Problem

When I try to start the game, I get the following error message:

Unable to Start: Origin is not running, make sure that it is running before attempting to play the Sims 4 [d3382ced:984c6a38:00000000]

Cause

The Sims 4 needs the latest version of Origin installed. This message is very common if you upgraded to Windows 10 (or if you run an illegal version in which case you’re out of luck)

Solution

• Uninstall your current version of Origin and download the newest one from here: https://origin.com/download. Then install that.
• If you’re still having issues, do a manual, clean uninstall of Origin by following instructions here: Manually Uninstalling the Origin client and then try to install the newest version again.

The following tips need to be done for the exe-File of the game. It's best to do it for both the 32 bit Version (TS4.exe) as well as TS4_64.exe). Also add the Origin.exe file. Both Sims files can be found in the folder <Installation folder>\Game\Bin and \Game\Bin_LE The Origin file can be found in the folder you installed Origin in (Default: c:\programs(x86)\Origin)

• Turn off controlled folder Access or add the files as exceptions
• Add Sims 4 and Origin as an exception to your Antivirus/Firewall (refer to the handbook of the software you use)
• Start the game and Origin as administrator.

More suggestions

• Repair the game through Origin.
• Deactivate Origin ingame

Other things to try

• Scan your system for viruses
• Try setting your time and time zone to automatic
• Start the game in compatibility mode
• Try a  Clean Boot.
• Make sure the TCP port 3216 is open.
• Last resort: Switch back to 32 bit

Further Reading

• Unable to Start, Initialization error at startup
• Game won’t start
• Game already running