) can interfere with the game.
- Insufficient Hardware Resources: Your PC or Mac may not meet the latest requirements to run The Sims 4 smoothly.

Now that we know the potential culprits, let’s go step-by-step to fix the problem.
Step 1: Update Your Game and Origin/EA App
One of the first things I check is whether my game and launcher are updated. EA frequently releases patches to address bugs and improve compatibility.
- Open the EA App or Origin Launcher:
- Ensure your internet connection is stable.
- Navigate to Library and locate The Sims 4.
- Check for Updates:
- Right-click on The Sims 4 tile and select “Update.”
- Restart the App:
- Close and reopen the EA App or Origin to ensure updates are applied correctly.
Pro Tip: Keep auto-updates enabled for both The Sims 4 and the EA App to avoid manual checks.
Step 2: Repair the Game Files
Corrupted files can easily prevent the game from launching. The good news? Repairing them is simple.
- Open the EA App or Origin Launcher.
- Go to your Library and find The Sims 4.
- Right-click on the game tile and select “Repair.”
This process scans for missing or corrupted files and replaces them automatically. It usually takes a few minutes, depending on your system.

Step 3: Check for Mod or CC Conflicts
I love using mods and custom content (CC) to spice up my gameplay, but they can sometimes cause problems.
- Temporarily Disable Mods:
- Go to Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Mods.
- Move the contents of the Mods folder to a temporary location on your desktop.
- Restart the Game:
- Try launching The Sims 4 without any mods or CC.
- Update or Remove Outdated Mods:
- Visit modding sites like Mod The Sims or creators’ pages to download updated versions.
If the game works without mods, you’ve likely found the culprit. Reintroduce your mods one by one to identify the issue.
Step 4: Adjust Antivirus and Firewall Settings
Some antivirus software can mistakenly flag The Sims 4 as a threat. I’ve had to tweak my settings a few times to ensure smooth gameplay.
- Whitelist The Sims 4:
- Open your antivirus program (e.g., Norton, McAfee, or Windows Defender).
- Add The Sims 4.exe and the EA App as exceptions.
- Disable Real-Time Protection (Temporarily):
- This can help you test if the antivirus is causing the issue. Don’t forget to re-enable it afterward.
- Check Firewall Rules:
- Go to your system’s firewall settings.
- Ensure that both The Sims 4 and the EA App have permission to communicate through the network.
Step 5: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can prevent The Sims 4 from starting. Updating them is crucial, especially if you’ve recently installed new software or system updates.

For Nvidia Users:
- Open GeForce Experience.
- Navigate to the Drivers tab and click “Check for Updates.”
- Install the latest drivers.
For AMD Users:
- Open the AMD Radeon Software.
- Click “Check for Updates” under the Drivers section.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update.
If you’re unsure of your graphics card model, use a tool like Speccy to identify it.
Step 6: Adjust Compatibility Settings
If you’re using an older operating system, you may need to tweak compatibility settings.
- Right-click on The Sims 4.exe file.
- Select “Properties” and go to the “Compatibility” tab.
- Enable “Run this program in compatibility mode for” and select your OS (e.g., Windows 10).
- Check the “Run as Administrator” box.
Apply the changes and relaunch the game.
Step 7: Free Up System Resources
Running The Sims 4 alongside resource-heavy apps can lead to crashes. Here’s how I optimize my system:

- Close Background Apps:
- Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to end unnecessary processes.
- Disable Overlays:
- Turn off overlays from apps like Discord, Nvidia GeForce Experience, or Steam.
- Check Storage Space:
- Ensure you have at least 25 GB free on your system drive.
Step 8: Reinstall The Sims 4
If nothing else works, reinstalling the game is often the last resort. Here’s how:
- Uninstall The Sims 4 from the EA App or Origin.
- Delete leftover files in Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4.
- Reinstall the game and ensure all updates are applied.
Make sure to back up your saves before uninstalling!
Step 9: Seek Help from EA Support
If you’ve tried everything and the game still won’t open, it might be time to contact EA Support. You can reach them at help.ea.com or via their official forums.

Provide the Following Information:
- Your system specs (CPU, GPU, RAM, OS version).
- A description of the issue.
- Any error codes you’ve encountered.
Preventing Future Issues
To avoid running into this problem again, here are some tips:
- Regularly update your game, mods, and drivers.
- Keep your system clean and optimized.
- Avoid downloading unverified mods or CC.
I know how frustrating it is when The Sims 4 won’t open, but with these steps, you should be back to simming in no time. Whether it’s repairing game files, updating mods, or tweaking settings, there’s always a solution. Let me know which fix worked for you in the comments below!
Happy simming! 🏡