Documentation

How to install ModMinder, how Auto-Pilot works, and answers to common questions.

How It Works

1

Install ModMinder and point it at your Mods folder (it usually auto-detects this).

2

Auto-Pilot starts watching automatically — no scan button to click, no setup beyond Settings.

3

When something looks wrong, the Dashboard shows it with a "Fix it" or "Not a problem" choice — your call, every time.

Installing ModMinder

ModMinder isn’t code-signed yet, so both operating systems show a warning on first launch. This is normal for a small independent tool — here’s exactly what to click.

Windows

  1. Download and run ModMinder-Setup-*.exe from the Download page
  2. Windows SmartScreen will say "Windows protected your PC"
  3. Click "More info", then click "Run anyway"
  4. Follow the installer — Start Menu shortcut and uninstaller included

macOS

  1. Download ModMinder-macos.dmg from the Download page
  2. Open the .dmg and drag ModMinder to Applications
  3. Right-click (or Control-click) ModMinder in Applications and choose "Open"
  4. Click "Open" again on the Gatekeeper prompt — only needed the first time

Using ModMinder

Step 1

Set Your Paths

On first launch, open Settings. ModMinder tries to auto-detect your Mods folder and Sims 4 executable — confirm or browse manually if it guesses wrong. A quarantine folder is created automatically alongside your Mods folder.

Step 2

Let Auto-Pilot Watch

The Dashboard runs Mod Doctor’s checks automatically on launch and every time your Mods folder changes — duplicate mods, un-extracted zips, real resource-key conflicts, and (when the game is running) live compatibility issues.

Step 3

Fix It or Dismiss It

Every finding gets two honest choices: "Fix it" quarantines the mod after you confirm (restorable any time from History), or "Not a problem" tells ModMinder to stop flagging it — reversible from Settings.

Step 4

Let It Run in the Background

Closing or minimizing the window sends ModMinder to your tray/menu bar instead of quitting — Auto-Pilot keeps watching. Turn on "Launch at startup" in Settings so it’s already running when you sit down to play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ModMinder upload my mods or send data anywhere?

No. ModMinder runs entirely on your computer against your local Mods folder. There’s no account, no cloud sync, and nothing about your mod library is sent anywhere.

Will it delete my mods?

Never automatically. Quarantine moves a flagged file from your Mods folder to a separate quarantine folder — nothing is deleted, and every quarantine action shows up in History with a one-click Restore.

Why does my OS warn me when I install it?

ModMinder isn’t code-signed yet (that costs money and isn’t worth it before the app has real usage). The warning is Windows SmartScreen / macOS Gatekeeper being cautious about any unsigned app, not a sign of a problem — see Installing ModMinder above for the exact click-through.

What if ModMinder flags a mod that’s actually fine?

Automated checks are heuristics, not guarantees — they can occasionally misfire. Click "Not a problem" on that finding and ModMinder stops flagging it going forward. You can review or undo any past dismissal from Settings.

Does it work with mods from any source?

Yes — ModMinder’s checks work on whatever is actually in your Mods folder, regardless of where you downloaded it from. There’s no curated library or marketplace; it’s a diagnostics tool for your existing mods.

Is ModMinder free?

Yes.

I found a bug or have a feature request — where do I report it?

Reach out through the Contact page. We’re actively developing ModMinder and real bug reports are the most useful thing you can send us.