Origin Won’t Open: How to Quickly Fix It

Can’t get Origin to open? In this post, we go over the reasons why Origin won’t open as well as provide the means necessary to fix the problem.

Origin Won't Open or Load
All modern EA games require the Origin game client in order to be downloaded and launched. If you want to play a “Battlefield 5” match, you’ll need to turn on Origin. But, if Origin won’t open for you, then, obviously, you can’t play the EA games you own.

Fortunately, though, several solutions will fix Origin if it isn’t opening. By reading this guide, you will learn what those solutions are so that you can play your games again.

What is Origin?

Released in June of 2011, Origin is a digital distribution platform developed by EA.

You can use Origin to purchase titles developed and published by EA.

Some of these titles include “Battlefield,” “Titanfall,” and “The Sims”; along with many others.

Many of EA’s newer titles require you to use Origin.

Even if you purchase “Battlefield,” for example, through Steam, you will still need to open Origin to play the game.

Since this is the case, if Origin is not opening, you cannot play your EA games.

Why Won’t Origin Open?

Even though Origin is a polished and reliable piece of software, problems can arise.

Some of these problems can lead to Origin not opening.

Some of the most common problems that lead to this situation are corrupted cache files, core files becoming unusable, and corrupted temporary files.

How Can You Fix The Problem?

Since a handful of problems can create a situation where Origin won’t load and open, we will look at solutions for the most common issues.

Each one of these solutions will solve a specific issue that is causing Origin to fail to open.

When you’re finished reading this section, you will know how to solve the most common problems that lead to Origin not loading and opening.

Removing Corrupted Cache Files

Whenever you use Origin, a set of cache files get created.

Each one of these cache files contains the data that Origin uses and relies on most frequently.

Without these cache files, Origin would need to download that data after every start-up.

If you’ve used Origin for a long time, then it’s likely these files are filled with data, and, from this, they may have become corrupted.

By deleting these cache files, Origin may be able to open.

Step 1: Turn Off Origin

If Origin is currently running, turn it off.

If Origin is off, then make sure it stays that way until this process finishes.

Step 2: Open “Run”

To begin this process, you must open the “Run” command window.

The two easiest ways to accomplish this are as follows:

  • Press the “Windows” key and the “R” key at the same time.
  • Click on the “Start” button, which is on the bottom-left of the screen.
  • Type “Run” into the search bar.

Step 3: Access The “Origin” Folder

Right after “Run” opens, type in “%ProgramData%.”

The “ProgramData” folder will open up. Click on the “Origin” folder.

You will find a plethora of folders within the “Origin” folder.

Delete every single folder and file, except for “LocalContent.”

Step 4: Turn On Origin

Click on “Origin” and see what happens.

If Origin opens up, then the problem has been fixed.

As a word of warning, though, if you use Origin frequently, you may need to repeat this fix in the future.

Removing Corrupted Temporary Files

Just like cache files, temporary files get created almost every time you use Origin.

Sometimes, these files can become corrupt. This can lead to a situation where Origin won’t launch.

Deleting these temporary files will force Origin to create new temporary files. Doing so may solve the problem, letting you turn on Origin and play your games.

Step 1: Show Hidden Files And Folders

To begin this process, click on the “Start” button.

In the search bar, type in “hidden files.”

You will see, underneath “Settings,” “Show Hidden Files And Folders.”

Click on that setting, and you will be taken to a new window.

On this window, there is a list of “Advanced Settings.”

One of these settings comes with two options: “Don’t Show Hidden Files, Folders Or Drives” and “Show Hidden Files, Folders, And Drives.”

Click on the second setting. Then, press “Apply” and “Okay” to close the window and activate the setting.

Step 2: Open “Run”

To open “Run,” you can press the “Windows” key and the “R” key at the same time or type “Run” into the Start Menu’s search bar.

Step 3: Delete The Temporary Files

Right after “Run” opens, type in “%AppData%” and press “Enter.”

You will see two folders: “Local” and “Roaming.”

Both folders contain their own “Origin” folder.

Go into both folders, delete the “Origin” folder in both, and close the window.

Step 4: Test Origin

Open Origin and see what happens.

Just like the previous method, if Origin starts normally, then you’re good to go. But, you may need to repeat this fix at a later date if you use Origin frequently.

Fixing Unusable Core Files

Every program relies on a set of core files that are integral to the functioning of that program.

Just as you might expect, “Origin” is no different.

Sometimes, these core files can become unusable.

If that happens, the program is unable to launch, which means you can’t access the functions that the program offers.

Step 1: Open The Uninstall Menu

To open the uninstall menu, click on the “Start” button.

Click on “Settings.”

On the “Settings” page, click the “System” button.

A pane on the left will open.

Click on “Apps & Features.”

A list of installed applications will open.

Step 2: Uninstall Origin

Take a moment to find “Origin.”

Click on “Origin.” And, then, click on the “Uninstall” button.

After a moment or so, Origin will no longer be installed.

Step 3: Reinstall Origin

Go to this link, and redownload Origin.

Follow the installation process.

After the process finishes, turn on Origin.

The program may need to install some updates.

If, after those updates, Origin functions correctly, then the problem has been fixed.

Hey, I’m Brent. I’ve been building PCs and writing about building PCs for a long time. Through TechGuided.com, I've helped thousands of people learn how to build their own computers. I’m an avid gamer and tech enthusiast, too. On YouTube, I build PCs, review laptops, components, and peripherals, and hold giveaways.

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