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How to Toggle Fullscreen on Sims 4: A Sim Guru’s Guide

So, you want to dive into the vibrant world of the Sims 4, but you’re wrestling with the screen size? Whether you prefer the immersive experience of fullscreen or the multitasking convenience of windowed mode, knowing how to switch between them is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide, straight from a Sim guru, on toggling fullscreen in The Sims 4, along with answers to common questions to optimize your gameplay.

The Quick Answer: How to Toggle Fullscreen

The simplest way to toggle between fullscreen and windowed mode in The Sims 4 is to use a keyboard shortcut. While in the game, press the Alt key and the Enter key simultaneously (Alt + Enter). This should instantly switch you between the two modes. If this doesn’t work, or you prefer a menu-based approach, keep reading!

Method 1: Using the In-Game Menu

This is perhaps the most straightforward and reliable method.

Access the Game Options: While in The Sims 4, look for the three dots (…) in the upper right corner of the screen. Click on these dots to open the Game Options menu.
Navigate to Graphics Settings: In the Game Options menu, select Game Options, then click on the Graphics tab on the left-hand side.
Choose Your Display Type: Under the Display Type option, you’ll find a dropdown menu. Click on it to choose either Fullscreen, Windowed, or Windowed Fullscreen.
- Fullscreen: The game takes up the entire screen, offering the most immersive experience.
- Windowed: The game runs in a window, allowing you to easily switch between applications.
- Windowed Fullscreen: This mode looks like fullscreen but behaves like windowed, allowing faster alt-tabbing.
Apply Changes: After selecting your preferred display type, click the Apply Changes button. The game will then adjust to your chosen mode.

Method 2: Editing the Options.ini File

For more advanced users, or those experiencing persistent issues, directly editing the Options.ini file can be a viable solution.

Locate the Options.ini File: This file is typically located in your The Sims 4 user data folder. The exact path depends on your operating system, but it’s generally found at:
- Windows: DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4
- Mac: Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4
Open the File in a Text Editor: Right-click on the Options.ini file and select “Open with” followed by a text editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).
Modify the “fullscreen” Setting: Look for the line that reads fullscreen = 1 (for fullscreen) or fullscreen = 0 (for windowed mode). Change the value as desired.
Save the Changes: Save the Options.ini file.
Launch The Sims 4: The game should now launch in the mode specified in the file.

Understanding Windowed Fullscreen

Windowed Fullscreen (sometimes called borderless windowed mode) provides a hybrid experience. The game visually occupies the entire screen, similar to traditional fullscreen. However, it behaves like a windowed application, making it faster and more reliable to Alt-Tab between The Sims 4 and other programs. This mode can often provide better stability, especially on systems with multiple monitors or complex graphics setups.

Troubleshooting Common Fullscreen Issues

Sometimes, getting The Sims 4 to display correctly can be tricky. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

Black Screen on Startup: This can be due to resolution mismatches. Try setting the resolution in the Options.ini file before launching the game. Make sure your graphics drivers are up-to-date.
Game Not Filling the Screen: Ensure your monitor’s resolution matches the game’s resolution. You can adjust this in the Graphics settings within the game.
Fullscreen Stuttering: Try lowering your graphics settings. Also, make sure no other resource-intensive applications are running in the background. Consider using Windowed Fullscreen for potentially smoother performance.
UI Elements Too Small or Too Large: Adjusting the screen resolution can often resolve this. Experiment with different resolutions until you find one that makes the UI elements comfortable to read and interact with. On higher resolution monitors (1440p, 4K), lower resolutions can help.
Game Crashes When Switching Modes: Update your graphics drivers and ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for The Sims 4. Corrupted game files can also cause this; try repairing the game through the Origin or EA App launcher.

Important Considerations

Graphics Drivers: Keeping your graphics drivers up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance and compatibility. Regularly check for updates from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.
System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets the minimum and recommended system requirements for The Sims 4. Running the game on underpowered hardware can lead to performance issues, regardless of the display mode.
Mods and Custom Content: Mods can sometimes interfere with display settings. If you experience issues after installing mods, try disabling them one by one to identify the culprit. Custom Content (.package files) rarely cause these kinds of issues.

FAQs: The Sims 4 Fullscreen Edition

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of managing fullscreen mode in The Sims 4:

How do I quickly switch between fullscreen and windowed mode in Sims 4?

The fastest method is to press Alt + Enter while the game is running.
Where can I find the graphics settings in Sims 4?

Open the Game Options menu by clicking the three dots in the top right corner, then select Game Options, and then Graphics.
What is Windowed Fullscreen mode, and why would I use it?

Windowed Fullscreen makes the game look like it’s in fullscreen, but allows for faster and more stable Alt-Tabbing. It can also improve performance on some systems.
My Sims 4 screen is too big. How do I adjust the screen size?

Go to the Graphics settings in the Game Options menu and experiment with different resolutions. For console versions, check your console’s display settings.
Why won’t my Sims 4 go fullscreen?

Ensure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date, and that your monitor’s resolution matches the game’s resolution. Also, check that no other applications are interfering with the game.
How do I reset the screen size on Sims 4?

In Game Options > Graphics, change the resolution to the recommended one for your monitor. If playing on console, reset your television’s display settings.
How do I force a window to fullscreen?

While in the game window, try pressing Alt + Enter.
Why is my Sims 4 screen so small?

This can be due to a high resolution monitor. Try lowering the resolution in the Graphics settings to make the UI elements bigger.
How do I fix the resolution on Sims 4?

Go to the Graphics settings in the Game Options menu and select a resolution that matches your monitor’s native resolution.
What’s the best screen size and resolution for Sims 4?

It depends on your personal preference and hardware. A 27-inch monitor with a resolution of 2560×1440 (1440p) offers a good balance of detail and performance. The Dell S2721DGF 27″ is a good choice.
Can mods affect the display settings in Sims 4?

Yes, some mods can interfere with display settings. Try disabling mods to see if that resolves the issue.
How do I update my graphics drivers?

Visit the NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
What do I do if my Sims 4 screen is black when I start the game?

Update your graphics drivers, ensure that the game’s resolution matches your monitor’s resolution, and check for conflicting applications.
Is windowed mode better for multitasking?

Yes, windowed mode makes it easier to switch between The Sims 4 and other applications.
How can I improve Sims 4 performance in fullscreen mode?

Lower your graphics settings, close unnecessary background applications, and ensure your system meets the game’s requirements. Consider using Windowed Fullscreen if issues persist.

Beyond the Screen: Embracing the Game

Mastering the art of toggling fullscreen mode is just one step in enhancing your Sims 4 experience. Dive deeper into the game mechanics, explore creative building techniques, and connect with other players. Remember that learning is a journey, and the gaming community is here to support you. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) are dedicated to understanding how games can enhance education and foster creativity.

How do you toggle fullscreen on Sims 4?