@gkarasik 

The .exe may be getting blocked from the Windows firewall or any security software suite. 

@gkarasik 

Firewall is disabled.

Just to be clear, it's the GUI that won't start.

@gkarasik 

When you double click on the short cut on the desktop what does your window show?

You should get something like:

If that shows it started, then your browser should automatically open to: https://localhost:8043/login

If your controller shows it starts, and the browser is not opening, enter that address manually in your browser.

@gkarasik 

I get nothing at all.

@gkarasik 

The service may not be starting.

We have a FAQ that shows how to make the controller run as a Windows service here: https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/2915/

I would also suggest contacting our SMB support as well here to see if they may have any other information for you: https://livechat.tp-link.com/us/smb-wifi/