Building a desktop app begins by selecting an appropriate platform approach: native across Windows/macOS/Linux, cross-platform frameworks, and the distribution method. A clearly outlined MVP and an early prototype help verify workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on real devices.

As the product evolves, reliability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Thoughtful management of file systems, permissions, offline capabilities, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures the app remains dependable in everyday use, while an update system and crash reporting ease long-term maintenance.