The Sims 4 Technical Issues - PC

PC players get help with their technical issues in The Sims 4 here.52,034 Posts

Forum Widgets

Recent Discussions

[READ FIRST] Troubleshooting your Game
There are several steps one can take to troubleshoot their own game before seeking help. There are some standard recipes that can help with several game problems. Index Resetting the game to factory settings without reinstalling Keeping your Computer updated Virus protection and Firewalls conflicts Things you can try if you run into a problem within the game EA app gives you trouble Posting a question Known Issues Resetting the game to factory settings without reinstalling Many problems can be pinpointed on custom content or corruption in your user data. There's an easy way to reset your game to factory settings without going through the ordeal of reinstalling the whole thing (Path can be different depending on your OS): Make a backup of theSims4 folder in Documents\ElectronicArts to an external drive or a different place on your harddrive (or to a flash/external drive). This is only a backup if anything goes wrong. You won't need this folder for the further steps. Rename your theSims4 folder in Documents\ElectronicArts to Sims4_Backup Start the game (All your save games will be gone, your options will be reset to factory settings and all your custom content will be gone. Not to worry, it's all still there in that backup folder). You will also temporarily loose your event rewards. Those are saved in the file usersettings.ini. A new Sims 4 folder will have been recreated in your documents\electronicArts folder. Some folders might be missing for they are only created when you need them. You will need to start a new game for your old saves are still gone See if your error is gone. The Error is gone now Starting putting the folders back, starting with your saves. Check your game after every folder. The Tray folder contains all your downloaded houses and Sims that show in your library. AccountDataDB.package file contains the unlocked event rewards. Make sure to copy that back. Only put stuff back from your mods folder that is verified to still work. ALL custom content can potentially cause problems. If you found out which folder is causing problems, put your stuff back in groups or one by one until you find the guilty party. Not all folders need putting back. See this for what folder does what: User files explained Same Error still exists Either make your own post, following the guidelines here: Help us helpers to help you or if you already have one and were referred here, post there. ↑ Keeping your Computer updated Out-dated graphic and sound drivers, missing Windows Service Packs and other components that are not up-to-date can cause problems with your game. Make sure you you update those regularly. Computer maintenance is important. Defrag your Computer, clean your Registry and get rid of temporary files on a regular basis. Also clean the ventilators from time to time and if you have a desktop open it up and clean it inside. Backup your important files. That goes for your music, your photos as well as your Sims User Files. You'll find the user files in Documents\ElectronicArts. Copy the whole folder to an external drive. ↑ Virus protection and Firewalls conflicts They are both very important and no Computer should be without. Nevertheless can they lead to issues. If you have trouble patching or the launcher doesn't work correctly, make sure you tell your Virus program/Firewall that the EA Site is safe by adding Origin.exe, TS4.exe, TS4_x64.exe and thesims.com and Origin.com, as exceptions. ↑ Things you can try if you run into a problem within the game These tips are things you can try if you see any kind of weird behavior in your game. Use the cheat resetsim <firstname> <lastname> to reset a particular Sim in your town. You won't loose any progress, all it does is put the Sim to a safe location from where he can start acting again Restart the game or the computer Go traveling Go to Manage world and move your Sim out of his home and then back into the same one. If you have money troubles, use the cheat freerealestate. Load a backup game. Start a new game to see if the error is only happening in the current save game. Make sure to completely close down your game before starting a different game. Not just go to the mainmenu. Start the game in windowed mode ↑ EA app gives you troubles A lot of issue can be pinpointed on corrupt installations or issues with Ea app itself. Try the following things first: Repair the game through Origin Right-click on the game Choose Repair Game. Reinstall Origin. Deactivate Origin in game ↑ Posting a question If you need help, make sure you post as much information as possible. Include your computer information and info about whether you use Custom Content or mods and what EPs you own. ↑
crinrict
Hero+
11 years ago
pc
965KViews
59likes
1Comment
How do I change the language in the Sims 4?
I have downloaded the Sims 4 and it happens that the game is in Spanish, event if my Origin account is set to English. How do I change the language of the game? Thanks!
Anonymous
11 years ago
pc
608KViews
32likes
29Comments
My sims4 game won't start.
I've been trying to get my sims game to start for around an hour now, I've tried everything now - and probably done more harm than good by changing stuff. But I'm getting very frustrated, I just want to play the sims. Installing the sims3 was much easier. Origin either, doesn’t start, and when it does, it won’t let me play the sims. I’ve tried getting it to work many different ways. But it won’t open. Clicking play in origin itself results in nothing. Clicking open on the sims itself results in nothing. Clicking run as administrator results in nothing. I really need help, anyone?
Solved
Anonymous
11 years ago
pc
452KViews
151likes
68Comments
Issues with opening cheat console
I just want to say, I'm having fun playing Sims 4. It's fun, and I love how my Sims look. I'm just trying to figure out why I can't use cheats. No matter what I do, the cheat window/console won't open for me, and I know I'm pressing CTRL+SHIFT+C. Am I supposed to press them in a certain order? Is anyone else having this problem? Please help, as if I can't use cheats, I may just return the game. Edit By Crinrict: Removed Tag to Title
Solved
Rosebunse
11 years ago
pc
429KViews
63likes
239Comments
Sims 4 money cheat not working
Hi guys, Most of the cheats I try in Sims 4 are not working. I usually play without cheats, so this is the first time I tried using them in The Sims 4 (although I think I used the motherlode cheat just after my sister and I got the game to see if it is still the same, and it worked). Her game's cheats are working perfectly fine, but mine aren't, all of the sudden. I thought typing "testingcheats true" first would help - it worked (says "Cheats are enabled"), but the other cheats like motherlode, freerealestate, katching, etc. still don't work. I didn't try all cheats as that would take forever, so I can't name all that aren't working. I updated my game today as well, but still nothing. I haven't played the game for a month, but I didn't change or move any files in the mean time. I don't see why it would suddenly stop working... If there is a patch for this, please direct me to one. I didn't find one yet. Please help me!
Solved
BlouPiesang
11 years ago
pc
421KViews
16likes
48Comments
Remove Moodlets?
Is there a way to remove any moodlet in the sims 4? I want to remove a moodlet from one of my sims in the sims 4, but I'm not sure how.
Solved
Jaguwarr
9 years ago
pc
375KViews
14likes
7Comments
DirectX 11 (DX11) for The Sims 4 - A Step-by-Step Guide
DirectX 11 (DX11) for The Sims 4 - A Step-by-Step Guide OVERVIEW DirectX 11, abbreviated as DX11, is a set of drivers from Microsoft that enhance visual and audio performance for games. Applying DX11 to The Sims 4 on a compatible PC can result in better performance, smoother animations, and overall improved gameplay experience. Please note that DX11 is not available for PlayStation or Mac systems. In our latest updates we have defaulted players using NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards to Direct X 11. NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards Players using NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards are now automatically set to use DirectX 11. If you had previously opted into DirectX 11 manually, please remove the "-dx11" argument to ensure smooth gameplay. Instructions are provided below. Note: If the "-dx11" argument is not removed, players will not have the option to view or select the DirectX 9 option from the in-game settings. Intel or other graphics cards Players using any other graphics cards, including Intel, will continue to enjoy The Sims 4 on DirectX 9 with an update to DirectX 11 to come at a later date. However if you would like to switch to DirectX 11, please follow the steps provided below. Check DirectX Version To verify that you are on DirectX 11, navigate to the main menu and check the bottom right corner of the screen. DirectX 11 Technical Issues and Feedback Thread For additional info, or to direct issues/feedback, please visit [DirectX 11 Technical Issues and Feedback Thread] Before reporting an issue please ensure that your graphics drivers are fully up to date: AMD Drivers NVIDIA Drivers If you wish to disable DX11 for the time being, please scroll to the end of this page for instructions. Important Reminder: Only scan QR codes from the following sources: The Sims 4 Main Menu in the game client, @TheSims and @TheSimsDirect official X.com channel Do not scan QR codes from the Gallery, forums, or AHQ HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR COMPUTER SUPPORTS DX11 Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type "dxdiag" and press Enter. In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window that appears, click on the "Display" tab, or “Display 1” tab if you have a multi-monitor setup. Under the "Drivers" section, look for "Feature Levels". If “11_0” or higher is listed, your computer supports DX11. HOW TO ENABLE DX11 EA App & Epic Game Store & Game Pass for PC: Open the EA App on your computer. Find The Sims 4 in your game library. Click on the game advance settings (3 dot icon) above the play button. Select "View Properties". In the "Advanced launch options" box, type "-dx11" Click "Save" to apply the changes. Steam: Open Steam and go to your library. Right-click on The Sims 4 and select "Properties". Under the "General" tab, find the "Launch Options" box In the text field, type "-dx11" Click "OK" to save your changes. Desktop Shortcut: EA App: *Requires Windows Admin permission Right-click on The Sims 4 desktop shortcut and select 'Properties'. In the 'Target' field, add a space at the end and then type "-dx11". Click 'Apply', then 'OK' to save the changes. HOW TO DISABLE DX11 Follow the same steps as above to reach the "Command Line Arguments" box (EA App) or the "Set Launch Options" text field (Steam). Simply delete "-dx11" and save your changes. HOW TO FORCE DX9 If you run into issues launching The Sims 4 on your AMD or NVIDIA card after this update: Follow the same steps as above to reach the "Command Line Arguments" box (EA App) or the "Set Launch Options" text field (Steam). In the text field, type "-dx9" Click "OK" to save your changes. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, please feel free to ask in this thread. Please be aware that we’re still fine-tuning our DX11 implementation and are aware of some existing issues. Further enhancements are on the way! HOW TO DISABLE DX11 - Through In-Game Options (ONLY players on NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards will be able to see this option) Launch The Sims 4 From the main menu, select Options → Game Options → Graphics In the “Graphics” tab, find the “DirectX 9” checkbox at the bottom right of the menu Click the “DirectX 9” checkbox The Sims 4 will run in DirectX 9 on the next launch
EA_Cade
Community Manager
2 years ago
pc
357KViews
51likes
0Comments
Sims 4 Stuck on Loading Screen
Hello, Was wondering if you could help me. I have got the Limited Edition of Sims 4 and I have had it since its release date. I have been playing the game just fine up until yesterday but now it just hangs at the loading screen and doesnt let me get the the neighbourhood or any families that i have created. My laptop more than exceeds the specs required to run the game and other than now I havent had any issues running the game. I run the game normally and i get to he Main Menu and I am able to hit the 'Play' button but then it gets to the loading screen and I cannot get any further. It just stays 'Loading' forever, it doesnt look like its crashed so much as the words at the bottom are constantly changing and the loading bar moves around the plumbob repeatedly but its just a never ending cycle at this point. I'd really apprecite it if someone could help me.
Solved
XxNooniexX
11 years ago
pc
356KViews
50likes
91Comments
Origin is not running message (d3382ced:984c6a38:00000000)... although it is
I got the Sims 4 download for Christmas, and It downloaded, and not it won't launch. I have tried everything. I have uninstalled and reinstalled both the game and origin 3 times, I have cleared files, clean booted, and even attempted to talk to an EA rep, but nothing is working. When something does look like its about to happen, I get the message, "Origin is not running, make sure that it is running before attempting to play the Sims 4", but Origin is running. In my task manager it shows that the game is runnning, but nothing comes up. Also in Origin, it shows that I have played the game "31 hours played" I don't know what else to do! Please help!
Solved
Anonymous
11 years ago
pc
341KViews
83likes
215Comments
cas.fulleditmode not working properly??
Hi I'm trying to modify/edit a sim by using the cheat cas.fulleditmode, I type in testinghcheats true and then it says "cheats are enabled". Then, i type in cas.fulleditmode but it doesn't do anything and i have tried cas.fulleditmode true and on. It used to work for me before. I had my computer in a different room in my house and after i moved it into the room i am in now, it doesn't work and I don't know why and I have tried to look up why it isn't working. All i am getting is posts from 2014-2015 saying the problem has been solved. I have re downloaded origin, shut my computer off and turned it back on, i don't know what else to try. I know that you don't really support cheats but it would be great if you knew how to solve this 🙂. Thanks.
Solved
Anonymous
9 years ago
pc
335KViews
4likes
7Comments
Where is mods folder for sims 4 in windows 10??
I recently got a new laptop and downloaded Windows 10 on it. I downloaded Sims 4, (I had played it before on other laptops) and I wanted to put custom content in my game, like always. But I searched and I couldn't find the mods folder anywhere in the Electronic Arts/The Sims 4. I also couldn't find the saves folder either. Does anybody else have this problem, know anything about it, know how to help??
Solved
Annie_Dawgdawg
10 years ago
pc
333KViews
23likes
34Comments
Sims 4- Cant find town map
I have just started playing Sims 4.. and I cant work out how to get to town map? any help would be fantastic!
Solved
Anonymous
11 years ago
pc
327KViews
15likes
22Comments
sims 4 cheat not working after update
Hey 🙂 my sims 4 was updated yesterday and since then the cheat sims.fill_all_commodities doesn't work anymore.... ☹️ what shall i do? wait for the next update?????? ☹️ please help
Solved
Anonymous
11 years ago
pc
301KViews
9likes
29Comments
[FIXED] Loading family just loads Map again
Update: If you are facing this issue after patch 1.24.102 (Oct 27th), please take a look to this thread. Update: As this thread has been locked, a new version has been created here instead: http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-4/ISSUE-Loading-family-just-loads-Map-again-PLEASE-READ-FIRST-POST/td-p/4672173 Please visit the new one as it will contain the latest information. Cause This problem isn't as much as a bug but a symptom of a problem that occurs in your game. The game tries to load the household and then hits a problem/corruption and can't load the lot because of that. It then bounces back to the world screen. EA/Maxis has fixed a lot of causes for this since it first started happening but there's still issues around and causes need to be found. It could be something on the lot or a faulty Sim or object. You can either try troubleshooting yourself or upload your save game so EA/Maxis can take a look at it. They might find a cause and fix it in the next update. Outdated mods are a major player in this so if you can't pinpoint your error to a specific save game, it's probably a mod. An other issue with this is that once you have it in one household, it spreads to all others and also other save games if you don't close down the game completely. Going to the main menu will affect other save games. So for troubleshooting, always close down your game and restart before trying something different. Before posting please try the solutions below: Issue with unfinished paintings/broken easel Issue with relationships Issue with pictures of content you don't own If none of the above help, try troubleshooting as below Try loading a backup. Make sure it's not an incompatible mod causing the issue for you. Repair the game or the packs as suggested by BartSimpson249 If you need help narrowing down the issue, zip this folder: documents\electronicarts\thesims4\saves and upload to mediafire or dropbox. Then post the the link. I can't promise to look at all of the but EA is still reading this thread and borked savegames help to reproduce the error. If you are uploading your saves folder, please state which game you have issues with and which family doesn't load or what you're doing. Instructions how to salvage your house and Sims if the game no longer works
Solved
crinrict
Hero+
11 years ago
pc
275KViews
63likes
1430Comments
Testing cheats not working, HELP!
Forgive me if this is in the wrong place, I'm very new! I came to this forum for help, turning the cheats on in my game isn't working. I pull.up the cheats menu and type in testingcheats on or testingcheats true and it says something like it's not able to execute that command. I don't have any gameplay mods but I do have some CCs, if that makes a difference. Please help me! Thank you so much if you can!
Solved
ulthoperobot
7 years ago
pc
272KViews
3likes
9Comments
{SOLUTION} Sims4 No Sound Bug on Computer/Laptop
Computer/laptop playing audio on everything else besides sims4? Try some of these fixes for this problem! (Feel free to post any other fixes i may have missed) 1. A very common thing that seems to fix the problem is by simply going into the game files and deleting the Config, and Option files. Follow this link to the original place i found it at here --->http://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-4/SOLUTION-Fix-for-no-sound-in-Sims-4/m-p/4124823 2. A common but sometimes unknown reason you may not be getting sound from sims 4 or maybe even your pc/laptop in general is out of date drivers. Simply go to windows explorer (windows 8.1 and older) or go to the Cortana Search bar (windows 10) and type in "Device Manager" From there you will find a list of components labeled Accordingly with their icons next to them. Go thru the Ones with an audio icon next to them and make sure they are up to date by right clicking on them (or double clicking) and select "Update drivers" You will be brought up with a prompt that asks which method to find drivers (Either manually find drivers on your computer, or to automatically search for them on your pc/laptop and throughout the internet. i recommend the automatic option as it is the easiest for someone who doesn't know much about computers) Once that is all done, and you have checked all audio drivers; exit out of the manager and procced to run sims. 3. A Not so common problem is your PC / Laptop Muting or not having game and or origin volume up. A fix to the problem is simply Run Sims4 then once it is fully booted up into the menu (good to check in game volumes through the game options menu as good measure) Just tap the windows home button key (hard to miss its the windows logo) and tab out if you are in fullscreen. Next look down in the right hand corner for a icon that represents a speaker Make sure that volume is up. Right click on the speaker and click "open volume mixer" And make sure both Sims And origins volume is up 4. try repairing the game by right clicking on sims in origins and click "Repair" It will automatically verify files and fix and corrupted files. 5. A last ditch effort to fixing no sound is this. Find out what the audio device name is. (simply right click on the speaker icon go to playback devices/Right click on a device and click test until you hear two chimes) Now that you have found out your audio device name (I.E "Speakers (High definition audio device)) go to the device manager (if you don't know how go back to option 2 which is right above) After that you will want to click on the audio icons until you your audio device (I.e Speakers (High Definition Audio Device)) once you have found it. Don't go further, Find out your audio driver and have it ready to be installed. now go back to device manager and hit uninstall. This should take a minute or so, now you wont have any audio at all, so go ahead and reinstall the drivers by going up and doing as mentioned before.. find your audio drivers. an easy way to do this is to do as follows Click on the speaker icon in the bottom right hand corner, click playback devices, go to properties and it should tell you. ( I.E Realtek) Next go up onto the web and search for _______ Audio drivers. (DISCLAIMER: I am not able to take legal consequences if you get a virus or torrent on your computer. YOU are liable for making sure you get the right drives. MAKE SURE IT IS A LEGIT SITE YOU ARE GETTING DRIVERS FROM. MOST IF NOT ALL HARDWARE DRIVERS ARE FREE, YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY.) Now that you have done that and have drivers installed go ahead and try sims and it should work! Thanks for taking the time to go ahead and read my thread! CM - If the steps above do not assist, check out this post (that is toward the end of this thread) with some additional steps!
Solved
Anonymous
9 years ago
pc
267KViews
21likes
97Comments
adult sim read to child (sims 4)
I can't find a way to get an adult sim to read to a child which I need to do for a milestone in their aspiration. Can someone help?
Solved
Anonymous
11 years ago
pc
255KViews
22likes
21Comments
Mods not showing up despite trying everything?
So I recently installed the Sims 4 again, and had to re-enable mods after the newest update. Everything was fine, so I went to create a Sim, only to be unable to pick traits or aspirations, which I looked up and found out it was a faulty mod or something like that, and after trying everything I just decided to restart my file. (Which meant backing up my folder before deleting it entirely and then starting the game, which restarted my game entirely). After that, I installed some new mods and kept some of the older ones since I'm pretty sure they weren't the bad ones. Though I've tried everything, none of my mods are showing up in the game, I won't even get the popup in the beginning. I have it checked to allow mods, I've tried restarting my computer, restarting my file, checking for bad mods, deleting them entirely. I've even tried running my first file, and even swapping the new mods with all the old ones, and they won't even pop up then. I had this problem when I first started playing, and was able to fix it, but I don't remember how since that was a few months ago. I don't have any subfolders, and all the mods are .package. I've edited the resource.cfg, even tried deleting it, but nothing is working. Any help?
Solved
Anonymous
9 years ago
pc
247KViews
13likes
20Comments
My sims 4 keeps crashing during gameplay!!
This is my last resort before i take this game back!! My laptop is brand new and has all the requirements to run the game. I have to save it every ten minutes at least to ensure that when it does crash i dont lose 3hrs worth of gameplay which has happened a few too many times. It just freezes then a message will come up saying that the sims 4 has stopped working & windows is trying to find a solution but gives me no option other than to close the game. Any ideas as to what it is? I will be so dissapointed if i have to take it back, i have never had this problem with any previous versions of the sims and i didnt even have a decent laptop then! Very frustrating! PLEASE HELP 🙂
Solved
Anonymous
11 years ago
pc
246KViews
67likes
44Comments
Sims 4 GTW: How to view the Police Notebook in the Detective Career
Hey All, Feeling really silly... I bought the Sims 4 and the Get To Work expansion pack today. I've started my first sim off in the Detective career, but I'm really stuck with arresting people as I cannot figure out how on earth I "Use the Notebook to review the suspects description before arresting them." Presumably there's some sort of action I'm missing... It's probably obvious, but I really am missing it. Any help GREATLY appreciated! (I keep arresting the wrong people = bad!) Cheers, Will
Solved
wjhamilton
11 years ago
pc
243KViews
9likes
7Comments

Read First

Featured Places

The Sims Game Info Hub
Catch up on Sims highlights, announcements, news, patch notes, livestream, with curation guides and posts from Maxis.
The Sims 4
Share your Sims 4 creations, discuss stories, get help with expansions & updates, or help others in our friendly forum.
- The Sims 4 General Discussion
  Join lively discussions, share tips, and exchange experiences on Sims 4 Expansion Packs, Game Packs, Stuff Packs & Kits.
- The Sims 4 Feedback
  Share your feedback around The Sims 4 with the community.
- The Sims 4 Creative Corner
  Share screenshots, stories, builds, custom creations, mods, challenges, and funny moments in our Sims 4 Creative Corner.
- The Sims 4 Gameplay Questions & Issues
  Get help and answers to your gameplay questions and issues in The Sims 4.
- The Sims 4 Technical Issues - PC
  PC players get help with their technical issues in The Sims 4 here.
- The Sims 4 Technical Issues - Mac
  Do you have technical issues with The Sims 4 on Mac? Get help from the community here!
- The Sims 4 Technical Issues - Consoles
  Get help with your technical issues in The Sims 4 on Xbox and PlayStation in this community forum.
- The Sims 4 Mods & Custom Content
  Find expert tips, troubleshooting help, tutorials for mods and custom content, and The Sims 4 patch files in our forum.
- The Sims 4 Bug Reports
  Report bugs for The Sims 4 on PC, Mac, Playstation, and Xbox.
- The Sims 4 Bug Reports - Archive
  This is a read-only archive of bugs previously reported on Answers HQ. Click "The Sims 4 Bug Reports" in the right-rail to browse and create new bugs.