How to Use Winget: Your Complete Guide

Windows Package Manager, commonly known as winget, is a command-line utility that allows users to manage software installations on Windows efficiently. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of winget, its features, and how to use it effectively.

What is Winget?

Winget, developed by Microsoft, streamlines the process of discovering, installing, upgrading, and configuring applications on Windows. As an open-source solution integrated into Windows 10 and later, it is an invaluable tool for developers and power users seeking efficiency.

Key Features of Winget:

• Install Applications: Quickly install software from trusted repositories.
• Update Applications: Keep installed software up to date effortlessly.
• Search for Applications: Discover available packages.
• Uninstall Applications: Remove unnecessary software with a single command.
• Manage Versions: Install specific versions of software if required.

How to Install Winget

Winget is pre-installed on Windows 10 (build 1809 and later) and Windows 11. To check if it’s installed, open the Command Prompt or PowerShell and type:

winget --version

If it’s not installed, follow these steps:

1. Install App Installer: Download and install the App Installer from the Microsoft Store.
2. Enable Developer Mode (if required): Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > For Developers > Developer Mode.

Using Winget: Basic Commands

1. Search for Applications

To find a specific application, use the search command:

winget search <application-name>

Example:

winget search vscode

2. Install Applications

To install an application, use the install command:

winget install <application-name>

Example:

winget install Google.Chrome

3. Upgrade Applications

To update all installed applications:

winget upgrade --all

To update a specific application:

winget upgrade <application-name>

4. Uninstall Applications

To remove an application:

winget uninstall <application-name>

Example:

winget uninstall Zoom

5. List Installed Applications

To see all installed applications:

winget list

6. Show Application Details

To view detailed information about an application:

winget show <application-name>

7. Export and Import Packages

Export a list of installed applications:

winget export -o <filename>.json

Import applications from a file:

winget import -i <filename>.json

Advanced Usage

1. Setting Up Custom Repositories

Winget allows you to add custom repositories for software packages. To add a repository:

winget source add --name <repo-name> --arg <repo-url>

2. Using Winget with Scripts

You can integrate winget commands into batch files or PowerShell scripts to automate software management.

Example script:

winget upgrade --all
winget install -e --id Microsoft.VisualStudioCode

Troubleshooting

Common Errors and Fixes

• Error: Package Not Found: Ensure the correct application ID is used.
• Error: Permission Denied: Run the terminal as an administrator.
• Error: Network Issues: Verify your internet connection and proxy settings.

Resources

• Official Winget Documentation
• GitHub Repository

Conclusion

Winget is a powerful tool for managing software on Windows. Whether you’re a developer, system administrator, or a tech-savvy user, winget simplifies the often tedious process of installing and maintaining applications. With its robust feature set and ease of use, winget is a must-have tool in your Windows arsenal.

To start integrating Winget into your workflow, consider the following steps:

1. Explore Available Applications: Use the winget search command to discover software relevant to your needs.
2. Automate Updates: Schedule a script to run winget upgrade --all regularly, keeping your software up-to-date.
3. Export Configurations: Create a backup of your installed software list with winget export to streamline setups on new systems.
4. Leverage Repositories: Add custom repositories to access a broader range of applications tailored to your specific requirements. is a powerful tool for managing software on Windows. Whether you’re a developer, system administrator, or a tech-savvy user, winget simplifies the often tedious process of installing and maintaining applications. With its robust feature set and ease of use, winget is a must-have tool in your Windows arsenal.