Will the sims 3 run on windows 10?

Yup... runs just fine. I've been using W10 for a couple of years now.

edit to add: Unlike TS4, TS3 does not include v-sync through in-game settings. This is very important for this game and should be set to on or adaptive for dedicated cards through the control panel. If your computer has a newer card, you will get a notice about the card not being recognized. This shouldn't be a problem and can be ignored. In most cases, the dedicated card will still be used. All though... on a laptop you may need to direct it to do so.

"SimplyJen;c-16365522" wrote:
Yup... runs just fine. I've been using W10 for a couple of years now.

edit to add: Unlike TS4, TS3 does not include v-sync through in-game settings. This is very important for this game and should be set to on or adaptive for dedicated cards through the control panel. If your computer has a newer card, you will get a notice about the card not being recognized. This shouldn't be a problem and can be ignored. In most cases, the dedicated card will still be used. All though... on a laptop you may need to direct it to do so.

OK, thank you. I've got a Nvidia 1060, presumably what you're referring to would be in the graphics options menu?

"BabySquare;c-16365561" wrote:

"SimplyJen;c-16365522" wrote:
Yup... runs just fine. I've been using W10 for a couple of years now.

edit to add: Unlike TS4, TS3 does not include v-sync through in-game settings. This is very important for this game and should be set to on or adaptive for dedicated cards through the control panel. If your computer has a newer card, you will get a notice about the card not being recognized. This shouldn't be a problem and can be ignored. In most cases, the dedicated card will still be used. All though... on a laptop you may need to direct it to do so.

OK, thank you. I've got a Nvidia 1060, presumably what you're referring to would be in the graphics options menu?

Sorry, I should have included more info instead of being so brief. Here are my instructions I wrote for someone else:

• You need to make sure it's using the dedicated card over the integrated.
  Follow this guide here: http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/776882/sims-4-and-switchable-graphics-how-to-nvidia-amd/p1
  
  
• Avoid optimizing the game through GeForce Experience because this has caused problems for people in the past.
  
  
• Unlike Sims 4, Sims 3 does not include v-sync so this is very important to do.
  The goal is to cap frame rate at your screens refresh rate. Double check what yours is....
  
  
  
  • Windows search Display Settings
    
  • Advanced Display Settings
    
  • Display adapter properties
    
  • Click the Monitor tab
    
  
  You should see your monitors refresh rate.
  
  Instructions for Nvidia Control Panel already installed on your computer if you have a Nvidia graphics card. Try this first...
  
  Spoiler

  right-click desktop Nvidia Control Panel
  https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7586/26767660101_141c4c169b_o.png
  This method requires fullscreen mode in order to work.
  
  
  
  If you already tried control panel and it didn't work, try Nvidia Inspector.
  Download & Install Nvidia Inspector
  
  Look for the small tool icon or green symbol next to Driver Version. Click to launch Nvidia Profile Inspector.
  https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2298/32116585614_b1a35cf00a_o.png
  Select Profiles at the top and scroll through the long list to find Sims 3.
  https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/446/32806054772_51f1b0bbec_o.png
  Under Sync and Refresh, select Vertical Sync > Force On
  In windowed mode you may have to add an additional setting. Frame Rate Limiter > 60 fps *This number should reflect your own refresh rate so be sure to double check what yours is.
  
  Spoiler

  Windows search > Display Settings > Advanced display settings > Display adapter properties > Monitor > (here you will see refresh rate for your screen)
  
  https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4465/37397040374_1cb5f896b0_o.png
  Apply Changes top right corner.
  
  Track track FPS in-game with the cheat fps on. Small text will appear in the corner and it should be capped at whatever your screens refresh rate is. Frame drops are normal but the goal is to not go over that number. Nvidia Inspector does not require fullscreen mode but if the frames aren't capping, you can try the additional setting under Sync and Refresh setting Frame Rate Limiter to whatever your screens refresh rate is.
  

In addition to the potential graphics card issues, Windows 10's Creator's Update has been known to wreak havoc on a previously cooperative TS3 install. igazor can give you tips (or links) on how to disable the parts of the update that cause issues; otherwise, your game may not even start. But from what I've read, once you neutralize the various interfering processes, you should be fine.

Just in case, maybe post your computer's specs here if you want to be sure your laptop will run the game properly. You'll need to manually cap fps rates as well, since the game doesn't do it on its own. Nvidia should let you do this without too much trouble.

OP should have a proper computer to play this game + the whole collection if they desire... phoebe or chester set them up with one recently. Instructions for FPS/v-sync are given above but feel free to PM me or tag me.

"puzzlezaddict;c-16365572" wrote:
In addition to the potential graphics card issues, Windows 10's Creator's Update has been known to wreak havoc on a previously cooperative TS3 install. igazor can give you tips (or links) on how to disable the parts of the update that cause issues; otherwise, your game may not even start. But from what I've read, once you neutralize the various interfering processes, you should be fine.

Just in case, maybe post your computer's specs here if you want to be sure your laptop will run the game properly. You'll need to manually cap fps rates as well, since the game doesn't do it on its own. Nvidia should let you do this without too much trouble.

Ah, such a good point. I turned off the Creator's update features a while back and forget about it. Here is the post you should follow to turn these features off @BabySquare
http://forums.thesims.com/en_US/discussion/comment/15902876/#Comment_15902876

I see, thank you :) I was looking at the Nvidia control panel only the other day. I need to see if I can remember my login info to the sims 3 store, as I'm quite fond of Hidden Springs, and at the same time I'll check out the info about the creator's update. :)

I'm not sure how to post all my specs, but the ones that are probably the most significant:
Windows 10 64 bit
Intel i7-7700HQ 2.8GHz (3.8 with turbo boost) 6MB cache
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, 3 GB GDDR5
- 1 TB HDD, 7200 rpm
- 128 GB SSD
(I'd install to the HDD as I did sims 4)
Screen resolution 1920 x 1080

"BabySquare;c-16365621" wrote:
I'm not sure how to post all my specs, but the ones that are probably the most significant:
Windows 10 64 bit
Intel i7-7700HQ 2.8GHz (3.8 with turbo boost) 6MB cache
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, 3 GB GDDR5
- 1 TB HDD, 7200 rpm
- 128 GB SSD
(I'd install to the HDD as I did sims 4)
Screen resolution 1920 x 1080

Yes, that will do just fine. Sims 3 does benefit from a SSD vs HDD but you're correct, because of the size it would be best to put it on the HDD. With the GTX 1060 you're going to get the 'Card Not Recognized' notice but it should go away and this can be ignored. Sims 3 looks beautiful with maxed out settings all though I suggest keeping the in-game graphic setting High Detail Lots low no matter what computer you're on... this game just responds better when it doesn't have to render all of the surroundings at once. Other than that, you should have no problem simming on that with all packs too if you want. Of course... existing game bugs can't exactly be helped but some can if you choose to use NRaas mods.

Thank you. I'll make a note of the high detail lots; with open world I wouldn't like to imagine how much harder a computer would have to work to render everything within a viewable distance to the highest setting.

On a system like yours, it's not that bad but it's easy to notice a difference when you lower it no matter what. If I want to make a screenshot look extra nice, I sometimes max that setting out and then lower it again to play in live mode.