Launching a desktop app tomorrow without an EV Code Certificate (Too expensive!). Am I crazy? 😅

Hi makers and hunters! 👋

I’m launching my product, BIBROF AI, tomorrow (Christmas Day! 🎄). It’s a fully offline, Windows desktop app for bulk background removal.

Because I’m bootstrapping and prioritizing product quality and privacy, I’m launching without an EV Code Signing certificate. The cost is significant, and I chose to ship earlier rather than delay the product.

This means Windows may show an “Unknown Publisher” SmartScreen warning for early users.

I’m being explicit about this in the product page and onboarding, and I’ve committed to purchasing EV code signing after the first 100 sales.

Question for Windows users:

When you encounter an unsigned desktop app from an indie developer, what helps you decide whether it’s safe to try?

• Transparency on the product page?

• Open-source dependencies listed?

• VirusTotal scans?

• Community feedback?

• Something else?

I’m optimizing for long-term trust, not shortcuts, and I’d like to handle this the right way.

Thanks in advance.