If you run EU4.exe by itself does that also fail?
If so, Has the game ever run OK on this computer? Or never?
IF NEVER:
Install ALL these Microsoft modules:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/download/details.aspx?id=8328
https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/download/details.aspx?id=13523
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=52685
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8109
(run dxsetup.exe after extracting from this download)
Add EU4.exe to the exceptions list of your antivirus app; ESPECIALLY if you have Windows Defender, add it to the Ransomware "Apps Allowed Through" list.
Also if you have installed RivaTuner, RadeonPro, or a gaming VPN app called Evolve, or the MSI Gaming App, or Duet, disable it as it clashes with this game.
IF IT USED TO WORK:
Please do a full **clean** re-install:
- move any valued save games elsewhere
- "uninstall" in Steam-EU4
- manually delete both the Steam/SteamApps/common/EU4 AND Documents/Paradox/EU4 folders
- re-install game in Steam, run a Steam Verify when done.
- add EU4.exe to the exceptions list of your antivirus app; ESPECIALLY if you have Windows Defender, add it to the Ransomware "Apps Allowed Through" list.
- start the game with no mods active and test
In particular make sure there are no files or folders left under either the Steam EU4 or Documents EU4 locations, before installing again.
Also if you have installed RivaTuner, RadeonPro, or a gaming VPN app called Evolve, or the MSI Gaming App, or Duet, disable it as it clashes with this game.
IF NEITHER OF THOSE HELP:
DXDIAG is a program you run from a command prompt or the Windows start menu 'run' dialog box (or 'search programs' in Windows 7 or later). 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.
Please attach your Documents/Paradox/EU4/settings.txt and pdx_settings.txt .
From your Documents/Paradox/EU4/logs/ folder, attach system.log .