To put The Sims 4 on your desktop, first install it through the EA App, then create a shortcut to the installed game on Windows or an alias on Mac. These are launch icons for the existing installation; they do not install a second copy.
Install The Sims 4 if it is not already on your computer
EA says the EA App has replaced Origin as the main platform for downloading and launching The Sims 4 on PC and Mac. The Base Game is free to play. In the EA App, sign in, search for The Sims 4, choose Download, confirm the install location and language, accept the terms, and wait for the Play button to appear. Follow EA’s The Sims 4 Base Game installation guide if the download flow differs on your version of the app.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Sims 4 - Parenthood - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $13.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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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 |
| 4 |
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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 |
Create a desktop shortcut on Windows
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In the EA App, open your library and locate The Sims 4. Community instructions describe opening the game tile’s three-dot menu, selecting View Properties, then choosing Browse to open its install folder. Labels can vary by EA App version; use the installation location shown for your game.
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In the game folder, open
Game/Binand findTS4_x64.exe. One EA forum example usesC:Program FilesEA GamesThe Sims 4GameBin, but the actual location varies by installation. If you cannot find it there, use the app’s displayed install location or search your computer forTS4_x64.exe.Recommended Free Tools
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SaleThe Sims 4 - Parenthood - Origin PC [Online Game Code]- 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.
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Right-click
TS4_x64.exeand create a shortcut. In Windows 11, you may need to select Show more options before choosing Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). The exact context-menu wording can differ between Windows versions. -
Open the new desktop shortcut to launch the game. These steps come from EA community guidance, not a guarantee for every installation. If the shortcut does not launch The Sims 4, open it from the EA App and check that the installation is intact.
Rank #2
SaleThe Sims 4 - Vampires - Origin PC [Online Game Code]- 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
The Windows menu route and executable location are described in EA community guidance for creating a Sims 4 desktop shortcut and an EA forum answer identifying TS4_x64.exe. The forum instructions may not match every current app or Windows menu version.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Create a desktop icon on Mac
EA says The Sims 4 is downloaded and launched through the EA App on Mac. To create a desktop icon, an older EA community post describes opening Applications, right-clicking The Sims 4, choosing Make Alias, then dragging the alias onto the desktop. Menu wording may differ in current macOS versions. For access from the Dock instead, drag the game icon to the Dock; that creates Dock access, not a desktop icon.
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- 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
See EA’s Mac community instructions for making a Sims 4 alias. EA’s Mac guidance says the EA App requires macOS Catalina or later; see EA App download and installation requirements.
Quick Recap
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.
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
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.




