I just downloaded the Skyrim SE from Steam, then immediately downloaded the Enderal installation also from steam. Ran the Enderal shortcut from the desktop. No problems. Ran fine the first time.
Dying, though, yeah. I found that despite my initial idea of a warrior type specializing in two-handed weapons, I am doing much better using a one-handed weapon and a spell. Lightning, lightning, mace, mace, wash, rinse repeat!