Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Using a DVD
• Method 2 of 3: Using the Origin Service
• Method 3 of 3: Using the Steam Service
• Tips
• Additional articles

The Sims 3 can be installed on a Windows computer in several ways: using the installation DVD, using the Origin client, through which you can download game files and stop using the DVD to play the game, and using the Steam service (but in this case, the game will have to be bought on this service).

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Using a DVD

1. 1 Insert the DVD into your optical drive. Insert the game disc into a DVD-compatible drive - a CD-only drive cannot handle a DVD.
2. 2 Start the installation process for the game. In most cases, the system will prompt you to install the game immediately after you insert the disc. If it does not, open the Computer / My Computer window and double-click on the optical drive in which the game disc is inserted.
   • On Mac OS, double-click the game disc optical drive icon on the desktop, and then double-click the installer in the window that opens.
3. 3 Enter the game key. After selecting the language, enter the key (registration code). It is listed on the DVD box. You will not be able to install the game without a valid key.
4. 4 Select "Standard" for the installation type. In this case, the game will be installed to the default folder. Most users are advised to choose this type of installation.
5. 5 Wait for the installation process to complete. You don't need to do anything while installing the game. It will take some time to install the game, which depends on the speed of your computer.
6. 6 Update the game. Check out the available updates for The Sims 3 that will improve the performance and stability of the game, as well as open up access to new features. To find and download updates, use the launcher that opens when you start the game.

Method 2 of 3: Using the Origin Service

1. 1 Download and install the Origin client. This is a program developed by EA for the distribution of digital content. Use this client to buy, download, install and play The Sims 3 and its extensions. The Origin installation file can be downloaded from the website origin.com/download... Origin supports both Windows and Mac OS.
2. 2 Create an Origin account. It is required to work with the Origin client. If you have an EA account, use it to sign in to Origin; otherwise, create an account the first time you launch the Origin client.
3. 3 Add the Sims 3 game to your Origin account. Use Origin to buy Sims 3 or a game key (if you have game files; in this case, you don't need a disc to run the game). If you have a game disc or game files purchased from any online store, add the registration code (key) to your Origin account.
   • Open the Origin menu and click Register Product Code. On Mac OS, open the game menu instead of the Origin menu.
   • Enter the key found on the game disc box or in the email confirming the purchase of the game files.
4. 4 Download The Sims 3. The game will start downloading as soon as it is added to Origin. If it doesn't, find the game in the My Games list. Click Sims 3 - Download. It will take some time to download the game, which depends on the speed of your internet connection.
   • Origin will update the game automatically.

Method 3 of 3: Using the Steam Service

1. 1 Download and install the Steam client. Steam is one of the most popular digital content distribution services. This service contains several games from EA, including The Sims 3 and all its expansions. The Steam client can be downloaded from the website steampowered.com.
   • There is no Mac OS version of The Sims 3 on Steam.
   • A third-party game key cannot be added to Steam - the service only works with copies of Sims 3 that were purchased on the service itself.
2. 2 Create a free Steam account. It is required to log into the Steam client. You can create an account the first time you launch the Steam client.
3. 3 Buy the Sims 3 game. In order to install The Sims 3 via Steam, you need to buy the game from the Steam store, or buy (in some online store) a special key issued by the Steam service. To buy a game, in the search bar on the Steam store page, type “The Sims 3” (without the quotes), and then click on the name of the game in the search results. To pay for your purchase, you need a PayPal account or a valid bank card.
   • If you bought a key issued by Steam, click "Add Game" (in the lower left corner of the Steam service page). Select "Activate Product" and enter the purchased key. This will allow you to add The Sims 3 to your collection of games on Steam.
4. 4 Install the game. The system will offer to install the game immediately after you buy the game or add it to the collection on the Steam service. If you need to install the game after a long time after purchasing the game, go to the "Collection" tab and find Sims 3 in the list of added games. Right-click on the game and select "Install Game" from the menu. Game files will be downloaded and installed automatically.

Tips

• Install extensions in the order in which they became available to users.

Additional articles

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