game still crashing on windows 11

[Noxiss]

whyy

[Razorblade]

Probably because of your complete inability to provide details. I play on Windows 11, even the dreaded "game-killing" patch 24h2, and CK3 works perfectly fine. The issue isn't just "Windows 11;" it's obviously something more specific.

[Orange Brutus]

I followed this post and it worked for me, having the same issue. Antivirus blocking files apparently.

Do you have Avast or Norton's antivirus? You need to make sure all these apps are in its exceptions lists:

ck3.exe (in the Steam CK3/binaries folder)
dowser.exe (in the Steam CK3/launcher folder)
C:/users/{username}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2.2025.2/paradox launcher.exe
C:/users/{username}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/bootstrapper-v2.exe

[adhodges94]

Originally posted by Orange Brutus:

I followed this post and it worked for me, having the same issue. Antivirus blocking files apparently.

Do you have Avast or Norton's antivirus? You need to make sure all these apps are in its exceptions lists:

ck3.exe (in the Steam CK3/binaries folder)
dowser.exe (in the Steam CK3/launcher folder)
C:/users/{username}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2.2025.2/paradox launcher.exe
C:/users/{username}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/bootstrapper-v2.exe

THIS WORKED FOR ME ^^^^
been looking everywhere for all sorts of fixes
I'm using AVG and added this to my exceptions

[Noxiss]

Originally posted by Orange Brutus:

I followed this post and it worked for me, having the same issue. Antivirus blocking files apparently.

Do you have Avast or Norton's antivirus? You need to make sure all these apps are in its exceptions lists:

ck3.exe (in the Steam CK3/binaries folder)
dowser.exe (in the Steam CK3/launcher folder)
C:/users/{username}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2.2025.2/paradox launcher.exe
C:/users/{username}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/bootstrapper-v2.exe

Im using windows defender

[jpcerutti]

Originally posted by Noxiss:

Originally posted by Orange Brutus:

I followed this post and it worked for me, having the same issue. Antivirus blocking files apparently.

Do you have Avast or Norton's antivirus? You need to make sure all these apps are in its exceptions lists:

ck3.exe (in the Steam CK3/binaries folder)
dowser.exe (in the Steam CK3/launcher folder)
C:/users/{username}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/launcher-v2.2025.2/paradox launcher.exe
C:/users/{username}/AppData/Local/Programs/Paradox Interactive/bootstrapper-v2.exe

Im using windows defender

Okay. Razorblade let you know that's not a lot of information - and assuming you have eliminated Windows Defender as a possible issue by either temporarily disabling it and seeing if the game loads and runs or successfully adding CK3 (and any mods) to the list of exceptions - we can move on to the next possibilty. DO do that first though, if you have not already.

Are you using any mods? If so, disable ALL OF THEM and see if the game works for a new start - NOT a save game load. Even if you are not using mods see if the game is stable with a new start - NOT a save game load.