Re: Sims 4 "Initialization error at startup"

I have the same issue, how do I directly open the file I have labeled TS4_x86? I couldn't find a _x64. 

If the TS4_x86 file is the one that runs the game, you should be able to just either double click it, or right click it and the select the "open" option from the list. You could also try running it as an administrator too. There might also be a TS4_x32 file that runs the game since "x86" refers to a 32-bit operating system, but mine is a 64-bit so I'm not familiar with any potential differences that might come with that.

@bl33d3rbaby  Please post a screenshot of where you see TS4_x86, including the address bar, above the list of files and folders.  It shouldn't exist at all.  Please also let me know what kind of install you have: EA App, Steam, Epic, or something else.

I took a deeper dive this morning, it looks like those files were from 2014-2015 and were not currently involved in my issue. I have Origin. I figured out why I was getting the error though, my firewall was blocking TS4 from accessing the files it needed to run without notifying me of doing so. Once I allowed the game to access where it needed to go, it worked again. 

I have just had the same issue (well not me but the Mrs on my PC) if you are using windows 10 (i assume if you're on win11 it will be the same) if you go to your computer setting 
windows key>Settings>Update&Security>Windows Security>Virus & Threat Protection
at the bottom you should see Ransomware Protection, underneath that (for me its highlighted in blue) it will read "Manage ransomware protection" (click that)

On the new screen click "Allow an app through controlled folder access" windows security will pop up and click yes
On the next screen click "+ Add allowed app" (if you have just tried to open sim4 this will make life easier) then select recently blocked apps and TS4_DX9_x64.exe (if you are using 32bit then it should show x86 instead of x64) allow that through and then you should be good to go
I have had to do it with a few games in the past, some for not getting to the load screen (tomb raider 2013), and others were for not saving my game, Shadow of the Tomb Raider was one and Horizon Zero dawn is another to mention, 
Either way I hope this helps it has worked for the Mrs so that is all I care about hahaha 

This is exactly what worked for me. THANK YOU. ive had to stop playing for months because i just couldnt figure it out. God i love the interenet 

Hi I’ve tried to unblock the fire wall but still having the same error can anyone help 

What did you do to get to this screen? Please tell me step by step. I’m lost. 

After I allowed all 3 to go through I can’t get in still 

@badb4dayz  What exactly did you try, as in, what settings did you change?  Antivirus and firewall are two separate features, although you can get both from the same software package.  Please let me know what antivirus you use if you need further help.

@SamanthaLJones10  What antivirus do you use?  And are you seeing the initialization error or something else?

I post a pic. I followed the one persons steps to allow them through and it’s not. I am getting the same error as the original creator of the post

@SamanthaLJones10  I don't recognize the user interface in your screenshot, which is why I asked what antivirus program you were using.

If you want to try something else on your own, create a new admin Windows account and try playing there.  Make it local, as in, don't link it to your Microsoft account or any email.  (You can keep declining to provide an email.)  You'll be able to (try to) launch Sims 4 without reinstalling anything, but your saves and other user data won't be available.  That's fine for now and can be addressed later if necessary.

I don’t even know how to create a new  admin windows account. lol back in the day it was never this difficult. I don’t know how to do anything. I’m stressed 

@SamanthaLJones10  Add a user account like this:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/manage-user-accounts-in-windows-104dc19f-6430-4b49-6a2b-e4dbd1dcdf32

Refuse to add an email address, and you'll eventually be allowed to proceed without one.  Once you've created the account, give it admin rights.

@tamyrasaulsby  There are a few more suggestions here:

https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/CURRENT-ISSUE-Sims-4-already-running/m-p/13276380

I would test the suggestions while your antivirus is disabled just to be thorough, especially the suggestions that include creating a new folder.  Sometimes the AV can lock up a folder before you have a chance to test the game even once.

Had this same issue after update in January 2025... it was my firewall keeping me from initializing! Added the TS4 bin folder to exceptions for the firewall and it worked. Thank you so much!

@CommanderStarcat  That's great to hear.  Would you mind posting a screenshot or two of what you changed, for other users who could benefit from a visual aid?  I don't have this problem myself and don't know exactly what is required to fix it.