Game launcher fails to start

Issue Type (Required):

Crash - On Launch

Issue Description (Required):

Description of the issue:

The official Launcher (launcher.exe) for Vermintide 2 fails to start on my system (Windows 11). It never appears as the game will crack around 10 secs

Using a bypass launcher allows me to enter mod servers, but the game reports “backend not responding”, making official services and matchmaking inaccessible.

System and environment:

OS: Windows 11

Steam: Fully updated, running as Administrator

Network: No VPN or proxy, able to ping store.steampowered.com successfully

Antivirus: Only Windows Defender (MsMpEng.exe), real-time protection temporarily disabled

Other software: No third-party antivirus or firewall interfering

Steps already attempted:

Verified game files multiple times via Steam.

Deleted and replaced steam_api64.dll and other launcher DLLs.

Repaired Easy Anti-Cheat via EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe.

Checked file and folder permissions (full control granted).

Installed latest Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64 + x86).

Ran DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and sfc /scannow to repair system files.

Cleared Steam download cache.

Uninstalled and reinstalled Vermintide 2 completely.

Attempted bypass launcher (works for mods, but official backend fails).

Error details (Event Viewer):

Faulting application: launcher.exe_Vermintide 2

Faulting module: KERNELBASE.dll

Exception code: 0xc00000fd

Faulting path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Warhammer Vermintide 2\launcher\launcher.exe

Additional notes:

I am located in the United States.

The problem persists despite multiple full reinstalls and all recommended fixes.

The bypass launcher allows mod access but cannot reach official backend services.

Reproduction Rate (Required):

Constant (100%)

Platform (Required):

Steam (PC)

Player ID (Optional):

[PC] Crash Report (Optional):

Description of the issue:

The official Launcher (launcher.exe) for Vermintide 2 fails to start on my system (Windows 11).

Using a bypass launcher allows me to enter mod servers, but the game reports “backend not responding”, making official services and matchmaking inaccessible.

System and environment:

OS: Windows 11

Steam: Fully updated, running as Administrator

Network: No VPN or proxy, able to ping store.steampowered.com successfully

Antivirus: Only Windows Defender (MsMpEng.exe), real-time protection temporarily disabled

Other software: No third-party antivirus or firewall interfering

Steps already attempted:

Verified game files multiple times via Steam.

Deleted and replaced steam_api64.dll and other launcher DLLs.

Repaired Easy Anti-Cheat via EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe.

Checked file and folder permissions (full control granted).

Installed latest Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64 + x86).

Ran DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and sfc /scannow to repair system files.

Cleared Steam download cache.

Uninstalled and reinstalled Vermintide 2 completely.

Attempted bypass launcher (works for mods, but official backend fails).

Error details (Event Viewer):

Faulting application: launcher.exe_Vermintide 2

Faulting module: KERNELBASE.dll

Exception code: 0xc00000fd

Faulting path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Warhammer Vermintide 2\launcher\launcher.exe

Additional notes:

I am located in the United States.

The problem persists despite multiple full reinstalls and all recommended fixes.

The bypass launcher allows mod access but cannot reach official backend services.

Note: in my evidence vid, i didnt click anything

Upload Supporting Evidence (Optional):

Hi Troublemaker, could this explain your issue at all?:

https://support.fatshark.se/hc/en-us/articles/360021423613--PC-How-to-Resolve-Vermintide-2-Launcher-Issues/#h_01HGZNGS59RF2VF2TSNB0NVZ13

it does, but how when i play modded server with bypass launcher, it shows backend not responding -1, while the official server works. i really want to play onslaughter

also, its really unacceptable to me to have a launcher will never work again. I have tried all process if you have read my situation

Oh, I tried linking to this part:

I understand ‘Bypass Launcher’ isn’t an adequate solution for you.

so do we have a solution here