[2021] Launcher will not install ( For any paradox games)

joedoza94 said: I played EU4,HOI 4, CK2 all fine in the past, but ever since the new launcher I cannot play.

CK2 does not use the new launcher. If it does not run you have other problems!

The others you can run directly from eu4.exe and hoi4.exe in file explorer, which bypasses the launcher.

Your launcher logs are all over the place, let's try forcing an update of the launcher.

Download the installer package for Windows: https://forumcontent.paradoxplaza.com/emailsignatures/2021.4.1-win-prod.zip

Unpack the file you just downloaded and place the three files in the Steam folder for the game you're having issues with. If asked if you want to replace already existing files click "yes" - that's a sign you are in the right place!

Then:

- exit the Steam app entirely
- uninstall Paradox Launcher v2 from the Windows "Apps and features" utility, if still present.

Delete the following folders if still present:

- C:/users//AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/
- C:/users//AppData/Local/Paradox Interactive/
- C:/users//AppData/Roaming/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2/
To see the AppData folder you'll need to enable View Hidden Items in File Explorer.

- run steam.exe as the Windows Admin user

- run the game from the PLAY button in Steam

IF that doesn't help, in this folder are some .log files:
C:/users//AppData/Local/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2/
Please attach them here.  

Sharkateer said: I have a similar issue. Cloud saves arent working, and if I install the from STEAM the launcher has updates available but they dont install.

If I use the standalone installer from Paradon, installation fails. Relevant log except from cpatch.log below:

2021-05-24 17:59:33 [repository] [DEBUG] Downloading: repository.json.asc
2021-05-24 17:59:33 [repository] [WARNING] Error in response: server returned 403 Forbidden

Rest of the logs attached. Devs, I'm sure you've realized, but lots of folks having these troubles after the paradox sale weekend.

Not a very similar problem actually - best in future to make your own thread, thanks.

As you say some sort of permissions issue in comms there but it's not clear to me why that would affect you. You definitely ran Steam as the Windows Admin user while doing this?  

joedoza94 said: Alright I tried all that and no dice there. Logs attached. I get an ended prematurely error when trying to install.

That 1603/5 error can be a previous stuck installation. If you see msiexec in Task Manager-processes, kill it and try the launcher install again.

Otherwise does the Windows Update app load and run okay? If so do that and apply everything it finds, and reboot.

If still no good, is Paradox Launcher v2 showing in the Windows control panel but can't be removed? Or it's not there at all?  

msiexec uses the Windows installation/update facilities, and it is what is returning those errors.

Try the clean reinstall from post #3 above one more time, except first scan the registry for "paradox launcher" and delete everything you find.

Good luck!  

Try the clean launcher reinstall from post #3 again, but just after the uninstal line (first line) run the free utilities Revo Uninstaller and Ccleaner, see if they find anything more to clean up in the install process. there is also MS's own tool for that:

Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

The Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter helps you automatically repair issues when you're blocked from installing or removing programs. support.microsoft.com

Then try the newer version of the launcher installer:
https://forumcontent.paradoxplaza.com/emailsignatures/2021.5-win-prod.zip