Yeah, GMS requires you to pay for the browser exports. But I think you should be able to export a desktop build without using an installer.
If you decide you don't want to pay for the web license, take a look at Godot. It's free and open source. I was using both GMS and Unity for years, and Godot seems to have all of the strengths of both of those engines combined into one. I made the switch 2 months ago and I've never enjoyed game development more.