Sims 4 Unable To Start There Was An Error Processing The Startup Configuration Script Exclusive

Let’s decode the jargon:

Common triggers include:

Standard "Run as Admin" often fails for this error. You need to run both the launcher and the game engine. Let’s decode the jargon:

Many antivirus programs (especially McAfee, Norton, and Bitdefender) use "exclusive scanning." When you launch Sims 4, the AV locks the .ini and .sgr files to scan them. The game then asks for exclusive access, finds the file locked, and throws the error. Common triggers include:

The Fix:

Also exclude the .exe file: TS4_x64.exe

Disable "Controlled Folder Access" (Windows Security) temporarily to test. If that fixes it, add Sims 4 as an allowed app via "Protected Folders."