It seem like every time I open up the GOG Galaxy it tells me there is an update available and every time I try to update it, I get the following error:

"Essential components needed to start GOG Galaxy are missing or incorrectly configured. If this continues, please reinstall the application."

I did the reinstall the last time and I really don't want to have to do that every time. It all seems to work properly as far as I can tell. (I don't really used GOG too often.)

Does anybody know what this means and how to fix it permanently? (And easily, of course.)

Unfortunately, this is a GOG Galaxy question that should be submitted to them. I did some looking and they do have a forum subject, so you are not the only one with the issue. Maybe see if there is something helpful there?

GOG Galaxy Throws Essential Components Missing Error

Thanks Drac! I'll take a look at it.

Oh, that was quick. I was expecting more. Nothing helpful for me though! I suppose if I contact GOG, I won't understand or want to try what they advise so I'll just live with it until it doesn't work I guess.

I get an error message every time I start up the GOG client. I can't remember exactly what it is now, but I looked in the GOG forum and other people were complaining of the same thing/same message. Since all I have to do is close the windows and then Galaxy opens normally, I haven't looked into it any further. I just can't be bothered.

Not really a fix but I have bought some games on GOG and always use the option to download installers for offline use.
Of course I miss all the stars and shiny clouds in the Galaxy but it is helpful when the internet glitches.

I used that option early on, Fogfighter. But overall I find it much easier to download games through Galaxy - and then close out Galaxy and play the games without the client. It is a pretty smooth process. It is good to have choices, though.

I used to do that too, Fogfighter, but as games expanded in size, the number of files needing to be downloaded began to get just too many 😱