Forum Discussion

Seasoned Newcomer

Re: [CURRENT ISSUE] Sims 4 Unable to Start, Already Running

After updating The Sims 4 and pre-ordering the upcoming expansion, the game will not launch and displays the error “Unable to start: The Sims 4 is already running” with error code [ed35e0ea:29f00e76:00000000:18a1dd51].

I have restarted my computer multiple times
Repaired the game
Cleared the EA App cache
Ended all Sims and EA-related processes in Task Manager
Restarted the EA Background Service
Ran the EA App as Administrator
Removed all Mods and CC
Logged out and back into the EA App
Fully uninstalled and reinstalled the EA App

The issue began on January 15, 2026, and continues to persist. Other EA titles launch normally, including The Sims Medieval, which runs without issue, indicating this problem is isolated to The Sims 4.

2 Replies

JadeRidley317
Seasoned Newcomer
1 month ago
This is happening to me too. :( I have no clue what to do
JadeRidley317
Seasoned Newcomer
1 month ago
I got mine working!!

DirectX 9 mode: Sims 4 now defaults to DirectX 11 mode on most computers. To force DX9 mode in the EA App, open the App game library, click Sims 4 Manage > View properties, add -dx9 to the box, and save. If you play through Steam, open your library, right-click Sims 4, select Properties > General, and add -dx9 to the Launch Options box.