Origin Not Working. Causes, Solutions, Alternatives

Can't play games on ORIGIN? Want to know why? Origin not working? I know how it feels when Origin is not responding while watching your favorite game. Well, to avoid this stress we have found some working solutions for this problem. And in this post, we will teach you how to fix Origin not opening games.

What is Origin?

Origin is the best gaming platform multiplayer online powered by EA that allows users to play games like FIFA, Battlefield V, etc. Origin also has a platform known as the Origin store.

In it, you can purchase games for your PC. EA also added Cloud Saving progress and additional in-game overlays. Additionally, social networking features such as profile management, in-game chat, and game joining are also added on Origin.

What causes Origin not opening error?

Problems like corrupted cache files, Temporary files Distorted files, issues with the kernel source files, etc. can cause Origin to not open. Many people have faced this problem and got annoyed. But don't worry, we have good news for you.

Origin is not working for various reasons, below we will show you the suggested solutions that may help you:

You may also be interested in reading about: 6 Alternatives to Mario Kart Tour: Adventure, Racing and Vehicular Combat Games

Origin not working – Suggested solutions

There are many users who even uninstalled Origin as they felt very annoyed by this issue. Just to save your precious time, we have provided you with the solutions, from the most working to the minimum. Here are the steps to fix Origin not opening easily:

Solution 1: Run the compatibility troubleshooter if Origin is not working

Most users have found this solution to work. In fact, this solution is the simplest yet most effective. Here's how to run the compatibility troubleshooter:

• Step 1:: Right click on the Origin shortcuton your desktop and select Properties.
• Step 2:: Then head to the Compatibility tab and click Run compatibility troubleshooter.
• Step 3:: Click Try the recommended settings to test the program using the recommended compatibility settings.
• Step 4:: If it still doesn't work, run the command again. Program compatibility troubleshooter. Choose the other option depending on the problems you observe.
• Step 5:: If the problem persists, adjust the settings manually and press Accept if it's over.

NOTE: Please try these compatibility settings manually to move forward.

• Compatibility mode:If Origin won't open on your system Windows current, click the button drop-down and install the previous version of the Windows system to test and run Origin.
• Disable fullscreen optimizations: It seems that some games on Origin are affected by the low FPS issue. Some of them even crash when you enable fullscreen optimizations. Just disable it to see if Origin works or not.
• Run this program as administrator: If Origin doesn't have administrator privileges, it may not run as you want. For this, try running the source file as administrator to see if that worked or not.

Solution 2: Perform a clean boot if Origin is not working

This step is the most convenient for some users. Origin users find this step works effectively. You may need to perform a clean boot if this issue persists. Clean Boot is a troubleshooting technique that allows you to manually disable startups to uncover problematic software.

Once you discover the problematic software, simply uninstall it and then this problem will be resolved. Here's how to perform a Boot clean on your Windows PC:

• Step 1:: Press Win + R at the same time to open the Run dialog box. Then type msconfig and press ENTER.
• Step 2:: Select the Services tab, check the box Hide all Microsoft services and then click disable all.
• Step 3:: Then open el Task Manager.
• Step 4:: In the tab Home at the Task Manager, select the item for each startup and then click Deactivate.
• Step 5:: Return to the System settings and click Accept. Now will restart your PC.

NOTE: : Run Origin again to check if the issue persists or not. If not, you need to open the window System settings again to enable the apps one by one. After enabling each service and apps, you need to restart your PC again to apply the changes.

Solution 3: Delete Origin Cache Files if Origin is not working

In order to load faster, Origin creates cache files. These cache files are stored because of the data that is most frequently used in them. So, deleting these cache files will help in fixing this error. Again, if you are facing any internet issues like LAN not working, then clear all the browser cache as well.

How to delete Origin cache files?

Here are the steps to delete Origin cache files:

• Step 1:: Open the Task Manager y Origin closes.
• Step 2:: Press the Windows key + R and then write %ProgramData% and press ENTER.
• Step 3:: open the source folder.
• Step 4:: In the Source folder, remove all the files except the Local Content folder.
• Step 5:: Now run el Origin client

This may fix the problem.

Solution 4: Clean temporary files if Origin is not working

Origin keeps creating temporary files in a folder called AppData. Sometimes, this can cause an error and Origin will not work. Deleting these files will surely help fix this problem.

How to clean temporary files in Origin?

Here are the steps to clean up Origin temporary files:

• Step 1:: First of all, you must show files,since the files are hidden by default.
• Step 2:: In the search box, type binder.
• Step 3:: In Advanced settings, Select show files, folders and drives hidden and then press Accept.
• Step 4:: Now, press the keys Windows + R at the same time and write %AppData%. Then press ENTER.
• Step 5:: Once the folder opens, remove el the origin.

Now try restarting the Origin client to see if the issue is resolved or not. Also check if your controller Nvidia is working or not.

Solution 5: Reinstall the app if Origin is not working

If the above methods seem useless to you, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling Origin Client. Here are the steps to uninstall and reinstall Origin:

• Step 1:: Opens the control panel from the search bar.
• Step 2:: Click Uninstall a program in Programs.
• Step 3:: Search and Right click on Origin to  uninstall it.
• Step 4:: Head to the official Origin site and download the latest EA Origin software.

You can download it here

Naturally, with the newly updated Origin, you won't see the issue of Origin not opening games.

Origin not working on Windows 10 – How to fix it

People may see the Origin icon on the taskbar for just a few seconds and then it disappears. In other words, the Origin app is not working on Windows 10. In the worst case, even if you try to uninstall Origin, that also doesn’t happen. For this issue, here are the most effective solutions.

Origin not working on Windows 10 – Causes of the problem

Digging deeper into this error, the Origin won’t open issue can have several culprits at the back. Particularly for Windows 10, Origin can be suffering at the hands of Origin cache or file error, system crashes, or Origin client corruption. The above reasons can be enough to cause Origin to fail to load completely or launch at all.

Origin not working on Windows 10 How to fix the problem?

The Origin not working issue on Windows 10 is completely fixable. We have noted down the complete list of tried and tested fixes that will get your Origin working again. Some of these solutions are just small troubleshooting tips.

However, we have also added some advanced fixes in case the first one doesn't work. Follow the steps given in the order they are written to save you time:

Solution 1: Delete temporary files if Origin is not working

When you run Origin on Windows 10, there are some temporary files located in the AppData folder. There may be some problematic files in that folder. And getting rid of such files is important to launch Origin. To delete temporary files in Origin, follow the method below:

• Step 1:: Opens the dialog box Run pressing the key Windows + R simultaneously.
• Step 2:: Once the run windows open, type %AppData% in the box and press the key ENTER

• Step 3:: In the directory with the name AppData, you need to locate the roaming folder and open it.

• Step 4:: Then in the roaming folder, right click on the Origin folder and select delete from the drop-down menu.

• Step 5:: Then again, go to the folder AppData and look for the Origins folder. Delete that folder too.

Now that the files are removed, try restarting the Origin Client. For a better result, also restart your computer and then start Origin Client to check if the error persists.

Solution 2: Clear your computer's DNS cache if Origin is not working

One of the simplest tweaks that can help you get Origin up and running in no time is to clear your computer's DNS cache. To clear your DNS cache, follow these steps:

• Step 1:: First, open the dialog box Run via the search menu or by clicking the key Windows + R simultaneously.
• Step 2:: Now that the run window opens, type the following command in the dialog box ipconfig / flushdns and then press ENTER.

• Step 3:: You will see a command box that is displayed for not even a second, that is a sign that the cache is DNS has been deleted from your computer.
• Step 4:: Now, run the Origin app to check if it starts.

Solution 3: Reset host files for Windows 10 if Origin is not working

There is a host file present in every Windows installation that helps redirect websites to their corresponding IP addresses. However, sometimes this file gets infected, corrupted, or contains incorrect information. This causes internet issues such as not working with apps like Origin.

Typically, the host file should not be touched or changed at all. However, if you see any changes made to your host file, you can reset it by following the steps below:

• Step 1:: First, open File Explorer and navigate to the following location:
  • C:\Windows\System32\ drivers \ etc

• Step 2:: Now, locate the host file in the directory and rename it to bak (to do this you may need to take ownership of the file first)
• Step 3:: Now, create a notepad file called Hosts and paste the following text into that file:

SPECIAL IMAGE

• Step 4:: Now save this notepad file in this location C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and then close the document.

Now your host file is back to how it should be. However, it is suggested to create a backup host file so that you can easily replace it when needed. Keep your old host file as a backup and move it to the drivers folder next to the original.

Solution 4: If Origin doesn't work start it in compatibility mode

This is obvious that all the programs running on Windows 10 must be compatible with it as per the system requirements. So, for this reason, try running Origin in compatibility troubleshooter mode to check the compatibility of the Origin client on your Windows. To launch Origin in compatibility mode, follow the steps below:

• Step 1:: Right click on the Origin Client application, either on the desktop or in the installation folder, and select properties from the drop-down menu.

• Step 2:: Once the properties window opens, head to the Compatibility tab.
• Step 3:: Now click on Run compatibility troubleshooterIf it shows an incompatibility error, follow some steps.
  • Check the box «Run this program in compatibility mode for»and then select your operating system.
  • Also, disable the option “Disable optimization of fullscreen«, as sometimes fullscreen optimization also causes some bugs.
  • Also, check the box «Run this program as administrator»,This will allow Origin to have administrative privileges so it can launch without any issues.
  • Now, click on Apply and Accept to save the changes from Source.

• Step 4:: Restart the application Origin.

Now, hope that Origin will no longer disappear and will run smoothly on your PC so that you can enjoy your gaming time.

Solution 5: Delete cache files if Origin is not working

You might know this if you are using Origin for quite some time, now that Origin has few cache files. And, these files can sometimes get corrupted and infected which causes the issue and Origin not working on Windows 10. So, these cache files need to be deleted to run Origin smoothly.

Follow these steps to delete temporary files from Origin:

• Step 1:: First, exit the application Origin client.
• Step 2:: Now, open the dialog box Run pressing the key Windows + R simultaneously.
• Step 3:: Once the window opens Run, writes %ProgramData% in the box and press ENTER.

• Step 4:: Now, you will find a list of programs installed on your PC. In the given list, locate the folder Origin and open that folder by double clicking on it.

• Step 5:: Now, delete all the folders except the binder Local Content (right click and select delete from the menu).

NOTE: : Be careful not to delete the folder Local Content, as it will cause some data loss and some apps may not work.

• Step 6:: Also, it eliminates exeand rename the file Origin.TMP a Origin, if you can find such a file in the directory.
• Step 7:: Now restart your PC.

Once your computer restarts, try launching Origin and see if it works or not.

Solution 6: Check for updates if Origin is not working

If you're seeing Origin not working on Windows 10, it may be due to updates to the Origin Client. One way to check this is by visiting the Origin website (LINK) or see if an update to the app is available.

If you can't seem to find any updates in the app, you can download some of them manually. Often, these updates are also serviced by Windows Updates, so you might want to check for those as well. Here's how you can do that:

• Step 1:: First, right click on the menu Home and then click on the Task Manager from the options given in the menu. Alternatively, you can also open the Task Manager pressing the buttons Ctrl + Alt + Dlt simultaneously.

• Step 2:: Now, in the window of the Task Manager, check if you see any Origin processes running and also check if it is using the network (you can see your network bandwidth).

NOTE: : So if you see Origin in Task Manager, but it's not using any of your network bandwidth, this means that Origin is not updating. So, you need to end this process completely from Task Manager and move on.

Solution 7: Disable all in-game overlays if Origin is not working

The overlays in the Origin app look sleek and modern. However, you might not know this, that they can be the culprits behind the launch issues. Moreover, in-game overlays also drastically affect the frame rate.

Now, to be on the safe side, we recommend disabling all Origin overlays in-game. To disable overlays, follow the quick steps below:

• Step 1:: First of all, start Origin on your computer.
• Step 2:: Then locate the Configuration from the application in the top menu and select it.
• Step 3:: Here you will find a list of all the game overlays for origin. Deactivate all the overlays in the game.

• Step 4:: Once disabled, restart your Origin app to check if it is working smoothly.

Solution 8: Add the App as an exception in third-party antivirus software if Origin is not working

Origin is often flagged as a malicious program by antivirus software. Origin is quite resource intensive and transmits wrong intent to antivirus applications. To deal with this, you can put your Origin Client into exceptions for such software.

While this solution depends on the type of antivirus software you are using, most of them follow the same steps. To resolve the issue, head over to your antivirus client's website and see if they have coverage on how to add applications to exceptions. If you can't find any such manual, let us help you out.

• Step 1:: Open your antivirus and go to settings.
• Step 2:: See if there is an option titled "Exceptions"o «Add to exceptions». 
• Step 3: If you open it, it will ask you to provide the path to the binary (or EXE application) or it will ask you for a name.

In any case, you can provide the path to Origin or its name. This way, whenever your antivirus tries to run a scan, it won't suspect the Origin program. This may help you resolve the error. «Origin won't open» in a minute.

Solution 9: Reinstall the program if Origin is not working

We have presented several solutions for you to fix the Origin not working issue on Windows 10. However, if none of them seem to have worked for you, it could be a defect issue with the program itself. In this case, you can try reinstalling the Origin client.

Solution 10: Perform a clean boot on your computer if Origin is not working

Reinstalling the Origin client should have done the trick if it was Origin's fault. Since it hasn't solved anything for you and you're looking for other solutions, it's time to think bigger. It could be that your computer is getting in the way of your software working normally.

Here's how you can do the second method:

• Step 1:: Press the keys "Win + R" at the same time to open the “Run” window.
• Step 2:: Once the run window opens, type "Msconfig" to open the window System settings.

image

• Step 3:: In system settings, press the tab "Services".
• Step 4:: Now, check the box "Hide all Microsoft services" so that you don't accidentally turn off Microsoft services.
• Step 5:: Then press "Disable all"to disable all services currently running on your system.

• Step 6:: Once disabled, go to the section "Start".
• Step 7:: In the home section, press "Open Task Manager" to run the task manager.
• Step 8:: Disable all services at startup.

• Step 9:: Now, close the Task Manager and press "To accept"in the previous window.
• Step 10: Restart your computer to ensure all changes are made.

Try again with the Origin client. If it still doesn't work, repeat the same steps mentioned above, but now enable the services one by one. This may help you identify the error and resume using Origin. Uninstall the app or service that was causing you problems before.

Solution 11: Check and install the latest updates for Windows if Origin is not working

If you've tried all the solutions and you still don't feel like restarting your computer, it could be an operating system (OS) glitch. To see if Windows is behind the problem, check to see if there are any updates available for your operating system. Here's how you can see if there are any updates available for your system:

• Step 1:: Open the notification center in the bottom right section of your screen
• Step 2:: Expand the section or verify «All configurations» if it is already expanded.
• Step 3:: Open the tab “Updates and security”.

• Step 4:: Press the button "Search for updates"to run a quick check if there are any updates available for Windows.
• Step 5:: If there are any updates available, they will be listed below the button. You can install each update separately or only update some of them (it's up to you unless you've enabled automatic updates)

You should check for and install updates regularly. These updates ensure that your applications and software behave accordingly. Desktop applications often require package updates. . NET, which Microsoft distributes in Windows Updates.

If you can't keep up with manually updating Windows, you can enable automatic updates. You can also enable scheduled updates, so there's no network constraint while you work. The point is that an up-to-date operating system can help you stay on top of things.

The best alternatives you can use if Origin is not working

Now, if none of the above solutions helped you, you can consider using these great alternatives if Origin is not working. Each of them is just as good as Origin. Let’s check out the options below:

1.GOG

GOG, formerly known by its full name Good Old Games, is a digital store without DRM policy. Steam and Origin use digital rights management technology to verify and authenticate downloaded games, which reduces privacy.

GOG is a very good alternative you can use if Origin is down, as it simply allows you to download the game's executable files into your browser from their website, no frills, no strings attached.

You can run games purchased on Good Old Games without an Internet connection and you can copy and backup files to another system, including devices portable.

It is a very good platform to buy affordable games and you can download GOG galaxy to manage your game library, help out on support forums, deploy patches and fix bugs for the game. It's not as big as Origin, but it hosts almost all popular PC games.

You can enter the website from here

2. Itch.io

Itch.io is a great place for independent PC game developers to showcase their work on a pay-as-you-go model. Some games have minimum prices, but you can pay more than the listed amount to help support the creators.

Itch.io is a very good alternative to use if Origin is not working and if you want to try out some indie titles and explore new games from lesser-known developers. It is one of the best free Steam alternatives if you like indie games and want to support developers.

You can enter the website from here

3. Gamersgate

GamersGate offers a wide variety of titles, including indie games and AAA titles.

It also provides content free of DRM restrictions. Gamersgate is their Blue Coin currency. If you don't know, Blue Coins are earned when you participate in the community with reviews and helping other people with installation issues.

This blue coin can be used to get discounts on games on the website. It is a win-win situation for both website owners and users.

You help grow the community and in return, you earn coins to get additional discounts. This is a great alternative you can use if Origin is down.

You can enter the website from here

4. Humble Bundle

Humble Bundle features indie and popular titles in its stores, which is quite famous for its seasonal sales. There is a subscription optional $12 per month offering you select titles at launch. Humble Bundle is well known for its free giveaways and offers free random Steam keys and games on its store.

As the name suggests, multiple games are merged together as a bundle and you can purchase the entire bundle of games at huge discounts for a very cheap price.

The best part about this website is Pay What You Want; on select packages, you only need to pay $1 or more to buy the full game bundle. You can literally buy the bundle for $1 or you can pay more to support the developers.

You can enter the website from here

5.Uplay

Uplay by Ubisoft It is very similar to Origin, but only offers Ubisoft games. Uplay is an alternative you can use if Origin is not working. It is a very safe platform as it is a store of one of the biggest game developers out there and also because of its strict piracy laws.

If you are looking forward to a Ubisoft game, it is better to download it from Uplay than from any other platform. The installation process will be quite simple and you can easily sync your in-game achievements with your Uplay account and level up. They also offer interesting deals and discounts on their games very frequently.

You can enter the website from here

6.Green Man Gaming

Green man Gaming sells digital keys for Steam, Origin, Uplay, Battle.net and is also a great alternative you can use if Origin is not working. Green Man Gaming offers amazing discounts that will help you buy your favorite games at a cheaper price.

It is quite secure and adheres to anti-DRM privacy policies, making it a very safe Steam alternative. At the time of writing, Green Man Gaming is offering a flat 75% discount on all Ubisoft games.

Here you can read about: Origin Won't Open on Windows 10 | Causes and How to Fix It

Don't forget to check out the special deals sections before purchasing any PC game. Chances are you'll find your game here for a better price than anywhere else.

You can enter the web portal from here

Conclusion

As you can see, these are the solutions and workarounds that you can use if Origin is not working on Windows 10. The ones listed above are almost all the possible solutions for the problem you are facing with Origin. Many users (and even I personally) have tried these fixes to get their Origin running again.

So, if you are worried about Origin not launching properly, you just need to follow each of these fix methods. We hope we have concluded enough to get you through Origin not opening.

You can also purchase physical copies of your favorite games from your nearest game retailer or from Amazon. But, we recommend getting an electronic copy instead of a physical one. We hope we have helped you out.