[2023] Strange/annoying problem with Launcher

That sounds like a file access issue. Doe sit only affect this game, what about EU4 that uses the same launcher?


What antivirus app do you use? You need to make sure all these apps are in its exceptions lists:

stellaris.exe and dowser.exe (in the Steam Stellaris folder)
C:/users/{username}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2.2023.5/paradox launcher.exe
C:/users/{username}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/bootstrapper-v2.exe

IF that doesn't help, also set each of those .exe files (EXCEPT stellaris.exe !) to run as the Windows Admin user.