Sims 4unable to start:initialization error at start up.[135dec40:29f00e76:00000084:18a1dd51] I reinstalled and updated windows 10 to version 1709, Installed origin then installed sims 4, error popped up every time. Sometimes it would say Sims 4 already running. turned out to be windows defender. I didn't have a antivirus installed and was just using Windows Defender. This is what i did. Open Windows Defender Click Virus & Threat protection Click Virus & Threat protection settings Scroll down to controlled folder access "Turn off" if you don't want to turn it off then: Click Allow an app through controlled folder access Click Add an allowed app Browse to your origin games\The sims 4\game\bin folder select TS4.exe click open if your running 64 bit select TS4_x64.exe click open I'm on 64 bit windows and I added both. Startup origin and try running the game again. Worked for me, hope it helps.

The instructions finally worked for me. For whatever reason when I did it the first time it did not add. The video below gives the same instructions and it works.Go to Windows Defender Security CenterClick Virus and Threat ProtectionClick Virus and Threat Protection settingClick manage controlled folder accessClick allow an app through controlled folder access.Add an appGo to C:// Program Files (x86) > Origin Games > The Sims4 > Game > Bin and add TS4_x64I added both TS4 and TS4_x64 just in case.https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=154&v=KNdJsUU9j44

I've actually added the app to my firewall allowance. I've also gone on and added all of Origin wherever I can find an .exe file. And still I have this issue. I've uninstalled and reinstalled Origin countless times, The Sims4 twice and still... same agonizing error message. It seems obscene that people should have to turn off their virus protection to get a game to work. Any other ideas from your end?

Thank you so much for sharing this! My game was just not working out of the blue and this fixed it!

Thanks for posting this fix. I've only had the game for 10 days, played last night. I updated my security for other reasons and then today got this error. Thanks for helping figure it all out.Best,C

I tried this and it didn't work, I'm not sure what to do because I've already uninstalled it and reinstalled it twice. I keep getting the same error message and I'm not sure what to do about it anymore.

[SOLUTION] Sim 4 Initialization error at start up OR Sims 4 is Already Running

30 Replies

ItsMadameChaos
8 years ago
Thank you so much!!! You are my hero! 🙂
I couldn't start Sims 3 or Sims 4 since I had to switch to Windows 10 and tried tons of things. Nothing worked.
Then I found this thread and tried it and now both games did start! I am super happy. Thank you!
Sneeuwitjie
8 years ago
I wish I found this thread before I panicked and listened to people telling me to reinstall everything. This was a lifesaver. Thanks!
iRexie
8 years ago
This helped! Thanks 🙂
Anonymous
8 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing this! My game was just not working out of the blue and this fixed it!
Hay_Dk1
New Traveler
7 years ago
Thank you 🙂
LeosDomain
Seasoned Newcomer
7 years ago
I AM TYPING IN CAPS BECAUSE YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER WITH THIS SOLUTION MY GAME WORKS NOW I AM DOING THE HAPPY DANCE IN MY ROOM!!!!!!!!😃
Anonymous
7 years ago
I've actually added the app to my firewall allowance. I've also gone on and added all of Origin wherever I can find an .exe file. And still I have this issue. I've uninstalled and reinstalled Origin countless times, The Sims4 twice and still... same agonizing error message. It seems obscene that people should have to turn off their virus protection to get a game to work. Any other ideas from your end?
Anonymous
7 years ago
I can't find that .exe file. any other solutions?
Anonymous
7 years ago
The instructions finally worked for me. For whatever reason when I did it the first time it did not add. The video below gives the same instructions and it works.
Go to Windows Defender Security Center
Click Virus and Threat Protection
Click Virus and Threat Protection setting
Click manage controlled folder access
Click allow an app through controlled folder access.
Add an app
Go to C:// Program Files (x86) > Origin Games > The Sims4 > Game > Bin and add TS4_x64

I added both TS4 and TS4_x64 just in case.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=154&v=KNdJsUU9j44
Miuuuke
7 years ago
I what you said about allowing the .exe file through the firewall, but it says something along the lines of the .exe file already being allowed...