I used to think GOG was a place where I could go to buy games that work on modern systems. That clearly isn't the case, and WiC is an example of this.

The store page states the following: "Works on: Windows (7, 8, 10, 11)". This is a false information. The game does not work on Windows 10 AT ALL.

The only caveat anywhere on the store page is the following: "MULTIPLAYER NOTICE: Online servers have been shut down; multiplayer is accessible only through a LAN connection."

There is no mention anywhere that the customer has to do their own research to find mods that may or may not allow the game to "somewhat" run on whatever OS they are using.

Why GOG does this is confusing as it is only making customers upset at being dupped (most of us use Steam to get shafted) and leads to refunds.

Do better GOG. At least do better than Steam.

And what Steam do? What Valve did at all for PC gaming? Create always broken Steam client and services with bad broken content delivery system? Or maybe some "good" Valve Hardware and good support (except maybe for Deck, but that nothing for comparing with other companies)?
You literally try to say Steam is bad, and blame GOG at same time for that.

So, maybe your issue is not on GOG (or Steam) side? After all, games can be unplayable at broken mobile Windows 8+ and still be on sale. Fixing Windows issues is part of PC gaming.
It is never a game issue. It is only and only OS and drivers. Games is just old applications "backward compatible" Windows should support.

The only real issue from GOG - OS table. Actual OS compatibly info are in system requirements. If there is Win10 there - it should be playable on Win10/11. Or not. It is Microsoft. Win10≠Win10. Differ builds and editions are too much differ at compatibility.

If your game start and immediately close without errors - it is common Windows issue. Not only on Win8+. Which one App/game not related and not matter here.

Try to look at PCGW for solutions. First close as many running apps and services as possible, which one not needed. Start from trash apps come with PC manufacter or drivers. They are not part of drivers (eg NV Experience or Nahimic). Better to uninstall pre-installed AV and else apps and use up to date ones from of. Sites or alternative.
PCGW is a open Wiki. And have captcha issues. It may have incorrect or incomplete solutions. Still for place to look.