if the launcher does not appear try looking in folder
c:\users\yourWindowsLogin\appdata\local\programs\cd projekt red\redlauncher\logs
try REDlauncher.log but may be an error msg in the others

you might have --launcher-skip in the steam game launch options

...\steam\steamapps\common\the witcher 3\REDprelauncher.exe

i wish mine done that, i bought the game on steam and not that stupid ♥♥♥♥, no option to straight start

Necro... but easy to do.

Open steam library. Select Witcher 3. Click on the gear shaped icon.

Select Properties from the drop down menu.

In the General tab on the bottom is Launch Options.

Enter this exactly in the Launch Options box

Close the Properties and launch your game.