iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Close The Sims 4, then copy Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4 to a dated folder outside Electronic Arts. That single copy protects saves, Gallery content, mods, and custom content on both Windows and Mac. Never move the live folder. After the update, launch once with no mods, enter Live Mode, exit without saving, delete localthumbcache.package, and only then re-enable custom content and script mods. Add updated scripts back in small batches after their creators confirm compatibility with the new game version.
The current PC/Mac release is the October 27, 2026 quality-of-life patch (PC 1.129.39.1030; Mac 1.129.39.1230). A dated pre-patch copy remains useful even when the game’s Recover Save feature is available, because Recover Save does not preserve your Mods or Tray folders.
Where are Sims 4 saves, mods, and custom content stored?
The live user files are in Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4, not in the EA App, Steam, or Epic installation directory. The launcher you use does not change this user-data location.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Windows path
Open File Explorer and go to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4. If Documents is redirected, check the OneDrive version of Documents. You can also see the active location in Game Options > Screen Capture > Location Path.
Popular on Amazon
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Mac path
In Finder, open ~/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4. If iCloud manages Documents, check the iCloud Drive Documents folder as well as the local Documents folder.
Program files and user files are different
Program files contain the installed game. A typical Windows installation is under C:\Program Files\EA Games; Steam and Epic use their own library locations. Saves, Mods, Tray files, and screenshots are user data. The game expects that user folder under Documents and creates a new, empty folder if it cannot find the existing one.
| Folder or file | What it contains | Back up? |
|---|---|---|
Saves |
Worlds, households, progress, and automatic .ver save copies |
Yes; essential |
Mods |
.package custom content and .ts4script script mods |
Yes on PC and Mac |
Tray |
Saved or downloaded Gallery households, lots, and rooms | Yes if those items matter to you |
Overrides |
Less-common interface and override assets | Yes when present |
localthumbcache.package |
Rebuildable thumbnail cache | No; delete it when troubleshooting |
Do not combine the program folder and the user folder. The Sims Helpers guidance warns that combining them can permanently lose saves. Do not move the entire Documents folder to an external drive; back up a copy of the Sims 4 user folder instead.
Recommended Free Tools
What should a Sims 4 backup include?
Use the full user folder when possible. It is the official, simplest restore because it keeps saves, Tray content, Mods, options, screenshots, and other game-specific files together.
| Backup scope | Protects | When it makes sense |
|---|---|---|
| Saves only | Game progress and the .ver files beside it |
Small emergency copy or console-style save protection |
| Saves + Mods + Tray | Progress, mod files, Gallery creations, and downloaded households or lots | Minimum practical set for a modded PC or Mac game |
| Entire The Sims 4 folder | Everything in the user directory, including less-obvious overrides and settings | Before a patch, pack installation, computer move, or major build |
A mod backup is not a guarantee that an old script will work after an update. It preserves the known-good files so you can remove a bad release and restore the previous state if necessary.
How do I back up Sims 4 saves on Windows or Mac?
Close the game first, and close any mod manager that may be reading the folder. Copy; do not cut or drag the live folder away. Moving it makes the game create a fresh empty folder, which can look like every save has disappeared.
Windows
- Exit The Sims 4 and wait for the process to close.
- Open My Documents > Electronic Arts.
- Right-click The Sims 4 and choose Copy.
- Paste the copy on the Desktop, a separate internal drive, an external hard drive or SSD, a USB drive, or cloud storage.
- Rename the copy with an event and date, such as
The Sims 4 Backup Before October 27 2026 Update.
Mac
- Quit The Sims 4.
- In Finder, open Documents > Electronic Arts.
- Select The Sims 4 and press Command-C.
- Open the destination and press Command-V.
- Give the copy a dated name, such as
Sims 4 Backup Before New Pack.
Paste the backup outside the live Electronic Arts directory. Keep the original folder in place and verify that the copied folder contains Saves, Mods, and Tray before starting an update.
How often should I make a copy?
The Sims Team recommends a weekly backup and another copy before a base-game update, a new pack, a large build, a major in-game event, adding or replacing mods, or moving to a new computer. Use at least two dated copies when a save is especially valuable: one on a different physical drive protects against a failed system disk.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which destination is safest for Sims 4 backups?
The best destination depends on the size of the Mods folder and whether you need protection from a failed computer. A Desktop copy is quick but remains on the same disk; an external drive is more practical for a large custom-content library.
| Destination | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop | Fastest manual copy and easy to restore | Lost with the computer or disk; not an off-device backup |
| USB flash drive | Portable and adequate for Saves or a small Mods folder | Large CC collections may exceed its capacity; easy to misplace |
| Portable hard drive or SSD | Best capacity for large Mods folders, which can reach hundreds of gigabytes | Must be connected and stored safely; still needs a second copy for disaster protection |
| Cloud storage | Off-device copy and access from another computer | Sync services such as OneDrive or iCloud can conflict with the live Documents folder; upload time and storage limits apply |
Do not let a synchronization service become the only copy of an actively changing Sims 4 folder. Keep a dated, independently named archive that will not be altered when the live Documents folder syncs.
Should I remove mods before updating Sims 4?
Yes. Back up first, then keep the live game’s Mods folder out of the first post-patch launch. This separates problems in the new game version from problems caused by old files.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Before the update
- Copy the full user folder, or at minimum
Saves,Mods, andTray. - Make a text file or spreadsheet listing each mod, its creator, download page, and whether it is a script, gameplay, UI, or CAS/build file.
- Close The Sims 4 and any mod manager.
- Move the live
Modsfolder to the Desktop or another temporary location. Do not delete your backed-up copy. - Delete
localthumbcache.packagefrom the live user folder.
Controlling automatic updates
In the EA App, open Application settings > Download and set Update games automatically to Off. In Steam, set the game to wait until launch before updating. These settings choose when the patch is applied; they do not provide a permanent way to remain on an old version. New packs, kits, and online features may require the current release. Offline mode has been documented as working for up to 30 days after the last online launch, but it is not an EA anti-update guarantee.
What is the safe order after a Sims 4 patch?
Let the game create and test a clean vanilla session before restoring mods. The most important rule is to leave Live Mode without saving while mods are disabled.
- Launch with no Mods or custom content. The game intentionally turns both options off after an update.
- Enter Live Mode briefly. Confirm that the patched game loads and that the user folder is the one you backed up. Missing CC is expected at this point.
- Exit without saving. Do not choose Save and Exit. Saving while mods are off can strip modded content, especially content controlled by separate
.cfgfiles. - Clear the cache. Delete
localthumbcache.package; the game rebuilds it on the next launch. - Re-enable the options. Go to Game Options > Other, tick Enable Custom Content and Mods and, if applicable, Script Mods Allowed, then restart the game.
- Restore known-good files in small batches. Put back updated gameplay and UI scripts first, then test. Add CAS and build CC afterward.
- Test a copy or a new save before overwriting your main progress. A clean vanilla save under a new name is an additional fallback if a modded save behaves badly.
- Stop and investigate any error. Do not keep saving while a broken script is producing errors.
As of October 29, 2026, the live PC/Mac release is the October 27 update, which shipped more than 150 bug fixes and 14 crash or stability improvements. Food and drink tuning was rewritten and more than 375 existing dishes were added to the Family Recipes pool, so recipe and food-override mods deserve particular scrutiny until their creators update them.
Which mods should I put back first?
Script and core gameplay mods are the highest-risk files. CAS and build custom content usually survives patches, but testing the whole Mods folder at once makes a conflict difficult to locate.
Script-mod rules
- Files ending in
.ts4scriptcan be no more than one subfolder deep insideMods. - Keep every mod’s script, package, configuration, and dependency files together and identify them by creator.
- Never leave
.zipor.rararchives inMods; extract them first. - Big gameplay and UI scripts such as MC Command Center, UI Cheats Extension, Basemental, and similar projects generally need an explicit creator update after a patch.
Custom-content rules
.packagefiles may be up to five subfolders deep.- Keep required meshes and recolors together; a missing mesh can look like floating accessories or invisible clothing.
- Delete
localthumbcache.packagewhenever you change the contents ofMods. - The two Options checkboxes can switch off again after a later patch, so recheck them each time.
CurseForge can update only mods hosted on CurseForge. MCCC, XML Injector, and many Patreon-hosted projects still require a manual creator check. A scanning utility such as TS4 Mod Hound can identify duplicate, outdated, broken, or missing-requirement files, but no manager can make an unupdated script safe.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use the 50/50 method when a problem appears
- Move all Mods content out of the live folder.
- Return roughly half of the files, keeping dependencies together, and test.
- If the problem returns, halve that group; if it does not, test the other half.
- Repeat until the offending file or dependency group is isolated.
Stuck Sims, dead menus, and gameplay failures point toward scripts or gameplay tuning. UI glitches often identify interface mods. Missing meshes and floating accessories usually indicate CC or a dependency problem.
Read exception files and repair core files
lastException.txt and lastUIException in the user folder can name a likely culprit. Deaderpool notes that exception files are almost always associated with bad or outdated mods or custom content; TwistedMexi’s Better Exceptions is a community tool that reads those logs.
If the game itself appears damaged, repair only the program files: in the EA App use Library > The Sims 4 > Manage > Repair; in Epic, verify the installation and then repair in the EA App; in Steam, open Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity. These operations do not replace your Mods folder.
How do I restore a Sims 4 backup?
Use a full-folder restore when the user directory is damaged, or replace only Saves, Mods, or Tray when the rest of the folder is healthy. Confirm the backup before deleting the live folder.
Full restore on Windows
- Close The Sims 4.
- Open Documents > Electronic Arts.
- Confirm that the dated backup opens and contains the folders you need.
- Delete the live The Sims 4 folder and empty the Recycle Bin only after that confirmation.
- Rename the backup to The Sims 4.
- Copy it into Electronic Arts, then launch the game.
On Mac, use Move to Bin instead of deleting to the Recycle Bin and press Command-V to place the renamed folder in Electronic Arts. Once the game displays the expected saves, the temporary Desktop copy can be removed if it is no longer needed.
Lighter restore
Open the dated backup and copy only its Saves folder, or its Mods and Tray folders as needed, over the live versions. Choose Replace. This preserves screenshots, settings, and other files that are not part of the incident.
Recover Save and .ver files
The game writes automatic backups beside the main saves as names such as Slot_00000002.save.ver0 and .ver1. The lower number is newer, so ver0 is the most recently created backup.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- In the game, open Load Game, select a save, click the floppy-disk Recover Save icon, choose a version, select Recover, and confirm Yes.
- For a manual recovery, exit the game and rename a file such as
Slot_00000002.save.ver0toSlot_00000002.saveby removing the.ver0suffix.
The October 27, 2026 patch improved save-backup tracking for players who go a long time between sessions. Those in-game backups still cover Saves only; they do not copy Mods or Tray, so they are an extra safety net rather than a replacement for a dated folder copy.
Also popular on Amazon
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Widely Compatible: Transform any USB-C port into a USB-A port and USB-A port into a USB-C port, and connect up a wide range of USB-C(including MacBook, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, iPhone models with USB C ports, Samsung Galaxy series, and Google Pixel series. ) and USB A devices(including external hard drives, phones, mice, printers, and more)
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What if my Sims 4 saves seem to have vanished?
First check that the game is looking at the same Documents path that contains your backup. A moved folder, a redirected OneDrive or iCloud Documents directory, or a newly created empty The Sims 4 folder can make healthy saves appear missing.
- Use Game Options > Screen Capture > Location Path to identify the active user directory.
- Search both the local Documents folder and the redirected cloud Documents folder for
Saves. - If you moved the original folder, put it back under
Documents/Electronic Arts; do not merge it with the program installation folder. - Check the dated backup before changing or deleting anything else.
- If only one save is damaged, try Recover Save or a nearby
.verfile before restoring the entire folder.
How does the October 2026 patch affect backup decisions?
Keeping a pre-patch copy is especially prudent when a release changes systems used by mods. The October 27, 2026 notes say that many top crash reports remained closely linked to outdated or conflicting mod files. The same update warned that some restaurant tables from older builds could be deleted during a table-footprint fix, especially tables placed with Move Objects, and that saves rescued from an endless white loading screen might need lot details rebuilt.
“Did you know that in certain cases using an outdated mod could cause unfixable problems for your save?” — The Sims Team, Mods + Game Updates guide
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
“Don’t save a modded game while mods are off, or the game will strip most modded content (this mostly impacts mods that have separate .cfg files).” — The Sims Team
There is no official percentage showing how often players lose saves after a patch. The practical protection is a dated copy made before the update, a second copy on another drive, and a cautious vanilla launch before any modded saving.
What should PlayStation and Xbox players back up?
Console editions do not support Sims 4 mods or custom content, so console players need only protect save data. PlayStation and Xbox cloud or external-drive procedures are platform-specific and do not create a copy of a PC or Mac Mods folder.
On PlayStation, automatic cloud upload requires the applicable PlayStation Plus service, while manual backup is available under Settings > System > Back Up and Restore. Xbox provides cloud saves without an extra subscription according to the supplied vendor guidance. Confirm current storage limits and subscription terms with Sony or Microsoft before relying on them.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Frequently asked questions
Can I copy the Sims 4 folder while the game is open?
Close the game first. An open session can still be writing save or cache files, leaving the copy incomplete or internally inconsistent even if the file operation appears to finish.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Does deleting localthumbcache.package delete my saves?
No. It is a rebuildable thumbnail cache in the user folder. The game recreates it on the next launch; deleting it is a standard way to clear stale references after changing Mods.
How much free space do I need for a Sims 4 backup?
Allow room for the complete user folder and at least one additional dated copy. EA Forums Sims Helpers recommends keeping 25–30 GB free on the Windows system drive, while a large custom-content library can reach hundreds of gigabytes and may require a portable hard drive or SSD.
Can I keep an old Sims 4 patch forever by turning off updates?
Update controls delay installation; they do not create a supported permanent legacy version. Online features, new packs, and kits can require the current release, and the EA App may update despite a setting, so retain a backup rather than relying on indefinite patch avoidance.
How can I keep backups from being overwritten?
Use dated names that include the event, such as Before October 27 Patch, and store copies outside the live Electronic Arts folder. Rotate several snapshots instead of repeatedly replacing one archive, and keep at least one copy on a different physical drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I copy the Sims 4 folder while the game is open?
Close the game first. An open session can still be writing save or cache files, leaving the copy incomplete or internally inconsistent even if the file operation appears to finish.
Does deleting localthumbcache.package delete my saves?
No. It is a rebuildable thumbnail cache. The game recreates it on the next launch, so deleting it does not remove Saves, Mods, or Tray content.
How much free space do I need for a Sims 4 backup?
Allow room for the complete user folder and another dated copy. Keep at least 25–30 GB free on the Windows system drive; very large custom-content libraries can require hundreds of gigabytes on a portable drive.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCan I keep an old Sims 4 patch forever by turning off updates?
No. Update controls delay installation rather than providing a permanent supported legacy version. New packs and online features may require the current release, so retain dated backups instead of relying on indefinite patch avoidance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
