Kwebby is a desktop application development company that builds software for Windows, macOS and Linux, from internal business tools to commercial apps you sell. Prices start at $600 for a simple desktop utility, you get a fixed quote before work begins, and you install a test build at every milestone. You own 100% of the code. This page covers what Kwebby builds, how it picks between Electron, Tauri and native code, what drives the price and how a project runs.
Key Takeaways
- The $600 starting price covers a simple desktop utility for one operating system with up to 3 core screens and an installer.
- Kwebby builds with Electron, Tauri and native C# and .NET, and recommends one stack on your first call.
- Most desktop apps take 2 to 8 weeks. A single-platform utility sits at the short end of that range.
- Payment follows a 10/40/50 split: 10% to start, 40% at the midway milestone and 50% on delivery.
- Kwebby signs Windows installers, notarizes macOS builds and sets up automatic updates.
- You own 100% of the source code, build scripts and installers.
What a Desktop Application Development Company Builds
A desktop application development company builds software that installs and runs on a computer instead of in a browser tab. Desktop apps can work offline, read local files and connect to printers, scanners and other hardware. They also stay open all day without browser limits.
Kwebby builds internal tools for operations teams, point-of-sale and kiosk apps, file processing utilities and commercial software that companies sell to their own customers. Each project starts with a list of target operating systems and a fixed quote. Many clients already run a web app and want a desktop version with offline mode or hardware access. Kwebby can reuse much of the existing web code in an Electron or Tauri app, and the team's web app development service covers the browser side.
What Kwebby's Desktop App Services Include
Kwebby's desktop work has six parts.
Cross-Platform Electron Apps
One codebase built with web technologies runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Electron's own site describes it as a framework for building cross-platform desktop apps with JavaScript, HTML and CSS.
Lightweight Tauri Apps
Tauri apps have smaller installers and lower memory use, which suits tools that stay open all day.
Native Windows Apps
C# and .NET apps with WPF or WinUI fit Windows-only teams and hardware integrations. Native Windows apps start fast and integrate with Active Directory, Windows services and Office files.
Offline-First Data
Local SQLite storage keeps the app working offline and syncs to the cloud when a connection returns.
Installers and Auto-Updates
Kwebby delivers code-signed Windows installers, notarized macOS builds and automatic updates for every user.
Hardware and System Access
The app can talk to printers, barcode scanners, serial devices and local files, and it can use system tray features.
Electron, Tauri or Native: How to Pick the Stack
Kwebby picks the stack based on your users, your devices and your budget, explains the recommendation on your first call and lists it in your quote. You approve the stack before development starts.
- Electron: one codebase for all three operating systems and a large library ecosystem. The Electron site says it embeds Chromium and Node.js, and lists Slack, Visual Studio Code and Discord among apps built with it. Bundling Chromium is also why Electron apps use more memory than native apps.
- Tauri: smaller installers and lower memory use, with a Rust core and a web interface. The Tauri documentation says Tauri uses the web view already on every user's system, and that a minimal app can be under 600 KB.
- .NET with WPF or WinUI: native Windows performance and deep Windows integration, packaged as MSIX or classic installers. You can distribute through the Microsoft Store, your own website or your company's device management system.
- Swift for macOS: native Mac apps for teams that only use Apple hardware.
Choose Electron when you need all three operating systems from one codebase or already have a web app to reuse. Choose native .NET when your users only run Windows and need top performance or deep system integration. Choose Tauri when the tool must stay light.
Distribution, Updates and Security
Windows and macOS warn users about software from unknown publishers. Kwebby signs Windows installers with your code-signing certificate and notarizes macOS builds through Apple, so the operating system recognizes your company as the publisher. Apple describes notarization as a way to give users more confidence in your macOS software by submitting it to Apple. Signing certificates are issued to you, so ask during scoping who buys them and in whose name.
Automatic updates deliver fixes and new features without asking users to download a new installer. Kwebby sets up an update server or uses GitHub Releases, depending on your distribution plan.
For security, Kwebby stores sensitive data in the operating system's secure storage, such as Windows Credential Manager and macOS Keychain. Network traffic uses HTTPS, and local databases can be encrypted when your data requires it.
Desktop App Prices and Timelines
Desktop apps start at $600. That price covers a simple utility for one operating system with up to 3 core screens and an installer. Larger apps with local databases, cross-platform builds, cloud sync and hardware integrations add to the price, and your fixed quote lists every feature and cost before work begins. Full ranges are on the pricing page.
Most desktop apps take 2 to 8 weeks. A single-platform utility sits at the short end of that range, while cross-platform apps with cloud sync and hardware support take longer.
Many agencies quote far higher entry points. DevsData states a $15,000 minimum engagement for software projects, and WebMob Technologies lists basic desktop apps from $15,000. Compare scope as well as the headline number: Kwebby's $600 is the starting point for a small, single-platform utility, and complexity moves the price from there.
How a Desktop App Project Works
A Kwebby desktop project runs in three steps.
- Free call and fixed quote. You book a call during US hours, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM ET. Kwebby confirms your target operating systems, features and integrations, then sends a fixed quote with milestones.
- Build with installable previews. You pay 10% to start. Kwebby ships a test build at each milestone, and you install it on your own machines before you approve it in the client portal. The 40% payment is due at the midway milestone.
- Release and handover. Kwebby packages signed installers, sets up automatic updates and hands over the source code and build pipeline. You pay the final 50% on delivery.
Which Operating System Should You Build For First?
Start with the system your users already run. DevsData cites StatCounter data from January 2025 that puts Windows at 71.91% of desktop operating system share, macOS at 15.02% and Linux at 3.71%. Your own customers may differ, so check your device list or website analytics before you decide.
If your team uses a mix of systems, a cross-platform stack avoids three separate builds. If everyone runs Windows, a native .NET app may be the better fit. Kwebby's quote lists the target systems so you can see the cost of adding another later.
How to Choose a Desktop Application Development Company
Ask each vendor the same questions before you sign:
- Who owns the source code, build scripts and installers at the end?
- Who holds the code-signing certificate and the update server?
- Can I install a working build at each milestone?
- Which operating system versions will you test on?
- What support do I get after release?
Kwebby's answers: you own 100% of the code, you receive the repository and signing setup at delivery, and you install a test build at each milestone.
If you are unsure whether you need a desktop app, a mobile app or a web app, Kwebby's mobile app development and web development services cover the other two.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does a desktop app cost?
Kwebby builds simple desktop utilities from $600 for one operating system with up to 3 core screens and an installer. Larger apps with local databases, cross-platform builds, cloud sync and hardware integrations add to the price. Your fixed quote lists every feature and cost before work begins.
Should I choose Electron or a native desktop app?
Choose Electron when you need Windows, macOS and Linux from one codebase or already have a web app to reuse. Choose native .NET when your users only run Windows and need top performance or deep system integration. Kwebby recommends one option after your first call.
Can you turn my web app into a desktop app?
Yes. Kwebby can package your existing web app with Electron or Tauri and add desktop features such as offline mode, file access, notifications and automatic updates.
How do users get updates?
Kwebby sets up automatic updates. The app checks for a new version, downloads it in the background and installs it on the next restart.
Can you publish my app to the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store?
Yes. Kwebby can prepare store builds and listings, or set up direct downloads from your website. Many business tools use direct downloads, while consumer apps often gain visibility from the stores.
Do I own the code?
Yes. You own 100% of the source code, build scripts and installers. Kwebby hands over the repository and signing setup at delivery, so your team can release updates on its own.
Final Thoughts
A good desktop partner tells you which stack fits, shows you a working build at each milestone and hands over everything you need to release updates yourself. Kwebby states its starting price, its timeline and its payment schedule up front. List your target operating systems, your must-have features and any hardware the app must reach, then request a fixed quote. If your project also needs other platforms, see all Kwebby services.