Not using GOG Galaxy. Not using on system with internet access, the whole point of being DRM free is that it isn't neede.

I have installed the the special edition. That installed without a hitch. When I go to install the Anniversary upgrade however, the system accepts the language and then... nothing. No popups, no attempts at internet access, no activity at all. I see 2 Setup/Uninstall (32bit) and 2 Skyrim Anniversary Upgrade Setup (32 bit) processes in the task manager.

Has anyone else encountered this, and if so, how did you proceed?

Is it waiting for a UAC permissions prompt? I've had those hide on me before.

I haven't tried replicating your issue, but, if you haven't already, you could try installing it into a directory you have full control over, like a C:\games directory.

I bought the Anniversary Edition also. When I try to install it, it says can't find the Skyrim SE directory.. I even put the upgrade in the the SE install folder...still couldn't find it. I get ZERO help from GoG support...it's just a stupid chatbot that knows nothing... anyone else have this prob? Thanks..

My recent experience with GOG Support was positive. Yes, at first you may get in touch with that "stupid chatbot" (an excellent description!), but you'll be able to enter everything required to open a ticket in their system, like a problem description and information about your system (without this information, no support team will be able to help you). They will send you the ticket number which they use for future contacts, and you can use it, too.
Once the ticket has been opened, your problem becomes an element of GOG's standard support process - bureaucratic and possibly slow, but functioning (I don't say it's always successful). The system is definitely more than "just a stupid chatbot".

Have you provided all information required? Do you have a ticket number? If not: Without your participation they can't help you.

Maybe it is this:
https://www.gog.com/forum/general/update_on_technical_issues_affecting_downloading_and_updating_games_afa62

Gog's provider's download servers are having major issues since two days ago, major outage, so i'm sorry to say that you'll have to be patient, i'm myself stuck on the update of this game since two days. At least the other games seems to be unstuck. By the way, the outage isn't on gog's servers.

You were just unlucky enough to buy the game during a major outage.
That said, if you manage to get the offline installer, you WILL be able to install and play the game, it will just be stuck on a 2.48GB update, but still launch.

Reading the original post, it doesn't sound like a download problem: "Not using GOG Galaxy. Not using on system with internet access, ... When I go to install the Anniversary upgrade however, the system accepts the language and then... nothing."

What strikes me more is why the poster seems to think it has to do anything with DRM: "the whole point of being DRM free is that it isn't neede." Not that I have any idea why the installation process suddenly hangs (or whatever "nothing" means). The first thing I would do is to see if the installation expects my input and to look for error messages, and if there are none, to stop the processes in the task manager, and then to try again (possibly after re-booting my PC). Depending on the circumstances, re-downloading the installation file might also be worth trying.

My post was for Gorrwarrior.

Same thing: " When I try to install it, it says can't find the Skyrim SE directory.. I even put the upgrade in the the SE install folder...still couldn't find it."
Doesn't sound like a download problem either.

My comment was a general comment on the guess that the problem reported might have been caused by GOG's recent issues, which I find unlikely.
And I really wonder why the problem should be connected with DRM in any way.

Well, the download issues seem to have been resolved meanwhile.

Whatever. You are the only one writing about DRM.

No. I was explicitly referring to the original post. If I may quote again:

"Not using GOG Galaxy. Not using on system with internet access, the whole point of being DRM free is that it isn't neede."

In this context, the poster is clearly hinting at a relationship between the installation problem and DRM. One interpretation is that "it" means "internet access" - but to call internet access for downloading an installation file "DRM" would be absurd (of course it is - you accept it by using GOG to get games). However, to call the requirement of internet access for installing a game (like Steam and, I suppose, Galaxy do) DRM is not absurd at all (I'm aware that downloading and installing is one process when you use these systems).
I was (and am) curious to learn what the real intention to mention DRM in this context was. Perhaps to ask if it is possible that a GOG game installation outside of Galaxy requires internet access? To my knowledge, this is not the case (at least not today), but the question would be understandable and legitimate.

Wrong again but Whatever.

What exactly is wrong? Repeating the same over and over again is pointless.

I give up.