Is there a way to package Windows 10 UWP apps as desktop apps with an installer that install and run like a traditional EXE?
I'm interested in utilizing UWP development but do not want to be constrained to the Windows Store model.
You can package your UWP app as a Windows App Package (.appx or .appxbundle) file from VS. That package is also your installer! You can simply double-click to install it. Just make sure the package is singed with a certificate that is trusted on the target computer.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/packaging/packaging-uwp-apps