Nothing kills the excitement of a good gaming session like an unexpected error message, and one particularly annoying problem that plagues some players of The Sims 4 is the dreaded: “The Sims 4 is already running” error. You’ve double-clicked the game, only to be told it’s already running—even though you haven’t launched it. Whether you’re a serious Simmer or a casual player, this can turn a relaxing gaming night into a headache.
The good news? You’re not alone, and there are tried-and-true solutions to this problem. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through why this error happens and how you can fix it on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What Causes “The Sims 4 Is Already Running” Error?
This issue most commonly happens when the game does not close properly or if there’s a glitch in the launcher (especially via Origin or EA Desktop). Sometimes it can also be due to:
- Background processes that haven’t shut down correctly
- Corrupt game files preventing a proper reboot
- Conflicting programs or overlays (like Discord, MSI Afterburner)
- Outdated drivers or Windows updates
Now that we know what could cause this, let’s dive into solutions to make sure your game launches when you want it to.
1. Check the Task Manager
More often than not, Sims 4 (or Origin) was started and simply never closed properly. To check:
- Right-click your taskbar and select Task Manager.
- Look for The Sims 4, Origin, or EA Desktop in the list of running apps.
- If you see any, click them and then click End Task.
- Retry launching the game.
This quick fix often resolves the issue instantly if a “phantom” game session is still hovering in the background.
2. Restart Your Computer
If ending the task manually doesn’t work, your next step should be to try a full restart of your computer. This clears all processes and refreshes RAM. Although it’s a basic step, it’s surprisingly effective, especially after a system update or crash.
3. Clear the Origin/EA Desktop Cache
If you use Origin or EA Desktop to launch The Sims 4, clearing your cache can eliminate corrupted launcher files causing the error.
For Origin:
- Close Origin completely.
- Navigate to
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\Origin - Delete all files and folders except for
LocalContent. - Next, go to
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Originand delete everything there as well.
For EA Desktop:
- Open EA Desktop.
- Click the three stripes menu in the top left.
- Choose Help > App Recovery > Clear Cache.
After doing this, try launching the game again.
4. Repair the Game Files
Missing or corrupted files can also trick your system into thinking the game is already executing. Fortunately, both Origin and EA Desktop offer built-in repair tools.
To Repair in Origin:
- Open Origin.
- Go to My Game Library.
- Right-click on The Sims 4 and choose Repair.
To Repair in EA Desktop:
- Open EA Desktop.
- Click on My Collection.
- Click the three dots on The Sims 4 game tile and select Repair.
This process may take a few minutes but fixes many underlying problems that could be triggering the “already running” error.
5. Disable Background Overlays
Some overlay tools (like Discord, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, or Steam Overlays) can interfere with Origin or the game itself. Temporarily disable them:
- For Discord: Go to User Settings > Game Overlay, and toggle it off.
- For GeForce Experience: Settings > In-game Overlay → Toggle Off
Disable these overlays and then relaunch the game to see if the problem disappears.
6. Update Your System
Your Windows system, graphics drivers, or even the Origin client may be out of date. Updates frequently include bug fixes, performance improvements, and compatibility patches.
To Check for Windows Updates:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security.
- Select Windows Update and click Check for Updates.
To Update Graphics Drivers:
- Visit the NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel driver download pages.
- Download the latest compatible drivers for your system.
Update the Origin or EA Desktop App:
- EA and Origin usually auto-update, but you can force it by restarting the app or reinstalling it.
Once everything is updated, reboot your system and try running The Sims 4 again.
7. Disable Cloud Sync Temporarily
Cloud saves can sometimes clash if syncing is attempted on a failed or corrupt instance. If you’ve recently had a crash or force-closed the game, this might trigger the issue.
To disable cloud sync:
In Origin:
- Go to Application Settings.
- Select Install & Saves.
- Toggle off Cloud Storage for all supported games.
Try launching the game again. If this works, you can re-enable cloud saves after a successful game session.
8. Run The Sims 4 as Administrator
Sometimes, lack of admin privileges may prevent the game from launching correctly, especially after updates.
- Navigate to your Sims 4 game folder: usually found at
C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 4 - Right-click
TS4_x64.exe - Select Run As Administrator
This elevated permission might help the game boot normally and avoid the “already running” message.
9. Reinstall The Sims 4
If all else fails, a full reinstall may be the nuclear solution—but it’s often the most effective if none of the other fixes work.
To Reinstall:
- Uninstall The Sims 4 through Origin or EA Desktop.
- Manually delete any remaining folders in
Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4(ensure your saves are backed up). - Restart your PC.
- Reinstall the game and try launching it again.
Bonus Tip: Use a Game Booster or Cleaner App
Apps like CCleaner or Razer Cortex can help clean residual files, temporarily disable unnecessary services, and boost system performance for smoother gameplay and fewer errors.
Conclusion
The “The Sims 4 is already running” error can be frustrating, but it’s usually not too difficult to fix. From ending processes manually to clearing cache, performing repairs, updating your PC, or even reinstalling the game—these multiple angles ensure you’ll find a solution.
Next time this roadblock appears, you’ll know how to handle it quickly and get back to your Sim’s thriving—or chaotic—lifestyle!
