Windows package manager allows you to install applications with a single command from the built-in Microsoft repository, rather than looking for the installation file on the Internet or installing it from the Windows Store. This article will consider how to manage this tool.
What is the purpose of the Windows package manager?
Previously, Microsoft limited the range of the store, not allowing the placement of services from third-party developers, and instead of offering their own counterparts for Windows. The company later allowed some desktop apps to use their store to post updates. But with the release of the 11th version of the operating system, everything changed. Any application can now be placed on the store via the Microsoft Package Manager Windows, released last year.
A package manager is a tool that allows users to quickly download and install the application they want right from the Microsoft Store. App stores for iOS-Android devices work in a similar way: you just go to the site, look for the desired program and click the “install” button. Previously, Windows users had to download applications from developer sites, specialized resources, and forums, first downloading the installation file, and then installing the product. Now it is enough for developers to place their application in the Microsoft Store, and users will download it in one click.
A package manager is a tool commonly used by Linux developers and users. Using it, users can simplify downloading applications – they do not need to search for the installation file on the developer’s website, download it first, and only then install the application.
WinGet.exe – is a command line utility that allows you to download and install a huge number of programs, with all dependencies right from the command line, without wasting time looking for official sites and the like.
How to install?
You can set up the application on Windows 10 1709 or higher. The installed package manager is completely ready to work. The tool is launched from the classic command line or PowerShell with the winget command and supports the following parameters:
- install – installs the selected program;
- show – displays information about the selected installed application;
- source – serves to manage sources (viewing, adding, and deleting);
- hash – generates hashes of program installation files;
- validate – Performs validation of manifest files.
You can download the preview version of the software from GitHub. After downloading and installing the package (app bundle file), all you have to do is launch a Windows command prompt or PowerShell and enter the widget command.
If the installation is correct, the basic commands and a brief description of the winget will be displayed. Winget install will display the entire list of available applications. To install a specific application, input the command winget install [application name].
After downloading the tool, it launches in quiet mode. Removal of installed programs by the package manager is not yet supported, but Microsoft promises to soon implement this function as well.
How to use it?
There are certain algorithms for various situations:
- Install or update application
You can install applications or check if your installed packages have any updates with the following command: wing upgrade – all. You can even run the installation of a package in the background with the following command: winget install firefox – quiet.
- Delate application
If you decide to clean up your computer and want to get a list of installed applications, you can use the following commands to get the list and uninstall the application accordingly: list of wings winget remove Firefox.