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How to Turn Off the EA App: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re looking to shut down the EA app? Whether it’s resource hogging, unwanted notifications, or just a desire for a cleaner digital space, understanding how to properly turn off the EA app is essential. The most direct way to completely shut down the EA app is by clicking on Exit via the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner of the app, or by right-clicking on the EA app icon in your ‘hidden icons’ area in your taskbar, followed by clicking on Exit.

Understanding the EA App and Its Behavior

The EA app, Electronic Arts’ primary platform for PC gaming, offers a centralized location to access and play your favorite EA titles. While it aims for a streamlined experience, some users find its background processes and automatic startup features intrusive. Let’s delve into the various ways to manage the EA app’s behavior and address common concerns.

Preventing Automatic Startup

One of the most common frustrations is the EA app launching automatically when you boot up your computer. Here’s how to prevent that:

Open the EA app.
Click the three lines (hamburger menu) in the top-left corner.
Select Settings.
Navigate to the Application tab.
Disable the option labeled “Open the EA app automatically on startup.”

This simple adjustment can significantly reduce the app’s impact on your system resources.

Disabling Background Processes

Even when closed, the EA app might continue to run background processes. To ensure it’s completely inactive, follow these steps:

Exit the EA app using the method described at the beginning (hamburger menu -> Exit or right-click taskbar icon -> Exit).
Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
In the Processes tab, look for any EA app-related processes (e.g., “EA Background Service”).
Select the process and click End task.

While this method manually stops background processes, it’s a temporary solution. For a more permanent solution, consider disabling the service:

Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
Locate the “EA Background Service” in the list.
Right-click on it and select Properties.
In the General tab, change the Startup type to “Disabled.”
Click Apply and then OK.

Caution: Disabling the EA Background Service might affect the functionality of some EA games that rely on it for updates or other services. If you encounter issues, you can revert the startup type to “Automatic (Delayed Start).”

Clearing the EA App Cache

Clearing the cache can resolve various issues, from performance problems to error messages. Here’s how to do it:

Open the EA app.
Select the three dashes in the far-left corner.
Scroll to Help.
Click App recovery.
Select Clear cache.

This process removes temporary files and can help the app run more smoothly.

Rolling Back to Origin (If Possible)

While EA is pushing users to the EA app, some prefer the older Origin platform. Here’s how to attempt reverting (note: this may not be possible long-term as EA phases out Origin):

Uninstall EA App: Go to your Control Panel in Windows and uninstall the EA App.
Remove EA App files from BF2042: (This step is specific to Battlefield 2042, but you might need to check similar game directories for lingering EA App files). Consult online forums for game-specific instructions.
Download the old version of Origin: Search for “Origin Full installer” online. Be cautious and download from reputable sources to avoid malware.
Install Origin: Run the installer.
Login into Origin: Use your EA account credentials.
Block Origin Updates: Use your firewall to block Origin from accessing the internet. This prevents it from automatically updating to the EA App.
Fix Origin Settings: Adjust any compatibility settings as needed.
Fix Mouse Input Delay: Some users report mouse input delay issues with Origin. Search online forums for game-specific fixes.

Disclaimer: Rolling back to Origin might not be officially supported by EA and could lead to compatibility issues or require additional troubleshooting.

FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns

1. How do I completely close the EA app?

The only way to completely ‘shut down’ the EA app is by clicking on Exit via the hamburger menu in the top-left corner of the app, or by right-clicking on the EA app icon in your ‘hidden icons’ area in your taskbar, followed by clicking on Exit.

2. Will uninstalling the EA app delete my games?

No, uninstalling the EA app will not delete your games. Your games are linked to your EA account, not the app itself. Reinstalling the EA app and logging into your account will allow you to access your games again.

3. Can I have both the EA app and Origin installed?

The EA App is designed to uninstall Origin, so if you want it on your computer for testing purposes, install it first, then Origin afterwards. This may not be a permanent solution as EA is phasing out Origin.

4. How do I stop the EA app from opening on startup?

In the EA app, click the three lines in the top left corner, select Settings, then Application, and disable “Open the EA app automatically on startup.”

5. What happens if I delete my EA account?

Deleting your EA Account will permanently break your Pogo or SW:TOR account. We can’t restore Pogo or SW:TOR accounts when this happens. If you still want to use these accounts, we suggest you either keep your EA Account active, or deactivate it temporarily, rather than delete it permanently.

6. Do I need an EA account to play games?

Yes, you need an EA Account to access and use many EA Services, including to play online.

7. Is my Origin login the same as my EA app login?

Yes, your Origin login is the same as your EA app login. Accounts at Origin, Electronic Arts’ online store, are being renamed. They’ll be called an EA Account “to better represent all of EA’s games and services,” EA said in an email being sent to Origin account holders.

8. How do I clear my EA app cache?

In the EA app, select the three dashes in the far-left corner, scroll to Help, click App recovery, and select Clear cache.

9. Can I play Sims 4 without the EA app?

The Sims 4 requires the EA app (formerly Origin) to install and register. Once installed, you don’t need to be online to play the single-player mode.

10. Will I lose my game progress if I unlink my EA account?

Yes, when you unlink a platform account from your EA Account, you can link it to another EA Account, but your in-game progress will not transfer over. You’ll permanently lose access to your games and game progress.

11. Is the EA app safe to download?

Origin is owned and operated by one of the largest and longest successfully operating game development and publishing companies: Electronic Arts. Although their application does leave a lot to be desired, a lot of EA’s games can only be found on there. Is it safe? Yes.

12. How do I find out what my EA account is linked to?

Check the Connections page in your EA Account settings to see if you’ve linked your accounts before. Any Xbox gamertags or PlayStation™Network Online IDs that are linked to your EA Account will show under Connections.

13. How do I clear my EA cloud storage?

Launch the Origin Client, log into your account, open the ‘Origin’ menu, click on ‘Application Settings’, uncheck the ‘Enable cloud storage for all supported games’, click ‘Done’ to finish, and exit the Origin client.

14. Can I cancel EA Play?

You can end your membership anytime by visiting https://account.microsoft.com/services/ If you cancel, you’ll lose all EA Play benefits (access to the Play List, you won’t continue to accumulate in-game member rewards, etc.)

15. How do I disable Application updates, Notifications and In-Game overlay?

In the app click the three lines in the top left corner Click settings. In the application part of settings. Disable Application updates, Notifications and In-Game overlay.

The Future of Gaming and Learning

As gaming platforms evolve, it’s essential to stay informed and adapt to new systems. The Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores the intersection of gaming and education. They offer valuable insights into how games can be used as powerful learning tools. The Games Learning Society supports research and understanding of how games contribute to cognitive and social development.

By understanding the intricacies of the EA app and exploring resources like the Games Learning Society, you can optimize your gaming experience and leverage the potential of games for learning and growth.

How do I turn off EA app?