Desktop apps - stores or direct downloads?

If you’re launching a desktop app (Windows, macOS, or Linux), how do you prefer to distribute it? Some devs publish to official app stores like Microsoft Store, Mac App Store, or Snap/Flatpak. Others skip that entirely and just provide executable downloads directly from their website. Each route has pros and cons: App stores can build trust, offer updates, and sometimes bring in new users. But they also come with submission processes, review delays, and platform restrictions. Direct downloads give you full control and faster iteration, but some users might hesitate to install an app from a website, especially if it’s not open source or well-known. I’m building a cross-platform app and thinking carefully about this. Curious to hear from others: What do you prefer when launching or downloading desktop software? Any lessons learned from doing it one way or the other? Would love to hear your take. Especially if you’ve had to balance visibility, user trust, and update flow.