windows blocked my game launcher

Question

windows blocked my game launcher

Elg 5

I just updated the sims 4 and then tried to play it but it said it couldnt launch the game and then i got a notification from windows security saying it blocked "TS4_Launcher_x64.exe" and i cant play the game without that file. I googled how to fix it and nothing worked. Please help all i want to do is play the sims 4 and windows will not let me. Mind you the sims 4 is the only reason i even got a laptop.

Viktorie Podhradská 0 Reputation points

2026-07-23T06:26:17.9+00:00

I have the same problem: Trojan:Win32/Phonzy.A!ml

Tento program je nebezpečný. Provádí příkazy zadané útočníkem.

file: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 4\Game\Bin\TS4_Launcher_x64.exe
Hendrix-V 17,785 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-23T07:17:50.9466667+00:00
Hi Viktorie Podhradská,

Since Windows Security identified Trojan:Win32/Phonzy.A!ml in the Sims 4 launcher file located in the official game installation folder, it's important to verify whether the detection is a false positive or a legitimate threat before restoring the file.

You can try the following:

Make sure Steam, EA App, and Windows Security are fully updated.

Verify the game files in Steam (Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files) to replace any missing or modified launcher files.

Review the detection in Windows Security > Protection history and note whether the file was quarantined or removed.

If the file continues to be detected after verification, please contact EA Support and provide the detection name (Trojan:Win32/Phonzy.A!ml) so they can confirm whether the current launcher version is expected.

I hope this helps point you in the right direction.

1 answer

Your answer

Viktorie Podhradská 0 Reputation points

2026-07-23T06:26:17.9+00:00

I have the same problem: Trojan:Win32/Phonzy.A!ml

Tento program je nebezpečný. Provádí příkazy zadané útočníkem.

file: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 4\Game\Bin\TS4_Launcher_x64.exe
Hendrix-V 17,785 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-23T07:17:50.9466667+00:00

Hi Viktorie Podhradská,

Since Windows Security identified Trojan:Win32/Phonzy.A!ml in the Sims 4 launcher file located in the official game installation folder, it's important to verify whether the detection is a false positive or a legitimate threat before restoring the file.

You can try the following:

Make sure Steam, EA App, and Windows Security are fully updated.

Verify the game files in Steam (Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files) to replace any missing or modified launcher files.

Review the detection in Windows Security > Protection history and note whether the file was quarantined or removed.

If the file continues to be detected after verification, please contact EA Support and provide the detection name (Trojan:Win32/Phonzy.A!ml) so they can confirm whether the current launcher version is expected.

I hope this helps point you in the right direction.

Answer 1

Hi Elg,

If Windows Security recently blocked TS4_Launcher_x64.exe after a Sims 4 update, it is possible that the launcher file was quarantined or removed during a security scan, which can prevent the game from starting.

Please try these quick steps:

Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection history.
Look for any entry related to TS4_Launcher_x64.exe and review the details.
If the file is listed as quarantined and you recognize it as part of your legitimate Sims 4 installation, follow the available option to restore it.
Then open the EA App and run a Repair on The Sims 4 to replace any missing game files.

If the issue started immediately after an update, verifying the game files through the EA App is often helpful, as updated launcher files may need to be revalidated.

If the launcher is still being blocked, please share the exact detection name shown in Protection History. That information can help determine whether this is a security detection that requires further investigation or a launcher-specific issue.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Hendrix-V 17,785 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-24T07:29:02.1433333+00:00

Hi Elg,

If you have any further questions or updates regarding this issue, please feel free to let me know in the Comments section. I'd be happy to assist you.