[2023] problem installing the paradox launcher

I'm afraid this is a current issue still under investigation. We're not at all sure why it affects the few users it does affect!

One user reported this fix:

go to your Windows settings, the Apps tab, Optional features, Add a feature called “Graphics tools” (find it in a list, “tick” the box and confirm) - it will take a moment to download and install, then restart the system for good measure and try the Launcher installer again; if you’re on an N release of Windows (10N or 11N), also add Media Feature Pack

If that doesn't help, Could you please do the following? It will generate a debug log that the launcher team can use to "deep dive" into what actually happens with the launcher.

• Right click the game in question in Steam > Properties > Launch Options
• Paste in this: --pdxlDebug
• Run the game
• Once it fails to launch, locate the logs in the following place

%LocalAppData%\Paradox Interactive\launcher-v2\logs\
(example: C:\Users\{user}\AppData\Local\Paradox Interactive\launcher-v2\logs\)

Please attach all logs in that folder and we will get the launcher team to check them out.


AND can we also get some info about your system: DXDIAG is a program you run from the Windows search box on the task bar. After running it will open a window and start collecting info with a progress bar in the lower-left corner. When it completes click the 'save all information' button and save it to a file then attach that file here.

In the meantime you might find running the game from ck3.exe works.  

Great! I wonder what exact Windows version/build you have, that will help us diagnose the root cause of this.


DXDIAG is a program you run from the Windows search box on the task bar. After running it will open a window and start collecting info with a progress bar in the lower-left corner. When it completes click the 'save all information' button and save it to a file then attach that file here.

Thanks!