I was able to solve the issue, but still think good to post in case others find similar things.
After I updated GS (had to redo several times given installation would hang up when starting) GS said I did not have a valid key file despite it being in the folder as instructed.
I decided to uninstall and reinstall but issues persisted, so I removed the key file deleted GS folder and did a full installation (this time it went through without issue), then before launching GS copied back key file in GS directory and things thankfully are now working as they should.
After I updated GS (had to redo several times given installation would hang up when starting) GS said I did not have a valid key file despite it being in the folder as instructed.
I decided to uninstall and reinstall but issues persisted, so I removed the key file deleted GS folder and did a full installation (this time it went through without issue), then before launching GS copied back key file in GS directory and things thankfully are now working as they should.

