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.