Sims 4 Horse Ranch Stuck on Loading Screen [Fixed]

Are you impatient to play the game, but can't see anything other than the loading screen? We got you covered! 😉

By Vladan Ćetojević Last updated Nov 14, 2023

Observing that Sims 4 Horse Ranch stuck on loading screen and that there are no indications of something happening is genuinely annoying. We combined the most common causes of this annoying issue and listed the most valuable solutions to get past the loading screen in Sims 4 Horse Ranch DLC.

If you can’t even reach the loading screen, learn how to fix Sims 4 Horse Ranch won’t launch.

Why is Sims 4 Horse Ranch stuck on loading screen?
Sims 4 Horse Ranch is stuck on the loading screen due to poor system specifications, unnecessary startup services, corrupted game files, problems with Windows Firewall, an outdated GPU driver, pilled-up cache files, or your antivirus blocking the game from launching.

How to fix Sims 4 Horse Ranch stuck on loading screen?

Apply these checks and fixes to get past the loading screen in Sims 4 Horse Ranch:

Check the system requirements: Your PC must meet at least a minimum of the Sims 4 Horse Ranch system requirements. Otherwise, there is a chance the game won’t load.
Perform a Clean Boot: We made a complete guide on performing a clean boot so no unnecessary startup services load with your system.
Verify game files: Regardless of which game distribution platform you use, you can verify the integrity of game files and repair corrupted ones without reinstalling the game.

Here is the list of solutions that will help the game load.

Allow the game through the Firewall
Update the GPU driver
Clear the cache files

1. Allow the game through the Firewall

Time needed: 5 minutes

If your Windows Firewall prevents the game files from loading, you must add Sims 4 Horse Ranch to the list of Firewall exceptions.

Click on the Windows icon, type Windows Defender Firewall, and open it.
Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Click on Change Settings and Allow Another App.
Select Browse, and navigate to the Sims 4 Horse Ranch installation folder.
Click on the Sims 4 Horse Ranch executable file (.exe) and select Open.
Check the checkbox in columns Private and Public in the Sims 4 Horse Ranch row and hit OK.
Restart your PC.

2. Update the GPU driver

An outdated GPU driver won’t support your graphics card, which must perform graphical computing while the game is loaded.

Click on the Windows icon, type Device Manager, and open it.
Double-click on the Display Adapters section to expand it.
Right-click on your GPU and select Update driver.
Choose the Search automatically for drivers option.
Install GPU driver update.
Restart your PC.

Many gamers don’t like wasting their time on GPU driver management, so instead, they let Outbyte Driver Updater handle it for them. This tool scans, monitors, and updates drivers whenever an update is released, thus saving a lot of time that can be used for gaming.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Clear the cache files

Sims 4 Horse Ranch and other games on your PC store cache files locally so they can launch and load quicker. However, corrupted cache files will have a counter effect, so it’s best to clear them.

Use the Windows Key + R shortcut to open the Run dialog, type %localappdata%, and hit OK.
Use the CTRL + A shortcut to select all files in the folder.
Press the Delete key on your keyboard to delete all the files in the folder.
➡ If prompted to confirm, click on Yes.
➡ If some files can’t be deleted, click on Skip.

Extra steps

If Sims 4 Horse Ranch is still stuck on the loading screen, try to:

🛡 Temporarily disable antivirus: If your game loads, you must whitelist it in the antivirus settings. Don’t forget to re-enable system protection afterward.
⏳ Give it some time: If you are running Sims 4 Horse Ranch for the first time, there is a chance that it will take a bit until the game is fully loaded and you get past the loading screen.
⬆ Update Windows: Click the Windows icon, type Check for updates, open these System Settings, install pending updates, and restart your PC.

Related articles:

Conclusion

These were the most valuable methods to help you eliminate the annoying Sims 4 Horse Ranch stuck on loading screen issue. Updating the GPU driver will ensure it is functioning correctly and that it’s ready for gaming, while allowing the game through the Firewall will eliminate the possibility of the game being recognized as a threat.

Don’t forget to clear the cache and verify game files to avoid your infinite view of the loading screen and keep your Windows up-to-date, and you can enjoy Sims 4 Horse Ranch in no time!

Sims 4