sims is already running error 2023

im having the same problem!!!

I just want to play sims.

i've tried everything i've found to do online: checked task manager, checked my antivirus/firewall to make sure it wasn't blocking the game, turned off one drive syncing, reinstalled EA and sims. tried removing sims 4 document folder. legit everything.

it was working fine like 3 weeks ago. the only thing I could possibly think of is I time traveled in Disney Dreamlight, so changed my PC date and time but ive put it back to the correct date/time now. or could it possibly be a windows update??

i'm playing this on windows 10.

@abbiegrest18  Among the things you tried, did you ever create a new admin Windows account and try to play in that?  If not, please do so now.  Make it a local account, as in, don't sign into Microsoft, and don't sync with any other services you normally use.  You can sign into your current EA App/Origin account and won't need to reinstall the game, but your saves and other user content won't be available.  That can be addressed later; for now, the primary question is whether you can play in the new account.

@abbiegrest18  What antivirus do you use?

@RetroLeoxo  Are you specifically seeing the "already running" error, or something else?  Did you create a new admin Windows account and try to play in that?  (It sounds like you did, but I want to make sure before moving on.)  Have you restarted your computer since you tested in that new account?

Please also let me know what antivirus you use, if any.