How to Install Sims 3 on PC

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

There are several ways that you can install Sims 3 on your computer. If you have the DVD installation disc, you can install it using the disc or using the Origin digital distribution program. This allows you to download all of the game files so that you don't need to insert the disc to play. You can also install the game using Steam, though you'll need to purchase it through Steam.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the DVD

1
Insert the DVD into your DVD drive. Make sure you insert the disc into a drive that can read DVDs. A CD drive will not be able to read the installation disc.
2
Start the installer. You will typically be prompted to start the installation automatically as soon as you insert the disc. If you are not prompted to start the installation open the "Computer"/"My Computer"/"This PC" window and double-click the Sims 3 DVD.
- If you're using a Mac, double-click the Sims 3 disc on your desktop and then double-click the Installer that appears in the new window.^{[1]
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3
Enter your game key. After selecting your language, you'll be prompted to enter the Registration Code. You should be able to find this on the Sims 3 DVD case. Installation cannot proceed without a valid key.
4
Select the "Typical" installation. This will install Sims 3 into the default directory. Most users can select this setting.
5
Wait for Sims 3 to install. After starting the installation, all you have to do is sit back and wait for the game to install. The time this takes will vary depending on the speed of your computer.
6
Update your game. Chances are there will be updates available for Sims 3 that can greatly improve the game's performance and stability, as well as introduce new features. You can search for and download updates through the Sims 3 launcher that will appear when you start the game.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Origin

1
Download and install Origin. Origin is EA's digital distribution client. You can use it to purchase, download, install, and play Sims 3 and all of its expansions. You can download the Origin installer from origin.com/download. Origin is available for both PC and Mac.
2
Create an Origin account. In order to start using Origin, you'll need an Origin account. If you already have an EA account, you can use it to log in. If you don't have one, you can create one for free when you launch Origin.
3
Add your Sims 3 game to your Origin account. You can use Origin to purchase Sims 3, or you can redeem your code for your physical version so that you don't need the disc. If you already own the disc version of Sims 3, or you purchased it online from another store, you can add the registration key to your Origin account.^{[2]
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- Click the Origin menu and select "Register Product Code". If you're using a Mac, click the Games menu instead of the Origin menu.
- Enter the key that is printed in your game case or that came in your confirmation email.
4
Download Sims 3. Sims 3 will typically begin downloading as soon as you add it to Origin. If it doesn't, find it in your My Games list. Click Sims 3 and then click the Download button that appears. The download may take a while, depending on your connection.
- Origin will keep your copy of Sims 3 up to date with the latest patches automatically.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Steam

1
Download and install Steam. Steam is another popular digital distribution service. Several EA games are available on Steam, including Sims 3 and all of its expansions. You can download Steam from steampowered.com.
- The Mac version of Sims 3 is not available through Steam.
- You cannot redeem your Sims 3 product key to activate it on Steam. Steam only works with copies of Sims 3 purchased through Steam.
2
Create a Steam account. You'll need a free Steam account to log into the Steam client. You can create one from the login screen that appears when you first start Steam.
3
Purchase Sims 3. In order to install Sims 3 with Steam, you'll need to purchase it in the Steam Store, or redeem a Steam-specific key obtained from another online store. To purchase the game, search for "Sims 3" on the Store page and then select it from the search results. You'll need a valid credit card or PayPal account in order to purchase games on Steam.
- If you are redeeming a Steam key for Sims 3, click the "Add a Game" option in the lower-left corner of the Steam window. Select "Activate a Product on Steam" and then enter the Steam key for Sims 3. This will add the game to your games library.
4
Install the game. You are usually prompted to install the game as soon as your purchase it or add it to your library. If you declined, or want to install Sims 3 now after purchasing it a long time ago, open the Library tab and find Sims 3 in your list of games. Right-click it and select "Install Game". The game files will download and install automatically.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I install Sims 3 back again after installing Sims 4 on the same computer?

Community Answer

Yes, the two games are separate programs and will not conflict with one another. You shouldn't even need to reinstall Sims 3 unless you deleted it before installing Sims 4.
Question

Can you do this on a PC for Sims 4?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you have the disk for Sims 4 or you purchase it from Steam.
Question

I can't find the keyword registration code on my DVD case. Where do I find the code?

Community Answer

It's on the back of the booklet provided with the game.