Building a desktop app begins by selecting the appropriate platform strategy: native (Windows/macOS/Linux), cross-platform frameworks, and the distribution method. A well-defined MVP and an early prototype help confirm workflows, performance requirements, and the overall UX on real hardware.

As the product evolves, stability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Proper handling of file systems, permissions, offline mode, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures the app remains reliable in daily use, while an update mechanism and crash reporting ease long-term support.