Building a desktop app begins by selecting an appropriate platform approach: native for Windows/macOS/Linux, cross-platform frameworks, and the distribution method. A clear MVP and an early prototype assist in confirming workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on actual devices.

As the product evolves, reliability, release processes, and packaging take center stage. Thoughtful management of file systems, permissions, offline capabilities, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures dependable daily usage, while a robust update system and crash reporting aid ongoing maintenance.