Resolving Sims 3 Launch Issues on Windows 10/11 Stuck on launcher

sims3-wind10-11.md

Resolving Sims 3 Launch Issues on Windows 10/11

If you're experiencing issues with The Sims 3 getting stuck on the launcher when trying to play on Windows 10 or 11, follow these detailed steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem.

Step 1: Verify Game File Integrity

First, ensure your game files are not corrupted:

1. Open your Steam library.
2. Right-click on "The Sims 3" in your game list.
3. Select "Properties" from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on "Local Files" in the left sidebar.
5. Click "Verify integrity of game files".
6. Wait for the process to complete and try launching the game again.

Step 2: Update DirectX (GPU-related issues)

If verifying file integrity doesn't solve the issue, try updating DirectX:

1. Download the DirectX 9 installer from the official Microsoft website: DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Restart your computer after the installation is complete.
4. Try launching The Sims 3 again.

Step 3: CPU Affinity Fix (CPU-related issues)

If the above steps don't resolve the issue, try this CPU affinity fix:

1. Create a new text file on your desktop.
2. Open the file with a text editor (e.g., Notepad).
3. Copy and paste the following PowerShell script into the file:

echo "Launch Sims 3..."

do {
    $TS3 = Get-Process TS3, TS3W -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
} until($TS3)

$Affinity = $TS3.ProcessorAffinity

$TS3.ProcessorAffinity = 1

Start-Sleep -s 5

$TS3.ProcessorAffinity = $Affinity

4. Save the file with the name "sims.ps1" (make sure to change the file extension from .txt to .ps1).
5. Right-click on the file and select "Properties".
6. In the Properties window, check the box next to "Unblock" if it exists, then click "Apply" and "OK".
7. Completely close Steam.
8. Right-click on the "sims.ps1" file and select "Run with PowerShell".
9. Once the script has run, open Steam and launch The Sims 3.

This script adjusts the CPU affinity for The Sims 3 process, which can help resolve launch issues on some systems. You must repeat steps 7 to 9 each time you want to launch The Sims 3.

If you continue to experience problems after trying these steps, leave me a comment for additional troubleshooting advice.