Sims 4 "Initialization error at startup"

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.