Unlock the Power of Winget: Master Windows Package Management

RESOURCES

• Watch on YouTube
• YouTube Playlist
• Download Winget
• Winget Documentation
• Winget.run for app search and commands

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What is Winget?

Winget is a command-line tool for managing applications on Windows. Think of it as the Windows equivalent of Linux’s APT or macOS’s Homebrew. You can:

• Install apps in seconds.
• Search for apps without opening a browser.
• Update, remove, and manage apps with a few commands.
• Share your setup with others using JSON files.

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Installing Winget

Pre-installed on Windows 11

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Go to the Library section.
3. Click Get updates to ensure “App Installer” (which includes Winget) is up to date.

Installing on Windows 10

• From Microsoft Store: Search for App Installer and install it.
• Direct Download: Visit aka.ms/getwinget and download the latest App Installer package.

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Winget Basics

Searching for Applications

winget search <app-name>

Example:

winget search firefox

It will list all related apps. To narrow it down, use the ID provided in the results.

Installing Applications

# Install with App Name
winget install <app-name>

# If multiple results show up, specify the app ID:
winget install <app-id>

Example:

winget install Mozilla.Firefox

Listing Installed Applications

winget list

Updating Applications

# Update a specific app:
winget upgrade <app-name>

# Update all apps at once:
winget upgrade --all

Uninstalling Applications

Remove an app by name or ID:

winget uninstall <app-name>

⚠️ Be careful with dependencies: Removing shared libraries or tools might break other apps.

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Advanced Features

Backup and Restore

Save your app setup and replicate it on another machine:

1. Export a list of installed apps:

   winget export --output apps.json
   

2. Import the list on another machine:

   winget import --input apps.json
   

Note: This restores apps with their default configuration. Customizations aren’t included.

Custom Sources

Add custom app repositories to expand your app library:

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

List current sources:

winget source list

Running Scripts with Winget

winget install vscode && winget install git

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Tips and Tricks

• Use --silent: Skip prompts during installation.

   winget install <app-name> --silent
  

• Avoid Uninstalling Critical Dependencies: Double-check dependencies before removing apps.

• Winget.run: Use Winget.run to search apps and copy installation commands directly from your browser.

• Shortcut Commands:
  • View help: winget --help
  • View version: winget --version
• Script Your Setup: Watch a video on automating your Windows 11 setup - Windows 11 Setup and WSL

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Troubleshooting

• App Not Found: Ensure Winget is up to date by running updates in the Microsoft Store.
• Errors During Installation: Check app IDs or use --force for stubborn cases.
• Permissions Issues: Run the terminal as Administrator.

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With Winget, managing apps is faster, simpler, and more efficient. Whether you’re setting up a new machine or maintaining your current one, Winget is your go-to tool. Try it out and make your Windows experience smoother!