Building a desktop app begins by selecting an appropriate platform approach: native options (Windows/macOS/Linux), cross-platform tools, and how you'll distribute it. A clearly defined MVP and an early prototype help confirm workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on actual hardware.

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