So I have the hardcopy and if I didn't want to patch via Gog Galaxy (which installs along with the game whether you want it or not), I have to use a downloaded patch.

I did this, but I can only see the way to open it via Gog Galaxy still. On Windows 10, where do I find the actual icon that I can open the game without going through Galaxy.

In addition, can I uninstall Galaxy and still run Witcher III. This is NOT the downloaded version, but the version I bought in the store.

Thanks

Yes, you can run it without Galaxy -- you may uninstall the client. Just go to your game installation folder and navigate to ..\bin\x64\ and then right click on 'witcher3.exe' and select 'Send to Desktop as shortcut'. You can place that shortcut anywhere you like and use it to run the game.

Thanks