Anyone have experience shipping standalone desktop software to consumers? Is consumer concern about viruses a real showstopper? (I will not promote)

I’m curious how consumers in 2025 approach downloading Windows or Mac software, especially regarding virus concerns. It’s a tricky area, considering how skeptical people can be about anything that isn’t from a major brand. I have a broad software engineering background (including cybersecurity and kernel work), so I’m personally wary of random downloads, but what about average users? I was surprised to learn I have friends who seem perfectly fine downloading questionable software without a second thought. My assumption was that consumer worries remain high when the developer isn’t well-known or the program isn’t vetted by a trusted source. I know code signing and clear documentation can help, but I’m not sure how effective they really are, so I'm interested in hearing about others' experiences & opinions? Full disclosure: I’m not currently coding or distributing anything—just looking for insights. Do people still judge standalone desktop apps more harshly than mobile apps? How can developers address virus anxieties when a desktop program or driver is genuinely necessary? I know web-based solutions cover a lot of needs, but I’d appreciate any firsthand experiences regarding consumer concerns in this area. I will not promote