[2022] [Win 8.1] Can not reach launcher, can not start the game

If the launcher doesn't run, none of what you tried will help as they are for game-won't-start problems. To test that, run eu4.exe directly from File Explorer.

However I think your problem is that your Windows 8.1 has had no major updates applied since 2013! Our games and launcher are only ever tested in Windows that is fully patched up. Your AMD video driver is equally old, so the same applies there.

Were you are all thinking of going to Windows 10 or 11? If so now might be a great time to make that jump!  

cancellaratjo said: Do you mean the program in the steamapps/common/Europa Universalis IV map?
When I run that it tells me that the program can not be started because api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll is missing on my computer.

That DLL is part of Visual C++ so you are still missing some of those.

In the Windows Control Panel uninstall ALL instances of VC++ 2010 AND 2015/17/19/22. There may be several of each.

Then:

Download Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package MFC Security Update from Official Microsoft Download Center

www.microsoft.com And run the x86 and x64 installers there.

Download Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Update 3 RC from Official Microsoft Download Center

www.microsoft.com And run the x86 and x64 installers there.

Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads

This article lists the download links for the latest versions of Visual C++ Redistributable packages. support.microsoft.com And run the x86 and x64 installers there.

THEn reboot. That really should do it!  

There was no need to delete any except the two exact versions I mentioned!

in any case you clearly have a Windows problem here. You can try this repair tool
SCANNOW:

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files

Describes how to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files in Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows Vista. support.microsoft.com
If that doesn’t help, you’ll probably need qualified Windows support help I’m afraid.

good luck!