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If The Sims 4 says it is already running but no game window appears, check Task Manager for a stuck Sims 4 or EA app process and close only the process that is clearly hung. If that does not help, repair the game in the EA app. Players who use Mods can then test with a backed-up, temporarily clean user folder. These are troubleshooting steps, not guaranteed fixes.
1. Check for a hidden or stuck process
This first check applies to Windows. A game process can remain in the background after its window disappears; an EA Forums troubleshooting discussion recommends checking for that possibility, but it does not establish a universal cause.
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- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for The Sims 4 or EA app under the running processes.
- If a relevant process is clearly hung, select it and choose End task. Avoid ending unrelated processes.
- Try launching the game again.
EA Forums troubleshooting discussion
2. Repair the game in the EA app
If closing a stuck process does not resolve the launch issue, use the EA app’s Repair option for The Sims 4, then try launching again. This is a suggested troubleshooting step in the EA Forums discussion, not a guaranteed fix. Launcher labels may change over time.
- Open the EA app and find The Sims 4 in your game library.
- Open the game’s management options and choose Repair.
- Wait for the repair to finish, then try to launch the game.
EA Forums troubleshooting discussion
3. Test without Mods if you use them
A temporary clean test can help determine whether the issue changes when custom content is out of the way. Community advice suggests moving the Mods folder and removing localthumbcache.package; that does not prove a Mod caused the launch message.
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- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Develop Parenting Skills – Level up your Sim’s parenting skills to satisfy their child’s needs and influence their behaviors. Gain new abilities through experience and choosing when to discipline bad actions, encourage good behavior, or just let kids be kids.
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- Gather your Sim’s family to participate in new activities and spend quality time with each other. Sims of all ages can work together to complete a variety of school projects, express their creativity using construction blocks, or volunteer their time for good.
- Customize your Sims’ looks and their home with new family fashion and build items. Give the kids’ bedrooms extra personality, remodel the kitchen to feel homier, and let your Sims express their sporty or artistic sides with new outfits.
- Back up your Sims 4 user files, including the Mods folder, before changing anything.
- In
Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4, move theModsfolder somewhere safe outside the Sims 4 folder. - Remove
localthumbcache.packagefrom the Sims 4 folder. - Try launching the game. If the result changes, add Mods back gradually to help isolate a conflict.
Keep your backup until you have confirmed that your files and Mods are intact. The Mods-and-cache test is community guidance, not an official diagnosis or assured remedy. EA Forums discussion
4. Restart and check for broader EA app issues
If the steps above do not help, restart the launcher and your device, then check EA service availability. EA’s general troubleshooting guidance covers installer problems and broader EA app issues; it is not a Sims 4-specific diagnosis for the “already running” game message. If the problem persists, report it to EA.
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- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Create Vampires
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EA Help: EA app error codes and troubleshooting
Do not confuse the game message with an installer error
EA lists INST-21-1152 as “Installer already running.” That code concerns the EA app installer; it does not identify the cause of a Sims 4 game-launch message. For that installer error, EA advises responding to the installer permission prompt and, if needed, restarting the PC or Mac and reinstalling the EA app. Keep those instructions separate from the game-process and game-repair steps above.
EA Help: EA app error codes and troubleshooting
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Get help if it still will not launch
If the game still reports that it is running after these checks, contact EA Help or use the EA Error Reporter as appropriate. Avoid registry cleaners, unofficial launchers, and broad system changes: the available guidance does not establish them as necessary or safe fixes for this particular message.
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- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Customize Kids Rooms – Build kids bedrooms that are both expressive and full of style. Excite your Sim’s imagination with colorful new furniture and themed decorations ranging from space robots to fun flower flourishes.
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- Create unique sims: A variety of sims are yours to personalize, each with distinct appearances, dynamic personalities, and inspiring aspirations
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EA Help: EA app error codes and troubleshooting
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
