Europa Universalis 5 is the latest instalment of the popular EU game series. That game has had rave reviews so far, but some players can’t play EU 5 because it doesn’t start on their PCs. One Universalis 5 player this on Reddit: “EU 5 not opening. I click on Play, the button turns to ‘Stop’, and nothing happens.” So, how can you fix EU 5 when it doesn’t start? This is how you can fix Europa Universalis 5 not launching on Windows PCs.
Set a DirectX 12 Launch Option for Europa Universalis 5
Setting a DirectX 12 launch option for EU 5 is a widely confirmed way to fix Europa Universalis 5 not launching. Applying this potential solution can circumvent compatibility issues. It will ensure the game uses DirectX 12 rather than the Vulkan API, for which there are confirmed issues. You can set a -dx12 launch parameter for EU 5 via Steam like this:
- Open Steam and select the Library tab.
- Right-click your Europa Universalis 5 game to select Properties.
- Then, type in the -dx12 parameter inside the launch options box on the General tab.
The -dx12 launch option
Update the Driver for Your Graphics Card
Updating graphics drivers is a troubleshooting method some players confirm can fix Europa Universalis 5 not launching. So, that potential fix might be worth trying if your graphics driver needs updating. To install a new GPU driver, check out this KG guide for updating graphics drivers.
The NVIDIA graphics driver download page
Set the Game to Run as Administrator
Running Europa Universalis 5 as an administrator will allow it to access more folders and files. Applying this possible fix will ensure EU 5 has the necessary permissions it needs. This is how you can select the option for running Europa Universalis 5 with admin rights:
- Open File Explorer and the Program Files (x86) Steam > steamapps > common > Europa Universalis V > binaries folder.
- Click the eu5.exe file with the mouse’s right mouse button to select Properties and Compatibility.
- Next, add a check mark to the Run this program as administrator box by clicking on it.
The Run this program as an administrator option
- Select Apply to set options and OK to exit.
Run EU 5 in Compatibility Mode
Running Europa Universalis 5 in compatibility mode applies settings to mimic older Windows platforms. To apply this possible solution, go through steps one and two of the previous potential fix to bring up the Compatibility tab. Then, select Run this program in compatibility mode > Windows 8 > Apply > OK.
The Run this program in compatibility mode for option
Update Your Windows OS
It has been confirmed by players that updating the Windows OS can fix Europa Universalis 5 from not launching on Windows PCs. If you’re a Windows 10 user, consider upgrading to Windows 11 to play Europa Universalis 5. Windows 11 and 10 users can install patch updates via Settings as instructed on this Microsoft page. Note that new patch updates are no longer available for Windows 10 because Microsoft doesn’t support that platform anymore.
The Windows update options
Verify the Europa Universalis 5 Files
Verifying the Europa Universals 5 game might repair corrupted or missing game files, if there are any. So, running a verification scan to fix Europa Universalis 5 not launching might be worth trying. This page on Steam’s website outlines the steps for verifying games.
The Verify integrity of game files option
Set a Low Settings Preset
An EU 5 developer has recommended (on Steam’s forum) that players set a low settings launch preset to fix Europa Universalis 5 not launching. To do that, go through the first steps of resolution one above, open the General tab for EU 5 in Steam. Then, input -graphic_preset=very_low within the launch box. That launch parameter configures the game to start with low settings, which might resolve some issues.
Note that you can combine that launch parameter with the -dx12 flag if preferred. To do so, input -dx12 -graphic_preset=very_low within the launch box for Europa Universalis 5. Then, try starting the game to see what happens.
The low preset launch option
I hope you fix Europa Universalis 5 not launching with one of the troubleshooting methods above. If not, consider contacting the game’s help service by clicking Open Ticket on this Paradox page. Alternatively, you can add a post about that game not starting to the Europa Universalis 5 technical support forum.
