What is Winget and how and for what do I use it?

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Question

What is Winget and how and for what do I use it?

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Answer

The winget command line tool can be used to search, install, update and configure applications on Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines. Apps can be installed without going to the Microsoft Store. In the following example, Microsoft Powertoys are installed:

First, a command prompt is opened. Use the key combination Windows key + r, type cmd and confirm with ENTER.

Continue with:

winget install powertoys

In the example, the download initially fails because there are obviously multiple versions of the PowerToys available.

Here the search with the parameter search helps, which lists the existing versions with their IDs and version numbers:

winget search powertoys

Using the ID Microsoft.PowerToys (with the highest version number) finally leads to success:

winget install Microsoft.PowerToys

The ID does not have to be typed, the prompt also masters paste and copy. There is no distinction between upper and lower case.

Another example: After a Windows reinstallation, the question arises which apps were actually installed. With Winget, a list of the currently installed apps can be created beforehand.

winget list

If the command is written like this:

Winget list > D:\InstalledApps.txt

the list is not output to the command prompt, but written directly to the file D:\InstalledApps.txt.
Note: If the selected file name contains spaces, quotation marks are required.

A look at the import and export parameters shows how installed apps can be restored even more conveniently after a new installation. On the Winget home page you will find a complete list of available parameters and other useful hints.

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The information in this article refers to:

• Computer with Windows 10 and Windows 11

Article in other languages:

• Deutsch

Review Date: 2023-01-03