[2023] Visual C++ and Net Framework error message on start

I don't see what could be causing this for you.

What if you make a new Windows user on this machine and log into it with that? Any different?  

Our similar game Crusader Kings 2 is free to play on Steam now. Does it work or have the same problem?

Please install and run the free utility Speccy. Send its output to a text file and attach that here, thanks.  

I see you have OneDrive running. Right click on Documents in the left column of File Explorer, just under This PC there. Go to properties, location. What does it say in there?

And there are quite a few failed Windows updates in there. Run the Update utility, apply everything it finds, and reboot.

And please run both these Windows repair tools:

.NET

Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool is available - Microsoft Support

Describes the .NET Framework Repair Tool and how to obtain it. support.microsoft.com
SCANNOW:

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

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

Good luck!  

I am sorry, I see nothing to explain this problem with this game in any of the files you've sent in.

I don't really see any way forward other than a Windows Reset or complete wipe and reinstall - a lot to contemplate to get a game going, I know! How do you feel about that idea?  

Robelo97 said: Where in Speccy's text file did you see that Windows updates failed?

Search that file for "not installed", you'll see them listed there.

Robelo97 said: Can you tell me again or link all the Visual C++, .Net Framework and Direct X versions that are required for Stellaris to work?

VC++2010
VC++ 2015/17/19/22
DirectX 9.0c (if you use the default)
DirectX 11 (if using that instead)

The latest update to all of those.