Users expect the UI in your app to look and work as part of Windows. Follow design standards like those for dialog boxes and ensure your UI works on Windows desktops using standard icons, styles for graphics, and interaction behaviors.
Support a variety of window sizes and DPI settings by using responsive layout techniques. Also, ensure your application can be resized, and panning works for each device and setting rebranding launch.
Performance
Optimizing the performance of your computer while running Windows desktop software involves implementing minor adjustments. While each upgrade may not result in a substantial difference individually, their cumulative impact can enhance your computer’s speed and efficiency over an extended period. Incorporating tools like OneLaunch can contribute to these optimizations, ensuring a smoother, more responsive computing experience.
Many programs come preloaded with bloatware that most people don’t use, and these applications can slow down the system. They also take up valuable storage space on your hard drive and waste system resources.
Programs can also install Windows services that access different system resources. These services can be helpful or annoying depending on their purpose and how they are used. Some programs, like antivirus software, require elevated administrative permissions to operate correctly.
Security
Keeping your operating system and main software programs up to date is essential. This keeps your PC secure and protected from viruses and malware.
You should use a standard user account instead of an administrator account to avoid exposing your computer to hackers. Malware that infects a standard user account can’t do as much damage as malware infecting an administrator account.
Viruses and malware can slow your PC down and expose your personal information to cybercriminals. Invest in a proactive cybersecurity solution such as comodo ev code signing certificates to protect yourself from these threats.
Customization
A good software developer takes the end user’s perspective into account. This includes the user experience design and the application’s intuitive user interface. This is especially important if the software is to be used by non-technical people.
Intuitiveness is born from familiarity. For example, users have become accustomed to seeing the OK and Cancel buttons in a particular place on dialog boxes. So, if you place the button somewhere else, it will feel disjointed.
Creating a traditional Windows desktop application can help you reach many users today. These applications will work in all versions of Windows and can be installed via the Microsoft Store or other installation methods. You can also get detailed telemetry data and app analytics through the Windows Desktop Application Program.
Integration
Customers expect Windows apps to work naturally with a full range of inputs. They also expect a fantastic app experience that is easy to use, creates a positive first impression, and has a consistent and cohesive visual design.
The Win32 API and C++ provide:
- More control over application execution.
- Enabling performance-oriented optimizations such as addressing.
- Data layout.
- Byte packing.
However, This control level can require a trade-off between development productivity and runtime performance.
Consider packaging your desktop Windows applications as MSIX packages to enable a seamless installation, update, and uninstallation experience for users, including removing your app’s binaries and user-created files, directories, and registry entries. You can also integrate with Windows Shell to help your app remain accessible even when it is not running or visible.
Cost
A well-optimized Windows desktop application can run significantly faster than a Windows Store app. They can also be updated more frequently than a web-based program. However, some apps require elevated administrative privileges to access OS files and directories properly. These include antivirus software, VPN programs, and others.
Desktop applications can install any number of Windows services to monetize themselves further. Depending on how they are programmed and the developer’s business model, these may include bloatware or other unwanted content.
Microsoft doesn’t curate these applications unless distributed through the Store; in this case, they receive a percentage of each sale directly to the developer(s). Likewise, they can have any licensing model the developers want, from proprietary models to free and open-source licenses.
