When exporting a desktop app from Construct, there are various ways you can distribute it.
Option 1: a ZIP file
Construct's desktop exports should run without needing any other software or dependencies installed first. Therefore you can just add your exported project to a ZIP file and distribute that.
Advantages
- It's a simple option
- There is no need for an installer
Disadvantages
- It can take a few extra steps for users to extract and run the app
- Some users may not be familiar with ZIP files and be unsure of what to do
- The app is not permanently installed or registered with the system (e.g. for Start shortcuts)
Option 2: self-extracting zip
Another quick and easy way to distribute your game is a "self-extracting zip". These are basically the result of combining a zip file and a program that can unzip a file. Run the program, and the zip file is automatically unzipped in place.
Archive tools like 7zip have the option to create one of these with a few clicks.
Advantages
- Easier to set up than a full installer.
- User doesn't have to know about ZIP files.
Disadvantages
- Unzips the files in place instead of putting the game in Program Files.
- Doesn't create a shortcut, so your user has to find the main executable from the app directory.
Option 3: an installer
A common way to distribute apps is with an "installer" program. When run it will show the user a series of configuration options, place the app directory into the typical system directory for apps, and allow creating shortcuts in the system (e.g. in Start or on the desktop). Once the installer has been used, it can be safely deleted. Afterwards running the app works effectively the same as double-clicking the main executable file in the folder, but what the user sees is an icon on their desktop without the noise of the supporting files your game needs. There are many tools for creating installers for Windows if you want to go down this route, such as Inno setup.
Advantages
- Most users understand what to do with an installer.
- Permanently installs the game and adds shortcuts in useful places.
- Full capability to make any additional customizations during installation.
Disadvantages
- It can be complicated to set up.
- Users may have to go through several steps choosing the options they want.
Option 4: a single executable file
Another option for Windows specifically is to export your project to a single EXE file. For more information see the guide Turning your game into a single .EXE file.
Advantages
- No installation needed.
- Produces a single executable file that can be directly run.
- Easy for users.
Disadvantages
- Large projects may be somewhat slower to launch.
- Some antivirus tools may incorrectly determine that large executable files are suspicious. If you get reports of false positive virus/malware results, you may need to use a different option.