---
title: "React Native Development on Windows"
description: "Explore how React Native Windows compares to Electron, its benefits for desktop apps, and practical tips for getting started or migrating from native apps."
url: https://www.callstack.com/podcasts/react-native-development-on-windows
updated: 2026-10-24T08:39:43.374Z
---

# React Native Development on Windows

Explore how React Native Windows compares to Electron, its benefits for desktop apps, and practical tips for getting started or migrating from native apps.

_Guest: Bartosz Klonowski, Software Engineer @ Callstack · Host: Mike Grabowski, CEO & Founder @ Callstack · Published 2021-09-14 · Duration 38:53 · Category: Desktop_

Listen: [YouTube](https://youtu.be/_ccPpqlIzm0) · [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6jxDl6aOuTlzbySAFKRy5Y) · [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/the-react-native-show-podcast-episode-8-react-native/id1525543072?i=1000534924067) · [SoundCloud](https://soundcloud.com/user-985069846/the-react-native-show-podcast-episode-8-react-native-development-on-windows)

The episode explores React Native for Windows. Mike and Bartosz reveal why we should think about [React Native Windows](https://callstack.com/blog/why-use-react-native-for-windows/) in terms of desktop development.

At the beginning, they talk about JavaScript and other languages used to develop desktop applications: what’s made them an obvious choice for desktop so far, what they let you do, and what advantages or disadvantages they may have.

## Topics

### React Native Windows and Electron

Mike and his guest move on to compare React Native Windows with other frameworks popular in the desktop development scene, especially [Electron](https://callstack.com/services/react/#electron-development). Bartosz explains the difference between React Native and Electron, and points out the key benefits of React Native Windows.  

Later on, the episode focuses on the development workflow from the perspective of an experienced Electron developer and Windows developer. Bartosz outlines an ideal set of skills that would make development with React Native Windows a breeze.

### Starting your first project

Last but not least, Bartosz gives practical advice on how to [get started with React Native for Windows](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dev-environment/javascript/react-native-for-windows), and when and how to migrate to React Native Windows once you have a native application.

Insights

## Learn more about Desktop

Here's everything we published recently on this topic.

[View all](https://www.callstack.com/insights)

- [How to Build a Chrome Extension: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://www.callstack.com/blog/how-to-build-a-chrome-extension) (Feb 20 · Article): Want to build your own Chrome extension? This step-by-step guide covers everything from manifest.json to publishing on the Chrome Web Store!
- [How to Build a Desktop App With React Native for Windows](https://www.callstack.com/blog/how-to-build-a-desktop-app-with-react-native-for-windows) (Sep 15 · Article): Check how to develop a desktop application with React Native Windows. Follow our step-by-step guide to create your own project.
- [Business Benefits of React Native Windows](https://www.callstack.com/blog/business-benefits-of-react-native-windows) (Sep 13 · Article): React Native Windows Development comes with concrete business benefits. Check what you can get with React Native for Windows businesswise.
- [Why Use React Native for Windows?](https://www.callstack.com/blog/why-use-react-native-for-windows) (Sep 8 · Article): What is React Native for Windows and why should you consider it for desktop app development? Read our article to find out.