How to Use Winget: Windows Package Manager Complete Guide
6 min read
Winget is Windows' built-in package manager. Install, update, and remove apps from the command line — no browser, no installers. Complete guide with examples.
Winget is Microsoft's official package manager for Windows — think apt or brew but for Windows. Install any app with one command, update everything at once, no clicking through installers.
Check if Winget is Installed
winget --version
Winget comes pre-installed on Windows 10 (1809+) and Windows 11. If missing:
- Open Microsoft Store → search App Installer → Update
Install Apps
# Install by name (winget finds the best match)
winget install "Google Chrome"
winget install "Visual Studio Code"
winget install "7-Zip"
# Install by exact ID (more reliable, avoids wrong matches)
winget install Google.Chrome
winget install Microsoft.VisualStudioCode
winget install 7zip.7zip
# Install silently (no prompts, no GUI)
winget install Google.Chrome --silent
# Install specific version
winget install Git.Git --version 2.43.0
Search for Packages
# Search by name
winget search chrome
winget search "visual studio"
winget search vlc
# Search and show details
winget show Mozilla.Firefox
Update Apps
# List all apps with available updates
winget upgrade
# Update a specific app
winget upgrade Google.Chrome
# Update everything at once
winget upgrade --all
# Update all, skip prompts
winget upgrade --all --silent
Remove Apps
winget uninstall Google.Chrome
winget uninstall --id Google.Chrome
# List installed apps managed by winget
winget list
Export and Import App List
Perfect for setting up a new PC with all your apps:
# Export installed apps to JSON
winget export -o C:\apps.json
# Import and install everything on a new PC
winget import -i C:\apps.json --ignore-unavailable
Most Useful Apps via Winget
# Development
winget install Microsoft.VisualStudioCode
winget install Git.Git
winget install OpenJS.NodeJS.LTS
winget install Python.Python.3.12
winget install Microsoft.WindowsTerminal
winget install Microsoft.PowerShell
# Security
winget install Bitwarden.Bitwarden
winget install KeePassXCTeam.KeePassXC
# Utilities
winget install 7zip.7zip
winget install VideoLAN.VLC
winget install voidtools.Everything
winget install Microsoft.PowerToys
winget install Rufus.Rufus
# Browsers
winget install Mozilla.Firefox
winget install Google.Chrome
Winget vs Chocolatey vs Scoop
| Feature | Winget | Chocolatey | Scoop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built into Windows | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Package count | 5000+ | 10000+ | 2000+ |
| Requires admin | Sometimes | Yes | No |
| Best for | General apps | Enterprise | Dev tools |
Automate App Setup Script
Save and run on any new Windows PC:
# setup-pc.ps1
$apps = @(
"Microsoft.WindowsTerminal",
"Microsoft.PowerShell",
"Microsoft.VisualStudioCode",
"Git.Git",
"7zip.7zip",
"VideoLAN.VLC",
"Mozilla.Firefox",
"voidtools.Everything",
"Microsoft.PowerToys",
"Bitwarden.Bitwarden"
)
foreach ($app in $apps) {
Write-Host "Installing $app..." -ForegroundColor Cyan
winget install $app --silent --accept-source-agreements --accept-package-agreements
}
Write-Host "Done!" -ForegroundColor Green
Summary
winget install AppName to install. winget upgrade --all to update everything. winget export to backup your app list. Use IDs (winget show AppName reveals the ID) for reliable scripts. Winget is already on your PC — no setup needed.