I solved this issue by locating the SimCity .exe file and changing the compatibility mode of the game to Windows 8. Instructions: Since I have the game on Steam, I navigated to the game executable in \Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps Right-click on SimCity 4.exe and select Properties. Click on the Compatibility tab. Under the Compatibility mode dropdown, select Windows 8. Click OK. Start the game. Edit: I paused the game, built some basic power, water and zoning, unpaused, and then the game crashed and wouldn't recover. ☹️ edited title for clarity: @BlackjackWidow

Hi @craig9670 - I moved your post to its own thread, as the original one you replied in was quite old. Running in compatibility mode does help; also, set SimCity4.exe to run "As Administrator" and make sure it's added to any antivirus exception lists. The game was built back in 2003, so it can have issues running under our new systems, especially utilizing more than one processor core. To fix, there are a few command line switches you can use to force it to play nice. Hopefully this will get the game back to running on your system. Close out of the game - make certain SimCity 4 is not running any processes (you might want to reboot your pc, just to make sure). In Origin, right-click the SimCity 4 icon. Choose Game Properties > Advanced Launch Options. In Steam, right-click the SimCity 4 icon. Choose Game Properties > Set Launch Options In the Command Line Arguments box type -d:soft -intro:off -CPUCount:1 -f -CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1080x32 -d: soft sets rendering to software mode -intro:off skips the intro video -CPUCount:1 sets the game to use just 1 core -f sets the game to run in full screen mode (use -w for windowed mode) -CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1080x32 sets the resolution to 1920x1080 at 32 bit color. (you can set this to match a resolution supported by your monitor, up to 1280x1024x32) Choose Save to save the command line switches Exit the Game Properties and try SimCity 4 again These are the most common switches used. You may not want or need the screen mode or resolution settings. Hopefully, the software rendering and forcing the cpu count to only one core will fix the crashing. Skipping the intro video can also help, since they usually play in a different resolution and cause issues. 🤞 Hope this helps! Happy Building!

purchased a new pc with windows 11. after downloading the old simcity 4 amazon purchase from years ago, game kept crashing after the intro.resolved by:select run from start menubrowse for the simcity 4.exe fileadd "-intro:off -d:directx|software" to the end of the filepath (no quotations)copy the filepath and save it as a shortcut to desktopdouble click the iconskips the intro and lets the software render graphics

I tried doing what you said here but I do not see the options that you are telling me to fo to. I have Windows 11. Also, it is not Origin anymore, just EA. I found the exe file, but I don't see the options for launch properties or an Arguments box. I tried compatibility with Windows 8, but still doesn't work. I just want to be able to play on my new computer edit; found the box in the EA App, input everything. Tried other suggestions mentioned on here. still nothing and now doesn't even start. There has to be a fix for this.

I purchased it on EA and it’s still not working with both the d direct one and the other one said above the 3rd comment, any ideas for a fox? It crashes after the intro

@BlackjackWidow .Thank you so much, Fixed everything

SimCity 4 Deluxe does not launch or crashes

14 Replies

19csq97otdk2
Seasoned Rookie
14 days ago
A ja jestem albo tępa dzi.da albo nie wiem.... Chcę sobie mieć dostęp do gry (dopiero kupilam) i nie można znaleźć miejsca, w którym mam nadpisane wyżej wspomniana treść. Nie zabij mnie, nie jest konieczne... Mam Windows 11
Kliknij prawym przyciskiem myszy Sim City 4 na pasku zadań>Skrót>Cel:
jak, gdzie? :O
Natanama
3 months ago
I did what was suggested, but the game still crashes
Loryfairy
3 months ago
this works
StephS1984
7 months ago
@mikebillodeaux Thank you, this finally worked for me after trying everything else!
goguy123
2 years ago
@BlackjackWidowYour command line worked for me. "d soft" was the key. I had tried so many other variations on my new Win11 laptop but nothing worked until I used that. It works for the EA version, which is what I recently downloaded for like $2. I updated the SC desktop icon shortcut to use your variables and all is well. No issues with audio or saving, etc. Thank you!! Below is my command line specific to the EA installation.
"C:\Program Files\EA Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -d : soft -intro:off -CPUCount:1 -f -CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1080x32
Sorry I had to put an extra space between "d" and "soft" or else it keeps turning into a random emoticon.
hifilistener
2 years ago
You sir or ma'am are a genius!
This worked on my Surface Laptop 5 - i7 (12th Gen)!!
Thank you so much!
silverflounder
2 years ago
Your mileage may vary and I am not smart at all, just persistent but here's what's working for me after some messing about:
-Non Steam version of SimCity 4. Literally loaded it fresh today from scratch and dropped in all my saved Regions and a TON of mods
- Windows 10 Enterprise '22H2', 32GB, Nvida RTX A1000
- Right click on the the Sim City 4 shortcut in my Task Bar>Shortcut>Target:
"C:\Program Files\EA Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -d:soft -intro:off -CPUCount:1 -f -CustomResolution:enabled -r2560x1080x32
(I got a 35" LG monitor, so my resolution may not work for all folks, tweak the #x#x# as needed)
- In the EA app (had to move from Origin myself since I just got a new laptop) I've got nothing in Manage>View Properties... but then again I launch it from a shortcut in my Task Bar pointing at Shortcut>Start in: "C:\Program Files\EA Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition\Apps"
HomeandLife
2 years ago
I tried doing what you said here but I do not see the options that you are telling me to fo to. I have Windows 11. Also, it is not Origin anymore, just EA. I found the exe file, but I don't see the options for launch properties or an Arguments box. I tried compatibility with Windows 8, but still doesn't work. I just want to be able to play on my new computer
edit; found the box in the EA App, input everything. Tried other suggestions mentioned on here. still nothing and now doesn't even start. There has to be a fix for this.
frodo171819
3 years ago
I'm in the same situation
Fezzik_The_Gian
3 years ago
Mine still isn't working either. Any suggestions on getting past the video? Mine always crashes ☹️