1 Easy Trick to Open Sims 4 Without Updating

Featured Image: [Image of Sims 4 logo with a caution sign in the background]

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Are you an avid Sims 4 player yearning to bypass the latest update and preserve your meticulously crafted game world? While updates often bring exciting new features, they can also introduce unforeseen glitches and compatibility issues. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps to open Sims 4 without updating, empowering you to maintain the integrity of your virtual paradise.

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To commence this process, you must first locate the Sims 4 application folder on your computer. Typically, this is found in your Documents folder under "Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Game." Right-click on the "The Sims 4" executable file and select "Properties." Navigate to the "Compatibility" tab and check the box labeled "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" followed by the version of Windows that you are running. This action forces Windows to treat the Sims 4 application as if it were designed for an older version of the operating system, preventing it from automatically updating.

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Furthermore, to ensure that Sims 4 remains immune to updates, you must disable automatic updates for the Origin gaming platform. Open the Origin client, click on the "Origin" menu in the top-left corner, and select "Application Settings." Under the "Automatic Updates" section, uncheck the box labeled "Automatically update my games." This step prevents Origin from downloading and installing updates for Sims 4, ensuring that your game remains untouched. With these adjustments in place, you are now equipped to access Sims 4 without fear of unwanted updates, allowing you to continue your immersive gameplay experience unhindered.

Identifying the Sims 4 Update Mechanism

The Sims 4, like other modern video games, receives regular updates from its developer, EA Games. These updates typically include bug fixes, performance enhancements, and new content—such as new objects, hairstyles, or even entire expansion packs. While updates are generally beneficial, they can sometimes cause problems, such as conflicts with existing mods or compatibility issues with older save files.

As a result, some players may prefer to defer or even skip certain updates. Fortunately, it is possible to open Sims 4 without updating the game. To do this, you need to disable automatic updates in the game’s settings. You can also manually block the game from accessing the internet, which will prevent it from downloading and installing updates.

Manually Preventing Sims 4 from Updating

If you are playing Sims 4 on a desktop computer, you can manually prevent the game from updating by following these steps:

Open the Sims 4 app.
Click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the app window.
Select "Game Options."
Click on the "Updates" tab.
Uncheck the box next to "Automatically update my game."
Click on "Apply Changes."
Close the game and relaunch it.

Once you have disabled automatic updates, the game will not download or install any new updates. You can still manually check for updates by clicking on the "Check for Updates" button in the game’s options menu. However, if you do not want to update the game, simply close the update window and continue playing.

Disabling Automatic Game Updates

Automatic game updates can be annoying if you’re not ready for them or if they’re causing problems. Fortunately, you can disable them in The Sims 4 and manually update the game when you’re ready.

Steam Users

Open the Steam client.
Go to your Library.
Right-click on The Sims 4 and select Properties.
Go to the Updates tab.
Uncheck the box that says "Automatic updates".

Origin Users

Open the Origin client.
Go to My Game Library.
Right-click on The Sims 4 and select Game Properties.
Go to the Updates tab.
Uncheck the box that says "Automatic game updates".

Mac Users

Open The Sims 4 application.
Go to the Game Options menu.
Select "Other".
Uncheck the box that says "Automatically download updates".

Troubleshooting

If you’re still having trouble disabling automatic updates, try the following:

Make sure that you have the latest version of Origin or Steam installed.
Restart your computer.
Check your firewall settings to make sure that Origin or Steam is not being blocked.
Contact EA Support for help.

Modifying Game Files to Prevent Updates

Manually modifying game files can prevent automatic updates, but it requires technical expertise. Follow these steps carefully:

1. **Locate Game Directory:** Find your Sims 4 game directory, typically in Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4.

2. **Backup Original File:** Create a backup copy of the “GameVersion.txt” file located in the game directory.

3. **Edit GameVersion.txt:** Open “GameVersion.txt” using a text editor like Notepad. Change the version number to an outdated version, such as “1.70.86.1020” or earlier. Save and close the file.

4. **Disable Automatic Updates:** Go to Origin and select “Origin” > “Application Settings”. Under “Updates”, uncheck the box for “Automatic game updates”.

5. **Launch Game:** You can now launch Sims 4 without triggering automatic updates. If updates become available, you will need to revert the “GameVersion.txt” file to its original version number to receive them.

Game Version	Update Compatibility
1.70.86.1020	Compatible with older updates
1.80.69.1030	Requires updates to be compatible
1.90.358.1030	Requires latest updates to be compatible

Creating a New Sims 4 Installation

1. Locate Your Sims 4 Files and Folders:
– Go to your “Documents” folder.
– Open the “Electronic Arts” folder.
– Find the “The Sims 4” folder.

2. Move the “The Sims 4” Folder to a New Location:
– Create a new folder on your desktop or another convenient location.
– Drag and drop the “The Sims 4” folder from the Documents folder to the new folder.

3. Create a Shortcut to the New Sims 4 Folder:
– Right-click on the desktop or in any other desired location.
– Choose “New > Shortcut.”
– Navigate to the new Sims 4 folder you created in step 2.
– Click “OK” to create the shortcut.

4. Modify the Shortcut Properties:
– Right-click on the Sims 4 shortcut you created.
– Select “Properties.”
– In the “Target” field, add the following text to the end of the path: \Game\Bin\TS4.exe
– Click “OK” to save the changes.

To summarize:

Modifying the Shortcut Properties Table:

Option	Value
Target:	“C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\Desktop\Sims 4 Shortcut\Game\Bin\TS4.exe”

Blocking Internet Access for Origin or EA Desktop

To prevent Origin or EA Desktop from automatically updating The Sims 4, you can block its internet access. Here’s how:

**Origin:**

Open your firewall settings.
Create a new “Inbound rule” for the Origin executable file (typically found in “C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin\Origin.exe”).
Select “Block the connection” and save the rule.

**EA Desktop:**

Open your firewall settings.
Create a new “Inbound rule” for the EA Desktop executable file (typically found in “C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\EA Desktop\EA Desktop.exe”).
Select “Block the connection” and save the rule.

**Alternative Method (Windows only):**

Press “Windows Key + R” to open the Run dialog box.
Type “netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name=””Sims 4 No Update”” dir=in action=block program=””[path to Sims 4 executable file]”” and press Enter.

Platform	Default Sims 4 Executable File Location
Windows	C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 4\Game\Bin\TS4_x64.exe
Mac	/Applications/Origin.app/Contents/MacOS/The Sims 4

Using a VPN or Proxy Server

If you are unable to access The Sims 4 without updating, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or proxy server may help. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in a different location, making it appear as if you are accessing the internet from that location. This can bypass regional restrictions or ISP blocks that may be preventing you from accessing The Sims 4.

There are many different VPN and proxy services available, both free and paid. Some popular VPN services include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost. If you are looking for a free VPN, you can try ProtonVPN or TunnelBear. Once you have chosen a VPN or proxy service, simply connect to a server in a location where The Sims 4 is available and try launching the game.

Additional Tips for Using a VPN or Proxy Server

Here are some additional tips for using a VPN or proxy server to access The Sims 4 without updating:

Tip	Description
Use a reputable VPN or proxy service.	There are many VPN and proxy services available, but not all of them are reputable. Do some research to find a service that is known for its reliability, security, and privacy policies.
Connect to a server in a location where The Sims 4 is available.	If you are trying to access The Sims 4 from a region where it is blocked, you will need to connect to a server in a location where the game is available.
Make sure your VPN or proxy connection is stable.	A weak or unstable VPN or proxy connection can cause The Sims 4 to lag or crash. Make sure your connection is stable before launching the game.

Running the Game in Offline Mode

For those who prefer a more stable and uninterrupted gaming experience, running The Sims 4 in offline mode can be an effective solution. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

1. Disable Automatic Updates

Begin by disabling automatic updates for The Sims 4 via Origin. Navigate to “Application Settings” within Origin, select “Game Properties,” and uncheck the box labeled “Enable Automatic Game Updates.”

2. Disconnect from the Internet

Before launching the game, ensure that you’re completely disconnected from the internet. Either disable your Wi-Fi or unplug your Ethernet cable.

3. Start The Sims 4

Now, launch The Sims 4 as you normally would. Since you’re offline, the game will not attempt to update and will instead run the last installed version.

4. Enable Origin Offline Mode

Once the game is running, open Origin and click on “Origin” in the menu bar. Select “Go Offline” to prevent Origin from reconnecting to the internet.

5. Disable Origin’s In-Game Overlay

To further minimize distractions during gameplay, disable Origin’s in-game overlay. Open The Sims 4, press Shift + Tab, and click on the “Origin” icon in the overlay. Uncheck the box labeled “Enable Origin In-Game.”

6. Avoid Downloading Content

While playing offline, it’s crucial to avoid downloading any new content or custom mods. Doing so will trigger the game to check for updates, which will ultimately break your offline mode.

7. Check Your Firewall Settings

If you encounter any difficulties maintaining offline mode, check your firewall settings. Make sure Origin is allowed through both inbound and outbound connections. Additionally, consider temporarily disabling your firewall to troubleshoot any potential blocks.


Benefit	Drawback
– Stable gameplay	– Limited access to online features
– No interruptions from updates	– Difficulty downloading new content

Launching Sims 4 from a Backup

In order to launch Sims 4 from a backup, you will need to have a backup of your game files. If you do not have a backup, you can create one by following these steps:

Exit The Sims 4.
Navigate to the folder where The Sims 4 is installed.
Copy the entire folder to a safe location.

Once you have a backup of your game files, you can launch Sims 4 from the backup by following these steps:

Exit The Sims 4.
Navigate to the folder where The Sims 4 is installed.
Delete the entire folder.
Copy the backup folder to the location where The Sims 4 was installed.
Launch The Sims 4.

If you are launching Sims 4 from a backup for the first time, you may need to update your mods and custom content. You can do this by following these steps:

Exit The Sims 4.
Navigate to the Mods folder in the Sims 4 folder.
Delete any mods or custom content that is not compatible with the version of The Sims 4 that you are running.
Launch The Sims 4.

Employing Third-Party Tools to Block Updates

Many third-party tools are available online that can help you block software updates. These tools typically work by creating a firewall rule that prevents your computer from accessing the update servers. Here are the steps involved in using a third-party tool to block Sims 4 updates:

Download and install a third-party tool that can block updates, such as Firewall App Blocker or Windows Firewall Control.
Open the tool and create a new firewall rule.
In the rule’s settings, specify the following information:

Action: Block
Protocol: TCP or UDP
Port: 80 or 443 (the ports used by the Sims 4 update servers)
Remote IP address: The IP address of the Sims 4 update servers. You can find this information online.

Save the rule.
Restart your computer.

Tool	Features
Firewall App Blocker	Free and easy to use
Windows Firewall Control	More advanced features, but more complex to use

Once you have blocked the Sims 4 update servers, you will no longer be prompted to update the game. However, it is important to note that blocking updates can prevent you from accessing new features and content. Additionally, it may make your game more vulnerable to security exploits. Therefore, it is only recommended to block updates if you are sure that you do not want to receive them.

Maintaining a Stable Offline Gaming Environment

Disable Automatic Game Updates

To prevent Sims 4 from automatically updating, disable the “Automatic Updates” setting in the EA App’s Game Library. Navigate to the “Game Options” tab and uncheck the “Automatically update games” box.

Block Internet Access

Prevent Sims 4 from connecting to the internet by blocking its access through your firewall or router settings. This will effectively isolate the game from potential updates.

Use "No Origin Mode"

Launch Sims 4 through the “No Origin Mode” shortcut to bypass the EA App and any update prompts. To create this shortcut, locate the game’s executable file (TS4_x64.exe) and add the “-noOrigin” parameter to its target path.

Remove Sims 4 Updates

If Sims 4 has already downloaded an update, manually delete the updated files from the game directory (typically located in Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\). This will revert the game to its pre-update state.

Avoid Online Features

To ensure offline stability, avoid using any online features within Sims 4, such as the Gallery or Create-a-Sim website. These features require an internet connection and may trigger update detections.

Create a Copy of the Sims 4 Folder

As an additional precaution, create a duplicate copy of your Sims 4 game folder. If the original game becomes corrupted or updated, you can restore it from the backup copy.

Disable Unnecessary Background Applications

Close any unnecessary background applications that might interfere with Sims 4’s offline functionality, such as cloud storage services or game optimization tools.

Use a Dedicated Offline Computer

Consider setting up a separate computer dedicated to offline Sims 4 gaming. This will minimize the risk of updates being installed or internet access being accidentally granted.

Stay Informed About Potential Updates

Monitor official Sims 4 forums and social media channels for any announcements regarding upcoming updates. This will give you ample time to take necessary measures to maintain your offline environment.

Technical Support

If you encounter any technical difficulties while playing Sims 4 offline, refer to the EA Help website or contact EA support for assistance.

How To Open Sims 4 Without Updating

The Sims 4 is a popular life simulation game that has been updated regularly since its release in 2014. However, some players may prefer to play the game without updating it to the latest version. There are a few reasons why you might want to do this, such as:

You may prefer the gameplay of an older version of the game.
You may have a computer that cannot handle the requirements of the latest update.
You may be experiencing problems with the latest update and want to revert to an older version.

If you want to open Sims 4 without updating, you will need to follow these steps:

Create a copy of your Sims 4 game folder.
Right-click on the Sims 4 game icon and select “Properties”
Click on the “Compatibility” tab
Check the box next to “Run this program as an administrator”
Click on the “Apply” button
Click on the “OK” button

Once you have completed these steps, you will be able to open Sims 4 without updating. However, it is important to note that you may not be able to access online features, such as the Gallery, if you are playing an older version of the game.