No. You can’t switch The Sims 4 to a 32-bit version in the EA app anymore. EA discontinued the PC and Mac 32-bit version on April 18, 2023, and stopped offering the Legacy Edition on December 12, 2022. On a supported 64-bit Windows PC, launch the game normally; the EA app starts the full current version.
Why is the 32-bit option missing?
The old 32-bit and 64-bit selection instructions apply to an earlier version of the game and EA’s previous launcher workflow. EA ended support for 32-bit Windows PCs and non-Metal Macs at the end of 2019, later discontinued the Legacy Edition, then discontinued the 32-bit version itself. The missing selector is not an installation glitch: EA no longer offers that build. See EA’s Legacy Edition information and its 64-bit and 32-bit version guidance.
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| 1 |
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The Sims 4 - Parenthood - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $13.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Sims 4 - Vampires - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $11.20 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Sims 4 - PC/Mac | $35.69 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Sims 4 Limited Edition PC / Mac | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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The Sims 4 - Kids Room Stuff - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $5.60 | Buy on Amazon |
Compatibility mode, launch arguments, or an EA app setting cannot turn a 64-bit game into a 32-bit one or restore a discontinued build. Avoid unofficial launchers and archived game downloads: they are not an EA-supported route and cannot be verified as safe or account-compatible.
What to do on a 64-bit Windows PC
- Check your Windows architecture. Open Settings > System > About and look at System type. The exact wording can vary, but it should identify a 64-bit operating system. You can also search Windows for System Information and check System Type.
- Check the game’s current system requirements. Windows architecture alone does not establish that the computer meets every requirement.
- Open the EA app, go to your library, and launch The Sims 4 normally. There is no 32-bit selection to make; EA says the app launches the full version on supported 64-bit PCs.
EA’s older version guidance identifies 64-bit Windows and at least 4 GB of RAM as conditions for using the 64-bit version. That RAM figure is not a guarantee of suitable performance; check the current requirements for the game and your configuration.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
- Shape Your Sim’s Childhood – The decisions you make influence how your Sim parents and leave a lasting impact on their child’s future. Each choice shapes their personality, affects their traits, influences their family relationships, and guides their path into adulthood.
- 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.
What if Windows is 32-bit?
The current EA app for Windows requires a 64-bit PC running Windows 10 or Windows 11, so changing a Sims 4 preference will not solve an unsupported operating system. EA’s supported options are to move to a compatible 64-bit Windows installation or use another 64-bit Windows computer. See the EA app requirements.
A 64-bit-capable processor and a 64-bit Windows installation are different things: having the former does not mean the latter is installed. Moving from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows is an operating-system installation decision, not a toggle in the EA app. Whether an upgrade is possible depends on the computer’s hardware and other factors. Back up personal files and Sims saves before making operating-system changes; if the computer is too old for supported Windows and game requirements, use a newer compatible device.
Rank #2
- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Create Vampires
- Unleash Supernatural Powers
- Escape to Forgotten Hollow
- Live the Immortal Life
Can Mac players select a 32-bit version?
No. EA says the Mac version of The Sims 4 has always been 64-bit. The old Legacy Edition for unsupported Macs is no longer available, so check that the Mac meets the game’s Metal and operating-system requirements rather than looking for an architecture selector. EA’s current app guidance lists macOS 10.15.8 or later for the EA app; this is the app requirement, not a complete statement of every game requirement. See EA’s app guidance.
Moving saves from Legacy Edition
EA says saved games are unaffected by the Legacy Edition change and documents this folder-transfer method for moving a Legacy Edition installation to the current game. Make an additional backup of your saves and the whole Documents/Electronic Arts folder before renaming or replacing anything.
Rank #3
- Create unique sims: A variety of sims are yours to personalize, each with distinct appearances, dynamic personalities, and inspiring aspirations
- Build the perfect home: Construct the home of your, and their dreams by planning its layout, choosing furnishings, and altering the landscape and terrain
- Explore vibrant worlds: Travel between locations, discover amazing and distinctive neighborhoods, and encounter captivating venues
- Play with life: Control the rich and entertaining moments of your Sims’ lives from their relationships to their careers
- Open Documents > Electronic Arts on the computer with Legacy Edition.
- Copy the folder named
The Sims 4 Legacy Edition. - Place the copied folder in the same Documents > Electronic Arts location on the new computer.
- Rename the copied folder
The Sims 4. - Launch the game and check for your saves.
This is EA’s documented Legacy Edition migration procedure, not a required step for every player. If saves do not appear, check that you copied the folder into the active Windows user’s Documents location. OneDrive or another cloud-storage setup may redirect Documents; also check for a folder still named The Sims 4 Legacy Edition. Launching the game can create a new, empty The Sims 4 folder, so verify which folder contains your existing saves before moving or replacing files. EA’s full instructions are on its Legacy Edition page.
Will Legacy Edition mods and custom content work?
Not necessarily. EA warns that mods used with Legacy Edition may not be compatible with the full version. Save migration and mod compatibility are separate: a save may transfer even when a script mod, tuning mod, or item of custom content needs an update or removal.
Rank #4
- Compatible with PC and Mac.
- We’ve designed the game to be a live service so that we can continually evolve The Sims 4 experience with exciting new features and content.
- Now with Pools and Ghosts: Pools and ghosts have arrived and are now included in The Sims 4 with the most recent updates.
- Exclusive Sims 4 Life of the Party Digital Content – Features the stunning Flaming Tiki Bar and spectacular party costumes
- 100% Good Quality
- Back up the
Modsfolder. - Temporarily remove mods and custom content before the first launch, then test the game and saves without them.
- Check each creator’s compatibility notes and add content back in small batches.
- Do not save over your main save while testing unfamiliar or outdated mods.
Common questions when the switch is unavailable
An old video shows a 32-bit/64-bit dropdown
It shows an older workflow. EA discontinued the 32-bit version on April 18, 2023, so those steps no longer apply to the current EA app.
The EA app says my computer is unsupported
Check Settings > System > About > System type first. The EA app’s Windows minimum is a 64-bit PC running Windows 10 or Windows 11; there is no Sims 4 selector that bypasses that requirement.
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Best Value
- 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.
- Battle with Monsters – Collect and trade monster cards featuring your Sim’s favorite magical creatures. Use cards in the electronic battle station to bring them to life and challenge friends to a monster duel that’s sure to excite.
- Play with Puppets – With the all-new puppet theater and a bit of imagination, Sims can tell a variety of whimsical stories to entertain an audience of family and friends.
- Kids Fashion – Trendy yet playful kids clothing and hairstyles let Sims showcase their individual style, or highlight obsession with the latest tween heartthrob.
I found instructions for The Sims 3
They describe a different game. EA’s Mac 64-bit instructions for The Sims 3 do not provide a way to change The Sims 4 to 32-bit.
Quick Recap
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