How to Fix The Sims 4 Not Launching, Crashing, or Freezing

To fix The Sims 4 not launching, crashing, or freezing, you can try updating your graphics card, running the game as an administrator, or allowing it in your antivirus.

You can also try disabling overlays/conflicting programs, repairing/verifying the game files, or updating Windows.

The Sims 4 became free-to-play in October for all platforms.

Download for free, and customize your Sims, homes, and more.

You can pick how your Sims look, act, dress, and control their life.

Design homes for each family and decorate your furnishings.

Travel to neighborhoods to meet other Sims and learn about their stories.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix The Sims 4 not launching, crashing, freezing, or having a white/black screen.

• Fix 1: Update your graphics card
• Fix 2: Run The Sims 4 as an administrator
• Fix 3: Allow The Sims 4 in your antivirus
• Fix 4: Disable overlays/conflicting programs
• Fix 5: Repair/verify the game files
• Fix 6: Update Windows to the latest version

Fix 1: Update your graphics card

• For Nvidia: Visit https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/geforce-experience/download/ > Download Now > open the app > sign up or log in > Drivers > Download.
• For AMD: Visit https://www.amd.com/en/support > Download > open the app > follow the on-screen instructions to update your graphics card.

Fix 2: Run The Sims 4 as an administrator

1. Navigate to your Steam library.
2. Right-click The Sims 4 > Properties > Local Files > Browse.
3. Right-click the The Sims 4 > Properties > Compatibility > Run this program as an administrator > Enable > OK > Launch the game.

Fix 3: Allow The Sims 4 in your antivirus

• Open the Windows settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection > Allow an app through Controlled folder access > Add an allowed app > Browse all apps > select The Sims 4 app > Open.
• Open the Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall > Change settings > Allow another app… > Browse… > select The Sims 4 app > Add.
• Turn off Real-time protection: Open the Windows settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Real-time protection > Off.

Fix 4: Disable overlays/conflicting programs

• Navigate to your Steam library > right-click The Sims 4 > Properties > Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game > Disable.
• Open Steam > Steam > Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache.
• Unplug the Logitech or Thrustmaster racing wheel.
• End the task for Razer Synapse or MSI Dragon Center.
• Close all of your tabs to free up RAM and relaunch the game.

Fix 5: Repair/verify the game files

1. Navigate to your Steam library.
2. Right-click The Sims 4 > Properties > Local Files.
3. Click on “Verify integrity of game files”.
4. Launch The Sims 4.

Fix 6: Update Windows to the latest version

1. Search for “Check for updates” using Windows Search.
2. Update Windows to the latest version.
3. Launch The Sims 4.

Further reading

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