How to Play The Sims 1 on Windows 10

For years, getting the original 2000 release of The Sims running on Windows 10 meant wrestling with old discs, copy protection that modern Windows blocks, and compatibility tweaks that only sometimes worked. That changed in January 2025, when EA re-released the game for the series’ 25th anniversary. The new version runs natively on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

This guide covers the easy, supported route first, then explains your options if you only have the original CDs.

The Easy Way: The Sims Legacy Collection

The Sims: Legacy Collection is EA’s rebuilt version of the original game. According to EA, it includes the base game and all seven expansion packs: Livin’ Large, House Party, Hot Date, Vacation, Unleashed, Superstar and Makin’ Magic. EA updated it to run on Windows 10 and 11, switched it to the Vulkan graphics engine, added widescreen support and improved textures, while keeping the original gameplay.

Step 1: Check the requirements

EA lists Windows 10, a CPU such as an Intel Core i3-3220 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200, 4 GB of RAM, 16 GB of free space, and a GPU from the NVIDIA GTX 600 series, AMD Radeon HD 7000 series or Intel HD Graphics 620 or newer. See EA’s page on The Sims: Legacy Edition requirements for the full details. Most laptops and desktops from the last decade qualify.

Step 2: Buy and install it

Get The Sims: Legacy Collection from the EA app or another PC store that sells it, such as Steam. Install it like any other modern game. No disc, no compatibility settings and no patches are needed.

Step 3: Launch and play

Start the game from the EA app or your store’s library. If your screen is wide, the game now fills it instead of showing black bars. Update your graphics driver first if the game fails to start, since the Vulkan engine needs a reasonably current driver.

Using Your Original Sims 1 Discs

If you’d rather use the CDs you already own, be aware of the main obstacle: the original discs use SafeDisc copy protection, and Windows 10 no longer loads the SafeDisc driver for security reasons. That’s why the installer may run but the game won’t start. Your options are:

• Install and apply compatibility settings. After installing from the disc and applying the last official patch, right-click Sims.exe, choose Properties > Compatibility, set it to Windows XP (Service Pack 3), and check Run this program as an administrator and Reduced color mode (16-bit). This fixes display problems but won’t get past SafeDisc on its own.
• Use a virtual machine. Install Windows XP in a virtual machine using VirtualBox or VMware and install the game there. You’ll need a legitimate Windows XP license and installation media, and 3D performance inside the VM can be poor.
• Use an old PC. A spare machine running Windows XP or Windows 7 with SafeDisc support plays the original discs without any tricks.

Fan communities share patched executables that bypass the disc check. Those come from unofficial sources, can carry malware, and may breach the game’s license, so we don’t recommend them. The Legacy Collection is the safer choice.

Bring Your Old Saves and Custom Content

EA notes that the Legacy Collection can use save files from the original game. Your old neighborhoods are usually in C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\The Sims\UserData on a computer that had the original installed. Back up that folder before copying anything, and check EA’s requirements page for where the new version stores saves. Older custom content and mods may not work with the rebuilt engine, so add them a few at a time.

Troubleshooting

• The Legacy Collection won’t launch. Update your graphics driver and Windows, then repair the game from the EA app (click the three dots next to the game and choose Repair).
• “Please insert the correct CD-ROM” with the original discs. This is the SafeDisc check failing on Windows 10. Use the Legacy Collection or a virtual machine.
• The original game shows garbled colors. Turn on Reduced color mode (16-bit) in the compatibility settings.
• The game runs too fast or stutters. Cap the frame rate in your graphics driver settings, and close overlays like Game Bar.
• Integrated graphics aren’t supported. Older Intel graphics below the HD 620 series may not meet the Legacy Collection’s requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play The Sims 1 on Windows 10 without a virtual machine?

Yes. The Sims: Legacy Collection runs natively on Windows 10 and 11. A virtual machine is only needed if you insist on using the original discs.

Does the Legacy Collection include the expansion packs?

Yes. EA says it includes all seven original expansion packs.

Is the gameplay different from the original?

EA says the gameplay and graphics stay true to the original, with fixes for modern PCs, widescreen support and sharper textures.

Will it work on Windows 11?

Yes. EA lists support for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Is there a Legacy version of The Sims 2?

Yes. EA released The Sims 2 Legacy Collection at the same time.

Wrapping Up

The simplest way to play The Sims 1 on Windows 10 today is The Sims: Legacy Collection from EA, which runs natively and includes every expansion. Original discs still work in a Windows XP virtual machine or on an old PC, but Windows 10 itself blocks their copy protection. For other classic games, see how to play DOS games on Windows 10 and how to get Fallout 3 to work on Windows 10.