I just downloaded GOG Galaxy for the first time and it doesn't start; I just get an error that says it was unable to start correctly and to click ok to close the app. I'm on Windows 11, by the way.

1. Uninstall it.
2. Install both vc_redist.x86 and vc_redist.x64.
3. Install using the full installer 2.0.60.2 for Windows.

Does that help?

You don't need the galaxy client to access your games. Just uninstall it, and forget about it.

Download your games from your account, here:
https://www.gog.com/en/account

Yes, it helped. Thank you.

This is an unhelpful response for those wanting to install Galaxy. Maybe they didn't know it isn't required, but if they still want to use it, this doesn't accomplish thst.

It IS helpful for those who don't realise the galaxy client isn't required. GOG pushes the client so much, and tries to hide the non-client downloads.