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Should You Uninstall Origin for the EA App? The Definitive Guide

The question on every PC gamer’s mind lately: should you ditch Origin and fully embrace the EA App? The short answer is: yes, you should uninstall Origin. The EA App is the future of EA’s PC gaming platform and Origin is being phased out. Migrating ensures you have access to the latest features, updates, and games offered by EA.

Here’s the long answer and everything you need to know.

Understanding the Transition: From Origin to EA App

For years, Origin served as EA’s primary platform for distributing and managing PC games. It was their equivalent of Steam, allowing players to purchase, download, and launch EA titles. However, as the gaming landscape evolved, EA recognized the need for a more modern and user-friendly experience. Enter the EA App, designed to replace Origin with a focus on improved performance, social features, and overall user experience. The EA App aims to address the limitations of Origin in a “quickly evolving entertainment landscape.”

This transition isn’t merely a cosmetic change. It’s a fundamental shift in EA’s approach to PC gaming distribution. While Origin will eventually become obsolete, the EA App is positioned as the foundational platform for EA’s future on PC.

Why Make the Switch?

The reasons for EA’s decision to move on from Origin are multi-faceted:

Improved User Interface: The EA App boasts a cleaner, more intuitive interface compared to Origin. Navigation is streamlined, making it easier to find games and manage your library.
Enhanced Performance: The EA App is optimized for better performance, resulting in faster download speeds and smoother gameplay experiences.
Social Integration: The EA App includes enhanced social features, such as improved friend lists and easier ways to connect and play with others.
Future-Proofing: The EA App is designed to be a more modern and adaptable platform, allowing EA to introduce new features and services more easily in the future.
Phased Rollout: EA is strategically pushing users to switch, and eventually, Origin will cease to function.

How to Prepare for Uninstalling Origin

Before you hit that uninstall button, here are a few steps you should take to ensure a smooth transition:

Install the EA App: Download and install the EA App from the official EA website. This is the first step in migrating your games and account.
Log In with Your EA Account: Make sure you log in to the EA App using the same EA account you used with Origin. This is crucial for transferring your games and save data. Your games are tied to your EA account, not the specific platform.
Verify Your Game Library: Once logged in, verify that all your games are present in your EA App library. The app should automatically detect and display all games associated with your account.
Check for Cloud Saves: Most EA games support cloud saves, meaning your progress is stored on EA’s servers. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check that cloud saves are enabled for your favorite games.
Back Up Local Saves (Optional): While cloud saves should cover most scenarios, it’s a good practice to back up your local save files manually. This provides an extra layer of security, especially for games with critical progress. Find the save game location on your computer (usually found in Documents>Your game) and copy them to a folder on your desktop or a storage device.

Uninstalling Origin: The Process

Once you’ve completed the preparatory steps, uninstalling Origin is straightforward:

Close Origin: Ensure that Origin is completely closed before attempting to uninstall it. This includes closing the application from the system tray (the area near your clock). 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.
Use the Uninstall Program: Go to your computer’s Control Panel (or Settings on Windows 10/11) and select “Programs and Features” (or “Apps”). Locate Origin in the list of installed programs and click “Uninstall.”
Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The uninstaller will guide you through the process. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
Restart Your Computer (Optional): While not always necessary, restarting your computer after uninstalling Origin can help ensure that all residual files are removed.

Addressing Potential Issues

While the migration process is generally smooth, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Missing Games: If some of your games are missing in the EA App, double-check that you are logged in with the correct EA account. Also, ensure that your payment went through and that you are not logged in with the wrong account. If it says you need to buy a game, check the order status for your purchase.
Save Data Loss: If you experience save data loss, verify that cloud saves are enabled. If they were not, you might need to restore your local save files from the backup you created.
Installation Errors: If you encounter errors during the EA App installation, try restarting your computer and running the installer again. Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for the EA App.

The Future of EA Gaming on PC

The EA App is not just a replacement for Origin; it represents the future of EA gaming on PC. By embracing this new platform, players can expect continued improvements in performance, features, and overall gaming experience. As EA continues to invest in the EA App, it will likely become the central hub for all EA games on PC.

Considering the shift, transitioning to the EA App is more of an inevitability than a choice. The phased rollout strategy of EA makes clear that Origin will eventually become outdated and unsupported. Making the switch early ensures you’re not caught off guard and that you’re prepared for the future of EA gaming on PC.

Want to know more about how games and gaming experiences are evolving? Consider visiting the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about uninstalling Origin and using the EA App:

Is it OK to uninstall Origin? Yes, it is OK to uninstall Origin after you have successfully migrated your games and account to the EA App. Origin will eventually become obsolete.
Do I have to install the EA App, or can I keep Origin? While you can technically keep Origin for now, EA is actively transitioning users to the EA App. Eventually, Origin will no longer be supported, making the EA App necessary to play EA games on PC.
What happens if I delete the EA App? If you uninstall the EA App, you won’t be able to play any games or access any content you’ve downloaded through it until you reinstall it.
Will I lose my games if I install the EA App? No, you won’t lose your games. Your games are tied to your EA account, not the specific platform. As long as you log in to the EA App with the same EA account you used with Origin, your games will be available in your library.
Can I delete my EA Origin account? You can’t deactivate or delete your EA Account by yourself. You’ll have to contact EA support for assistance.
Does the EA App delete games? Nope, the EA App does not delete games from your EA account.
Can I reinstall Origin without losing my games? Yes, reinstalling Origin will not affect your installed games. They will still be playable after you reinstall Origin, assuming Origin is still functional at that time.
Can I reinstall a game after uninstalling it from Origin or the EA App? Yes, you can reinstall any game you own from either the Origin or the EA App platform. It will remain in your game library.
Why do I need to install Origin or the EA App? These platforms are used for account management, game ownership verification, and downloading and launching your games.
Is my EA account the same as my Origin account? Yes, your EA account is the same as your Origin account. EA has rebranded Origin accounts as EA Accounts to represent all of EA’s games and services.
Can I delete EA and still play Sims? It depends. If you purchased Sims 4 outright, you should be able to play. However, an EA platform is needed to verify that you own the game and have a way to launch the game.
Why did EA uninstall my games? Games don’t usually uninstall without your permission. Make sure you are logged in with the correct account and check the order status of your purchase.
Will I lose my games if I cancel EA Play? Yes, if you cancel EA Play, you will lose access to the games included in the EA Play library.
Will my Sims data transfer from Origin to the EA App? Yes, your Sims 4 data, including saves and expansions, should automatically transfer from Origin to the EA App as long as you use the same EA account.
Do EA games on Steam still require Origin or the EA App? Some EA games purchased on Steam may require the EA App to launch and play. Check the game’s store page on Steam to confirm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, uninstalling Origin and fully embracing the EA App is the recommended course of action for PC gamers. The EA App offers a superior user experience, improved performance, and is the future of EA’s PC gaming platform. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth transition and continue enjoying your favorite EA games without interruption. Embracing the EA app is the best way to prepare for the future of EA gaming.

Should I uninstall Origin for EA App?