@roberta591 I know all this already. (Although I'd like to point out that only Sims3Packs go in Downloads, as that's the only file type the launcher reads.) I was responding to the first two lines of the original post, specifically this, emphasis mine:
Recently, I downloaded TS3 starter pack via the EA app. The base game downloaded just fine; however, the expansion packs won't download at all.
This is a Known Issue with the EA App, for two years now, that some players have managed to work around by using Origin. That didn't help the OP, unfortunately, and they can't use Origin because XBox GamePass only works with the EA App.
@puzzlezaddict Everything goes through the launcher. Files from the Sims 3 store with .world and files with .package go in the installed content folder of the launcher. You are right .sims3packs files go to the downloads folder. My point is there are Windows settings that can change what app to use with what file type. This is set by the game installer. If this setting gets changed downloads will not work correctly.until you change it back. Some time ago I was using a third party antivirus program that caused issues with some games. The game installer only knows how to configure the Windows firewall so this could be another reason downloads fail. The sims 3 game launcher is somewhat complex but once you learn it it's like riding a bicycle.
