Can I Install Origin Games on Another Computer? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can absolutely install Origin games on another computer. The process is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy your purchased games on multiple devices. However, there are a few crucial points to understand, mainly concerning licenses and save files, to ensure a smooth transition. This article will walk you through everything you need to know, from initial installation to managing save data, and will address common concerns about transferring your games.
Understanding the Basics of Origin Game Transfers
The key principle to remember is that your game licenses are tied to your Origin account, not to a specific computer. This means you do not need to repurchase a game just because you are switching devices. The main steps involve:
- Deactivating the license (if necessary) on the old computer and activating it on the new one. While not always required, this step may be essential for some older titles or specific licensing situations.
- Downloading the game through the Origin client on the new computer.
- Transferring your save files (if needed) to continue your game progress.
Let’s delve deeper into these aspects.
The Role of the Origin Client
The Origin client is your gateway to accessing and playing your purchased games. Just like Steam or Epic Games Launcher, it acts as a digital storefront and a game library. To install games on a new computer, you must first install the Origin client. Once installed, log in with your Origin account, and you will have access to your entire game library.
Downloading Your Games on a New Computer
Once logged into the Origin client, your games will be listed in your “My Game Library”. To download a game, simply select it and click the “Download” button. You can install your purchased game on any computer without needing to repurchase. This is a significant advantage, allowing you to enjoy your games on your home PC, laptop, or any other computer where you install the Origin client.
Managing Game Save Files
While the game itself can be downloaded multiple times on different devices, your game progress is often stored locally as save files. These are typically located in your “Documents” folder. If you want to continue your game progress on the new computer, you must manually transfer these save files. This is done by copying the relevant folders to the new computer. The article mentions specifically the “Documents portion of all EA, Electronic Arts, Origin folders”. This folder is located in your “Documents” folder within windows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify how to install and manage Origin games on different computers:
1. Do I need to deactivate my license on my old computer before installing on a new one?
In most cases, deactivating the license is not required for modern games. However, for older titles or specific licensing situations, it might be necessary. The article mentioned deactivation and reactivation was based on older systems, and it is now uncommon practice. Modern Origin accounts linked with digital entitlement allows you to install on many computers.
2. Can I transfer my installed game files to another computer instead of redownloading?
Yes, you can. By copying the game folder from your old computer to the corresponding installation directory on the new one, you can save bandwidth and time. Then, start the install through the Origin client. This should detect the files.
3. Where are my game saves located?
Game saves are usually located in “DocumentsElectronic ArtsGame Title”, within the “saves” or “savegames” folder. Copy these to the same location on the new computer.
4. Will I lose my games if I uninstall the Origin client?
No, uninstalling the Origin client does not delete your game licenses or save files. You can reinstall it and access your games anytime. The client uninstallation will not remove local save game files and will certainly not delete online saves.
5. Can I share my Origin games with another person’s account?
No, game licenses are tied to individual accounts. You cannot transfer games between different player accounts.
6. Is it possible to transfer Origin games to Steam?
No, games bought on Origin can only be played on Origin. You cannot transfer your game licenses to Steam.
7. Will my Origin games transfer to the EA App?
Yes, the EA App is replacing the Origin client. Any games you’ve downloaded through Origin will be available through the EA App.
8. Is it better to download games from Origin or Steam?
Steam offers a wider variety of third-party games, but if you want to play EA games, you must use the Origin/EA App. Ultimately it is down to user preference.
9. Do I get to keep my Origin games forever?
Yes, Origin guarantees download availability forever after purchase, and there is no limit to the number of times a game can be downloaded.
10. Can you reinstall games on Origin if you uninstall them?
Yes, your games will remain in the “My Games” section of the Origin client, allowing you to reinstall them whenever you want.
11. Can Sims 4 be installed on two computers?
Yes, Sims 4 can be installed on multiple computers using the same Origin account, as long as they aren’t played at the same time. You can actually run the sims 4 on at least two different computers at the same time using the same origin account. However, you need to copy over save game files.
12. How do I install Sims 4 on another computer?
To install Sims 4 on a new computer, install the Origin client, log in, go to your game library, select Sims 4, and click “Download.”
13. Can I use a USB drive to play games on another computer?
Generally, small games without registries can be copied to a USB drive and played on another computer. Larger games usually require installation and have registries, requiring the client.
14. Can I download a game on a USB and play it?
This is dependent on the game. Some smaller games do not have a registry and can be run directly from a USB drive. However, most larger games use registry entries and require an installation through Origin.
15. If I buy a game on Steam do I need to install the EA App if I want to play it?
Yes, the EA App is required in order to play EA games on PC. If you launch an EA title on Steam, you will be directed to install the EA App. Any game which needs you to link your EA and Steam account will allow you to launch from either platform.
Conclusion
Installing Origin games on a different computer is a hassle-free process that allows you to enjoy your game library anywhere. By understanding the concepts of licenses, game saves, and utilizing the Origin client, you can easily manage your games across multiple devices. Always remember to transfer your save files to pick up right where you left off. Following these steps will ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. As Origin has moved to the EA App, you can also use the same steps to transfer your games over. Happy gaming!