This is such a strange, random error but I have done all troubleshooting steps I can think of. Prior to the update on 09/18/24, when I pressed the 'Windows' key, I was able to access my taskbar and minimize my Sims 4 game if needed. I did this often and it was never an incident. After the update, I noticed my Windows key was just completely non-responsive while in game. Alt + Tab did nothing either. After a lot of research on my part, I located a Reddit thread from months ago (so not related to the most recent update) where someone experienced a similar issue and they just had to change from Fullscreen to Windowed Fullscreen. I have changed my settings to Windows Fullscreen. I disabled DX11 as well. I still cannot correctly minimize my game. The Windows key now allows me to access the taskbar items and type this, but my Sims game won't minimize and is currently visible if I move my browser window. I hate it and want to fix it immediately. It does not appear to be mod related. I removed all mods and the error persisted.

Fullscreen Minimization Fix - We resolved an issue where you couldn’t minimize the game in Fullscreen mode using DirectX 11. Now, key combinations like Alt + Tab and the Windows key will work as expected. Fixed in Patch 1.112.481/2.05Please create a new thread at the EA forums if you're still experiencing this issues

[FIXED] Game No Longer Minimizing | EA Forums

22 Replies

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jpkarlsen
Hero (Retired)
5 months ago
@himinapea
Change to DX9 to solve this or choose to run windowed fullscreen.
himinapea
5 months ago
@jpkarlsen I have changed to DX9- did so immediately after the update. I have also changed to Windowed Full Screen. This has not resolved the issue. The game still will not allow me to actually minimize. Also, not to be rude, but I did say I did both of these things in my original post.
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
5 months ago
@himinapea Have you confirmed that the game is actually using DirectX 9 mode? You can see it on the Main Menu, in the lower-right corner of the screen, after the version number.

Please also try windowed mode and the - button in the upper-right corner of the game window.

If that doesn't work either, please run a dxdiag and attach it to a post.

https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/pc/how-to-gather-dxdiag-information/
himinapea
5 months ago
@puzzlezaddict I looked at the bottom corner in the main menu which reads: Version 1.109.185.1030 DX9.

Windowed mode does appear to work for minimization to the task bar- it's just not ideal. I'd like to be able to minimize from a fullscreen option, but if not I guess I'll take it. Just an odd thing to be the only issue I've had with the update.

Thanks!
Yamimi
Rising Rookie
5 months ago
Can confirm I am also having this issue since the new update. The only way around it is to switch to windowed fullscreen and hit alt tab.
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
5 months ago
@Yamimi Are you seeing this behavior in DirectX 9 mode too? It's a known issue with DX11 but shouldn't affect DX9. Please also let me know whether you can minimize the game in windowed mode, in either DX9 or 11 mode.
EA_Cade
Community Manager
5 months ago
Hi @himinapea

I've moved this to the Bug Report section of the forum. Could you please edit your original post to fill out the bug report template?

If you aren't prompted to do so, please copy/paste the below into your original post and fill it out so we can properly track this.

Thanks!

Product: The Sims 4
Platform:
Which language are you playing the game in?
How often does the bug occur?
What is your current game version number?
What expansions, game packs, and stuff packs do you have installed?
Steps: How can we find the bug ourselves?
What happens when the bug occurs?
What do you expect to see?
Have you installed any customization with the game, e.g. Custom Content or Mods?
Did this issue appear after a specific patch or change you made to your system?
Yamimi
Rising Rookie
5 months ago
@puzzlezaddict Sorry for the late response I wasn't notified of any replies and just checked to see if there was a solution posted. Honestly I have no idea how to tell what my system is running but I'm assuming 11 since I haven't done anything to change settings.
HawnaKitty
New Ace
4 months ago
Product: The Sims 4
Platform:PC
Which language are you playing the game in? English
How often does the bug occur? Every time (100%)
What is your current game version number? 1.110.294.1020 DX11
What expansions, game packs, and stuff packs do you have installed? Horse Ranch, Cottage Living, Snowy Escape, Island Living, Get Famous, Seasons, Cats and Dogs, City Living, Get Together, Get To Work, Parenthood, Dine Out, Spa Day, Crystal Creations, Nifty Knitting, My First Pet, Lanudry Day, Toddler, Bowling Night, Vintage Glamour, Backyard, Romantic Garden, Movie Hangout, Spooky, Sims 4 Christmas (Free)
Steps: How can we find the bug ourselves? I don't know
What happens when the bug occurs? When I'm in the game I can't window out of it, like to go online. I used to be able to do this but now when I want to go to a browser I have to exit the game.
What do you expect to see? To be able to window out of the game without having to exit it and shut it down
Have you installed any customization with the game, e.g. Custom Content or Mods? Never used.
Did this issue appear after a specific patch or change you made to your system? Neutral/Not Sure
‌
When I'm in the game I can't window out of it, like to go online. I used to be able to do this but now when I want to go to a browser I have to exit and shut down the game.
Anayathedino
4 months ago
have you tried looking in graphics settings and changing it to "windowed full screen" instead of "full screen"?