Top 8 Fixes for Sims 4 Won't Launch Issues

For many dedicated players, encountering the "Sims 4 won't launch" issue is really a headache. This common problem can stem from a variety of sources that will be discussed and explained in this article. Also, in this guide, we'll walk you through show you a series of troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the Sims 4 won't launch issue. Let's get started!

Part 1. Why The Sims 4 Won’t Open?

The Sims 4 is a popular life simulation game, but sometimes it refuses to open, leaving players frustrated. Several factors could be behind this issue, ranging from technical problems to software conflicts. Let's see them one by one.

🛠️Corrupted Game Files. If the game files are damaged, The Sims 4 may fail to launch. You can fix this by repairing the game in the Origin client.

💾Outdated or Corrupted Drivers. Old or faulty graphics or network drivers can prevent the game from running. Make sure to update your drivers to see if it resolves the issue.

🔒Antivirus Blocking the Game. Sometimes, antivirus programs mistakenly block the game from opening. Temporarily disable your antivirus software to check if it's causing the problem.

🧩Too Many or Corrupted Mods. If you're using Mods, excessive or damaged ones might interfere with the game. Try removing some Mods or checking for corrupted ones to see if the issue is fixed.

📂Corrupted Installation. Problems with the game or the Origin client installation can also cause launch issues. Reinstalling The Sims 4 or the Origin client might solve the problem.

⚙️Software Conflicts. Conflicts with other programs running on your computer can prevent the game from opening. Perform a clean boot to eliminate potential software interference.

Part 2. 8 To Do When Sims 4 Not Opening

Having issues with The Sims 4 not launching? Don't panic. Various reasons could be causing this, and there are several methods to fix it. Here's a list of 8 practical steps you can follow to resolve the problem.

To Do 1. Try To Repair The Game

If Sims 4 isn't opening on your PC, the first step you should try is repairing the game. Corrupted game files are often the reason why the game won't launch. Fixing the game files can help resolve this issue. Follow these steps to repair the game:

Step 1. Open the Origin client on your computer.

Step 2. Go to the Library and find the Sims 4.

Step 3. Right-click on The Sims 4 and select Repair from the menu.

Step 4. Wait for the repair process to finish.

Step 5. Once completed, try launching the game to check if it works.

To Do 2. Update The Gpu Card Driver

An outdated or faulty graphics driver is a common reason why games like The Sims 4 may not launch properly. If your graphics drivers are corrupted or not updated, it can cause issues with running the game. Updating your graphics drivers can help solve this problem.

Here are some ways to update your graphics drivers:

Step 1. To open the Settings app, press Windows + I. Go to Windows Update and Advanced options, then Optional Updates, and check for graphics driver updates.

Step 2. Visit the official website of your device manufacturer to download and install the latest graphics drivers.

Step 3. Use Device Manager to update your display drivers directly.

After updating your drivers, restart your computer and try launching The Sims 4 again to see if the issue is resolved. Go on to the following troubleshooting step if it still doesn't work.

To Do 3. Update The Network Controller Driver

Updating only the graphics driver might not resolve the issue since a faulty network controller driver could also be the cause. In this case, you should try updating your network controller driver to see if it solves the problem. For steps on how to update the network driver, refer to method 2.

To Do 4. Disable Your Antivirus

In many cases, your antivirus might be the reason why The Sims 4 isn’t opening. To check if this is the issue, try temporarily disabling your antivirus and see if the game launches. If it does, your antivirus is likely blocking the game. To fix this permanently without keeping your antivirus turned off, add the game’s executable file and Origin’s executable file to your antivirus’s exception or exclusion list.

To Do 5. Check Mods In Sims 4

Mods in Sims 4 might be the reason why the game isn’t launching. To check if this is the issue, you can try removing the Mods and see if it helps. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1. Navigate to the Mods folder after opening the Documents and Electronic Arts and The Sims 4 folders.

Step 2. Cut all the files from the Mods folder and paste them onto your desktop.

Step 3. Try launching the game to see if it opens.

If the game launches, it means the Mods were causing the issue. You can then move the Mods back into the original folder one at a time to identify which one is causing the problem.

To Do 6. Reset Sims 4

Corrupted game files can also cause issues with launching Sims 4. If this might be the problem, resetting the game could help fix it. Before resetting, it’s a good idea to back up your game files. Here’s how you can do it:

Backing Up the Game Files

Step 1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E, then go to Documents and Electronic Arts.

Step 2. Find the Sims 4 folder.

Step 3. Select Copy, then paste the folder onto your desktop or another location for safekeeping.

Step 4. Rename the backup folder (e.g., Sims 4 Backup) to keep it organized.

Restoring the Game

Step 1. Navigate to Electronic Arts and Documents in File Explorer.

Step 2. Choose Delete with a right-click on the Sims 4 folder.

Step 3. To permanently delete the folder, empty the Recycle Bin.

Step 4. Paste your backup folder back into the Electronic Arts directory after copying it.

Resetting the Game

Step 1. Open File Explorer, then choose Electronic Arts and Documents.

Step 2. Choose Delete with a right-click on the Sims 4 folder.

Step 3. Empty the Recycle Bin.

Step 4. Try starting Sims 4 after restarting your PC.

To Do 7. Reinstall Sims 4 Or The Origin Client

If none of the previous fixes solve the problem, the game’s installation files may be corrupted, which could prevent Sims 4 from opening. In this case, reinstalling the game might help resolve the issue.

Sometimes, the problem could also be with the Origin client. If so, try uninstalling Origin and then reinstalling it on your PC to see if that fixes the problem.

To Do 8. Troubleshoot In A Clean Boot State

Software conflicts might stop Sims 4 from opening. You can try performing a clean boot to fix this problem. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. In the search field of the Start menu, type MSConfig and hit Enter. The System Configuration window will appear.

Step 2. Go to the General tab. Uncheck Load Startup Items after selecting Selective Startup. Make sure to tick the boxes for Use Original Boot Configuration and Load System Services.

Step 3. Switch to the Services tab. If you see the box for Hide All Microsoft Services disable all non-Microsoft services.

Step 4. Choose the Startup tab then open the Task Manager. In Task Manager, disable all startup apps by right-clicking each and selecting Disable. Close Task Manager.

Step 5. Navigate back to the System Configuration window, select Apply, and then select OK. Restart your computer.

Step 6. After restarting, your system will be in a clean boot state. Launch Sims 4 and check if it opens properly.

Step 7. If the issue persists, repeat the process, but this time also uncheck Load System Services in the General tab before restarting.

Part 3. How to Fix Recorded Sims 4 Won’t Open?

If you’ve been facing issues with Sims 4 not opening, you may also encounter challenges with corrupted video files of your gameplay recordings. This can be frustrating, especially if those recordings capture epic moments in the game. To tackle this, a reliable tool like Repairit Video Repair can come in handy.

Repairit Video Repair is one of the trusted fixers when it comes to corrupted video files. Let's say your recorded Sims 4 video is damaged due to crashes, interruptions during recording, or file corruption. Repairit job is to analyze the damaged file structure. Its advanced features ensure that the repaired videos retain their original resolution, quality, and sound, making it seem like nothing ever went wrong.

Here's how to use Repairit Video Repair:

Step 1. Launch Repairit on your computer. Press the +Add button to choose the Sims 4 file you wish to fix.

Step 2. Press the Repair button to begin fixing the file.

Step 3. Once the repair is complete, you can use the preview option to check if the file is fixed and playable. Then, select Save and pick a folder on your computer to save the repaired Sims 4 video.

Conclusion

We understand how annoying it can be when Sims 4 won't launch, especially if you’ve been a loyal player for years. The good news is that there are plenty of solutions to try—from repairing game files to updating your drivers or checking your Mods folder. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll likely find the fix that works for you. Moreover, if you’re dealing with corrupted gameplay recordings, don't forget that there is a tool willing to help you. Happy Simming!