Sims 4 Horse Ranch Won’t Launch: How to Force It

The situation seems hopeless, and you are unsure if you will ever be able to launch the game. You are in the right place, so use the opportunity and apply our solutions! 🚀

By Vladan Ćetojević Last updated Nov 14, 2023

Are you annoyed that Sims 4 Horse Ranch won’t launch? We are here to support you in resolving this annoying issue and eliminating causes that make your game unable to open. Take action and turn our list of solutions to apply when Sims 4 Horse Ranch doesn’t launch into practice!

If the game launches but doesn’t load, learn what to do when Sims 4 Horse Ranch is stuck on the loading screen.

Why won’t Sims 4 Horse Ranch launch?
Sims 4 Horse Ranch won’t launch due to poor system specifications, problems with Windows permissions, corrupted game files, Windows Firewall blocking the game, missing Visual C++ dependencies, an outdated GPU driver, or the wrong power plan on your laptop.

How to fix Sims 4 Horse Ranch won’t launch?

Begin with some checks and fixes to ensure everything is running smoothly before you launch the game:

Check the system requirements: Your PC must meet the minimum requirements for Sims 4 Horse Ranch to launch and run smoothly.
Run the game as an administrator: Right-click on the game executable (.exe) file, select Properties and go to the Compatibility tab. Enable Run this program as an administrator option and hit OK.
Verify game files: We made a complete guide on verifying game files across various game-distributing platforms. Follow these steps to check and repair corrupted Sims 4 Horse Ranch files.

Apply the solutions listed below to force Sims 4 Horse Ranch to launch.

Add Sims 4 Horse Ranch as a Firewall exception
Install Visual C++ dependencies
Update the GPU driver

1. Add Sims 4 Horse Ranch as a Firewall exception

Time needed: 5 minutes

Windows Firewall is an outstanding feature that protects your PC from various threats. However, it is also known to recognize Sims 4 and DLCs as threats, so we advise you to add the game 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. Install Visual C++ dependencies

Games on Windows require Visual C++ dependencies to launch and run. These are usually installed with the game, but you must install them manually if they get outdated or installation doesn’t occur automatically.

Open the official page for the Visual C++ Redist Packages download.
Click on the Link and download vc_redist suitable for your operating system architecture.
➡ X86 is for 32-bit systems.
➡ X64 is for 64-bit systems.
Run the installation package and follow the steps.
Restart your PC.

3. Update the GPU driver

An outdated GPU driver can cause many issues when gaming, including the inability of the game to load. To prevent this inconvenience, you must update the GPU driver manually or use software that handles driver management automatically.

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.

There is a quicker and easier way to manage your drivers! Use PC HelpSoft so you don’t have to think about an outdated GPU driver ruining your gaming experience, as the tool handles it automatically.

⇒ Get PC HelpSoft

Extra steps

Some players might still experience difficulties launching Sims 4 Horse Ranch. If you are one of them, try to:

🔋 Change the Power mode: Click on the battery icon in the taskbar and select Best Performance power mode. Keep your laptop on the charger while launching and playing the game.
⬆ Update Windows: Click on the Windows icon, type check for updates, open these settings, and update any outdated components.
🔁 Reinstall the game: Uninstall Sims 4 Horse Ranch, delete all game files and folders, restart your PC, and perform a clean game installation.
💻 Perform a clean boot.

Related articles:

Conclusion

Hopefully, you are not thinking about the causes due to why Sims 4 Horse Ranch won’t launch after updating the GPU driver and allowing the game through the Firewall. Don’t forget to install Visual C++ dependencies and verify game files. Additionally, update your Windows and reinstall the game if nothing else resolves the issue. Enjoy your virtual Sims horse ranch!

Sims 4