Best way to publish WPF Application

Hey everyone,

I'm working on a WPF desktop application (targeting .NET Framework) that uses a local MySQL database to store user data. I'm ready to distribute it to clients, but I’m not planning to host it on a web server. My only method of sharing will be through Google Drive, pen drive, or other local mediums.

Here’s what I need and what I’ve tried:

✅Requirements:

1. Distribute a self-contained EXE (or folder) with MySQL local database.

App should be able to update itself when I build a new version and send it again (e.g., overwrite old files or patch locally).

No internet/server-based update method (updates will also be sent via USB or Drive).

Should work without requiring certificate signing or admin install if possible.

❌ What I’ve Tried:

ClickOnce: Works well with web-hosted updates, but seems messy when trying to handle local updates. It expects an update location (usually a web URL). I want a clean, manual update process (copy-paste or simple trigger).

MSIX: It requires a trusted certificate, which I don't have. Not ideal for my use case. Too many install/restrictive issues on end-user systems.

💡 What I'm looking for:

A simple and reliable way to build + publish my WPF app so I can:

Ship it to clients with a local MySQL setup.

  Allow easy updates (maybe auto-replace files or something like a simple version checker and updater).
```- If anyone knows how to safely bundle MySQL with my app installer, I’d appreciate pointers.

Thanks in advance!