What Happens If I Delete Origin? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re contemplating deleting Origin, eh? You’ve landed in the right place! Let’s cut straight to the chase: if you uninstall the Origin client (now technically superseded by the EA app, but many people still use it), you won’t be able to play any games you downloaded through it until you reinstall it. This includes games like The Sims 4, Apex Legends, Battlefield, and many others. Furthermore, there’s a risk of removing files that verify whether your games have the latest patches and content, potentially leading to issues upon reinstallation. In short, uninstalling Origin (or the EA app) renders your EA games inaccessible until you reinstall.
Now, let’s delve deeper with a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions to address all your concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deleting Origin
Here are 15 common questions and detailed answers to help you understand the implications of uninstalling Origin.
Will I Lose My Sims If I Uninstall Origin?
The good news is: no, you won’t automatically lose your Sims 4 files when you uninstall the Origin client. The uninstallation process typically doesn’t remove local save game files or online saves. Your Sims’ lives and your painstakingly built mansions should be safe! Always a good idea to backup important saves.
Can You Reinstall Games After Uninstalling Origin?
Absolutely. The games you own through Origin remain associated with your EA account. Once you reinstall Origin (or the EA app) and log in, your games will appear in the ‘My Games’ section, ready for download. Your game licenses are tied to your account, not the installation itself.
What Happens to My Games If I Uninstall EA?
As previously mentioned, uninstalling the EA app (the replacement for Origin) effectively locks you out of your EA games. You’ll need to reinstall the app to play your games and access any extra content you’ve downloaded. Similar to uninstalling Origin, there’s a chance you might inadvertently remove files that validate game patches.
Can I Delete the Origin Setup File After Installation?
Yes, you can safely delete the Origin setup file (the installer you downloaded to initially install Origin) once the program is installed. This file is no longer needed for running or updating the Origin client. Keeping the install file is a good safety net, but is likely unnecessary.
What Happens If I Uninstall Sims 4 on Origin?
Uninstalling The Sims 4 through Origin doesn’t necessarily mean losing your progress, game saves, or custom content. However, to be absolutely safe, it’s wise to back up your Sims 4 folder (typically located in Documents > Electronic Arts) to your desktop or another safe location before uninstalling. This ensures you have a copy of your saves and custom content in case anything goes wrong.
Can I Uninstall The Sims 4 From Origin and Reinstall It?
Yes, you can freely uninstall and reinstall The Sims 4 through Origin as many times as you like. After reinstalling Origin (or the EA app), simply log in, go to your game library, and download The Sims 4 again.
Can I Delete EA and Still Play Sims?
Currently, the only way to play the base version of The Sims 4 is with the EA app or through a compatible console.
Will I Lose Everything If I Uninstall a Game and Reinstall It?
Generally, you won’t lose your game saves when you uninstall and reinstall a game through Origin (or the EA app). However, add-ons or DLCs will be uninstalled along with the base game. You’ll need to redownload and reinstall them after reinstalling the game.
Am I Forced to Use the EA App?
Yes, if you want to play EA games on PC, you’ll need to use the EA app. Origin is being phased out, and EA is pushing users towards its new platform.
How Do I Reinstall Origin?
While EA prefers you use the EA app, if you absolutely need to reinstall Origin (perhaps for compatibility with older games), you can usually find the installer online (though it might be increasingly difficult as EA pushes the EA app). The process is straightforward: download the installer, run it, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Can I Redownload Sims 4 From Origin?
Yes, you can redownload The Sims 4 (or any game you own) from Origin as many times as you need. Log in to your account, go to your game library, and click the download button.
Do You Still Need Origin to Play Sims 4?
Technically, no. The Sims 4 now primarily uses the EA app. While you might have initially needed Origin to install and register the game, the EA app is the current platform for playing it on PC.
Will I Lose All My Origin Games?
No, you won’t lose your games when migrating from Origin to the EA app. EA promises that all your games, additional content, and installed titles will be available to you as soon as you log in to the EA app using the same account you used for Origin.
Can You Install Sims Without Origin?
For PC and Mac, the answer is generally no. The Sims 4 requires the EA app.
Does Uninstalling Delete Everything?
Uninstalling a program (like Origin or The Sims 4) is supposed to remove all associated files. However, in practice, some data and configuration files might be left behind. That’s why backing up important data is always a good idea.
The Bottom Line
Uninstalling Origin (or the EA app) makes your games inaccessible until you reinstall it. While your game saves are usually safe, it’s prudent to back them up. Keep in mind that EA is actively transitioning users to the EA app, making Origin increasingly obsolete. Always download software from official sources to avoid malware or other issues. Happy gaming!
For more information on gaming and its impact on learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization explores the intersection of games and education, offering valuable insights for educators, researchers, and gamers alike.