windows version download

hi,

I purchased early access and for some reason I was never able to connect to the game with Steam so I'm looking for solutions. maybe I found one so I'll ask a couple questions:

1) there is a "download now" button top left of the screen that give the choice to download for "windows". is this a standalone client? no need for steam or epic or else?

2) I downloaded it but it seems it's trying to install on the (C:) memory drive of my PC and I don't have enough space on it. I have a (D:) drive with enough space but the program doesn't give me the choice for location.
edit: I changed my windows settings so new apps are installed on my (D:) memory disk but POE2 still try to go where there is not enough space.
is there a way to manually change something so the program install on the disk of my choice?

thanks for your help