Everything you need.
No tech degree required.
How to install, how the magic works, and answers to the questions your wife would ask (mine did).
Installing ModMinder
We’re not code-signed yet, so both systems show a little scary warning. Here’s the honest click-path — it’s normal for tiny indie tools.
🪟 Windows
- Download and run ModMinder-Setup-*.exe
- Windows will say “Windows protected your PC” — that’s normal for small indie apps
- Click “More info”, then “Run anyway”
- Follow the installer — it adds a Start Menu shortcut
🍎 macOS
- Download ModMinder-macos.dmg
- Open the .dmg and drag ModMinder to Applications
- Right-click ModMinder in Applications → “Open”
- Click “Open” again on the first prompt — only needed once
How to use it
Open it — it finds your Mods folder automatically
First time you open Settings, ModMinder tries to find your Mods folder and Sims 4 app by itself. If it guesses wrong, you can pick it manually. It makes a safe quarantine folder right next to your Mods folder.
Let it watch in the background
You don’t need to click “scan.” Every time you add, remove, or change a mod, ModMinder checks everything automatically. If you close the window, it naps in your tray/menu bar and keeps watching.
When something breaks, you get two honest buttons
“Fix it” moves the broken file to quarantine (never deletes — you can Restore anytime from History). “Not a problem” tells us that file is fine and to stop flagging it. Your call, always.
What else it does
Is this download safe?
Scans your script mods for risky stuff — hidden IP addresses, Discord webhooks, code that touches your operating system. Rated clearly as low/medium/high, not to scare you, just to show you what to double-check.
Will my save load?
Reads your save files directly and checks if they’re corrupted — missing header, broken index — so you find out from us before you lose an evening to a crash.
Switch mod sets without dragging files
Make named sets like “Everyday Play” vs “Building Save.” Switching parks one set safely and brings the other back. No manual file juggling.
See everything you have
A searchable list of everything in your Mods folder. Export as CSV, text, or JSON when you need to reinstall or share your list.
FAQ — mostly fear removal
Does ModMinder send my mods anywhere?
No. Ever. Everything runs on your PC. No account, no cloud sync, no upload. Your 300-mod collection stays on your computer. The only network thing the app ever does is check for its own updates.
Will it delete my mods?
Never. Fix = quarantine (moves to a separate folder next to Mods). Nothing is deleted and every action is in History with one-click Restore.
Why does Windows / macOS warn me?
We’re not code-signed yet — that costs a lot for a free indie tool. SmartScreen / Gatekeeper warns about any unsigned app. It’s not a virus, it’s just Apple/Microsoft being cautious. Steps are above.
What if it flags a mod that’s actually fine?
It happens — these are smart guesses, not perfect. Click “Not a problem” and we stop flagging it. You can undo any dismissal in Settings.
I just updated Sims 4 and everything broke — what now?
Open ModMinder. It will tell you exactly which mods failed to load after the patch, and for each one whether it looks like something you can fix yourself or something where you need to wait for the creator to update.
Is it really free?
Yes. Free forever. No pro tier. My wife Tonya would kill me if I paywalled it after making her test 300 mods.
Can’t find your answer?
We read every message — usually reply within 48h. No bot, just Josh & Tonya testing on real Mods folders.
- ✓ Ask about a mod we flagged wrong
- ✓ Request a feature / report a bug
- ✓ Get the 1-page patch-day checklist emailed
Or email directly: [email protected] • Full contact page →