How To Fix Sims 4 Crashing At Startup

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand the potential causes of Sims 4 startup crashes:

• Outdated or Corrupted Mods/Custom Content (CC): Mods and CC can significantly enhance gameplay, but they can also conflict with game updates or become corrupted, leading to crashes.
• Outdated Graphics Drivers: Incompatible or outdated graphics drivers can cause instability and crashes.
• Corrupted Game Files: Game files can become corrupted due to various reasons, including incomplete updates or hard drive errors.
• Insufficient System Resources: If your computer doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements or is running low on resources, it can struggle to run the game.
• Conflicting Background Applications: Other applications running in the background may interfere with the game.
• Issues with the Origin/EA App Client: Problems with the game launcher can also cause startup issues.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolving Sims 4 startup crashes:

1. Update Graphics Drivers:

• Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date.
• Visit the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
• Install the drivers and restart your computer.

2. Repair Game Files:

• If you’re using the EA App:
  • Open the EA App.
  • Go to your Game Library.
  • Right-click on The Sims 4 and select “Repair.”
• If you’re using Origin:
  • Open Origin.
  • Go to your Game Library.
  • Right-click on The Sims 4 and select “Repair Game.”
• Allow the repair process to complete.

3. Remove Mods and Custom Content (CC):

• Mods and CC are often the primary culprits for crashes.
• Move your Mods folder (located in Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4) to your desktop or another location.
• Try launching the game without mods.
• If the game launches successfully, the issue lies with your mods or CC.
• To identify the problematic files:
  • Move small batches of mods/CC back into the Mods folder.
  • Launch the game after each batch.
  • Repeat until you find the conflicting file(s).
  • Delete or update the problematic files.

4. Clear the EA App/Origin Cache:

• Clearing the cache can resolve issues with the game launcher.
• For the EA App:
  • Click the three horizontal lines in the top left corner.
  • Scroll down and select help.
  • Select App recovery.
  • Select Clear cache.
• For Origin:
  • Press Windows key + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
  • Navigate to Origin and delete the cache folder.
  • Press Windows key + R, type %localappdata%, and press Enter.
  • Navigate to Origin and delete the cache folder.

5. Update the EA App/Origin Client:

• Ensure your game launcher is up to date.
• The EA App usually updates automatically. If not, look for an update option in the client.
• Origin Usually updates automatically as well, but can be forced to check for updates in the origin menu.

6. Close Background Applications:

• Close unnecessary background applications that may be consuming system resources.
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• End any non-essential processes.

7. Run the Game as Administrator:

• Right-click on The Sims 4 executable file and select “Run as administrator.”
• Also run the EA App/Origin as administrator.

8. Check System Requirements:

• Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for The Sims 4.
• If your system is borderline, consider upgrading your hardware or lowering the game’s graphics settings.

9. Reinstall The Sims 4:

• If all else fails, consider reinstalling The Sims 4.
• Uninstall the game through the EA App/Origin.
• Delete any remaining game files from your computer.
• Reinstall the game.

10. Check for Windows Updates:

• Make sure your operating system is fully updated.
• Go to settings, then windows update, and check for updates.