Apex crashes on launch (Steam and EA app)

Apex Legends crashes a few seconds after launch with the following error (In steam and in EA app):

An unexpected game shutdown was detected (0xC0000409)

Windows Event Viewer logs the following under EA Javelin Anticheat, Event ID 1000:

The game r5apex_dx12.exe exited unexpectedly, exit code: 0xC0000409

The issue occurs when launching Apex Legends through both Steam and the EA app.

I had not played Apex Legends for several months, so I cannot confirm whether the issue started exactly with the September 29, 2026, Javelin transition. However, the game did not have this problem the last time I played it.

System specifications

OS: Windows 11 26H2, build 26300.9550

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB

RAM: 32 GB DDR4

Platform: Steam and EA app

Additional Event Viewer errors

I also found an EA Javelin Anticheat error, Event ID 1000, with the message:

Failed retrieving service path.

This event was recorded on October 8, 2026, at 12:54 PM.

I checked the EA AntiCheat service:

Service name: EAAntiCheatService

Executable path: C:\Program Files\EA\AC\eaanticheat.gameservice.exe

The executable exists.

Its digital signature is valid and verified, issued to Electronic Arts, Inc.

The service is configured for demand start and is stopped when checked while the game is not running.

Troubleshooting already attempted

-Verified Apex Legends game files through Steam.

-Updated Windows to build 26300.9550 and restarted.

-Updated NVIDIA graphics drivers and Windows.

-Repaired/reinstalled EA AntiCheat/Javelin. (Even removing the anticheat and letting the game update it by itself)

-Ran the game and anticheat as administrator + Firewall is not blocking them.

-Disabled overlays and background applications.

-Performed a clean boot; the issue persisted.

-Cleared the Steam download cache.

-Reset network settings.

-Checked other anti-cheat services, including Riot Vanguard, Easy Anti-Cheat, and BattlEye. Stopping the Vanguard service did not resolve the issue.

-Checked the EA AntiCheat service executable path and digital signature.

-Moved Apex Legends from the F: drive to the C: drive and tested again. The same 0xC0000409 crash persisted.

None of these steps resolved the crash.

I also have the issue that Apex Legends does not appear as an option when I try to install it manually using the EA Javelin Installer. (I also tried installing one of the other options, but neither worked)