How to Enable Windowed Mode in The Sims 2: Legacy Collection

Sometimes you want to play a game while doing something else, whether that’s working, watching something or just checking a guide, but The Sims 2 in fullscreen can take a while to load back in after tabbing out. Thankfully, there is an option to speed it up, so here’s how to enable Windowed Mode in The Sims 2: Legacy Collection.

How to turn on Windowed Mode in The Sims 2: Legacy Collection

While it’s not listed in the in-game options menu, The Sims 2: Legacy Collection does have a Windowed Mode, and activating it is as simple as pressing Alt + Enter. If you want to use this, we recommend activating it on the main menu screen as doing so in live mode can lead to a blue screen that takes a little while to clear.

Unfortunately, the game doesn’t remember this option between sessions, so when you next boot up the game you’ll need to remember to enter the shortcut again. There is a way around this thankfully, but you’ll need to access the advanced launch options in whichever launcher you’re using. For Steam you’ll want to right-click the game in your library and go to the General tab, and then type into the Launch Options box. If you’re on the EA launcher instead, you’ll need to go into you library and click the … symbol, then View Properties, and then type into the Advanced Launch options instead.

In the box simply type -w and hit save, and then The Sims 2: Legacy Collection should remember to start in Windowed Mode every time from now on. You can still hit Alt + Enter to switch back at any time, however. Additionally, you can add -r(width)x(height) to set it to launch with your preferred resolution, though in our experience you may still need to double click the window frame to maximize it.

Is there a Borderless Fullscreen Windowed Mode in The Sims 2: Legacy Collection?

Unfortunately, there is no surefire option for running The Sims 2: Legacy Collection in a fullscreen, borderless Windowed Mode. While some people have reported success by adding the -f command to the advanced launch options as above, we have been unable to replicate this. If you absolutely need to run in borderless Windowed Mode your best bet may be to download a third-party app or mod that forces fullscreen, though be sure to back up your save date before messing with things like this.

If you found this guide useful, be sure to check out some of Siliconera’s other The Sims 2: Legacy Collection guides like How to Use Cheats or Best Challenges to Try out.

The Sims 2: Legacy Collection is immediately available for PC via the EA Store, Epic Games Store, and Steam.