Update: I uninstalled the game and attempted to re-install it, but the downloader was also stuck on initializing. the last time I played was before 10/28. On 10/28 I downloaded Microsoft updates and later got github for desktop. Could one of these be the problem?
I'm not familiar with github, the only thing on that one is uninstall it and then see if the downloader still gets stuck. If so look at what microsoft updates were installed specifically on 10/28. If any of them were extra software or something besides security updates try removing that.
Lastly what is your anti-virus that your using? Did you disable it?
If you have uninstalled the game make the changes at this link and see if the error is gone
You mentioned the bitraider side but havent confirmed full disable as belgorad detailed earlier
