Winget: Unveiling Windows’ New Package Management Powerhouse

Have you ever wondered if a package manager exists in Windows OS just like Linux has apt? The answer is YES!! it’s called Winget.

Source: Github: https://github.com/microsoft/winget-cli

What is Winget ?

Winget, also known as the Windows Package Manager, is a free and open-source package manager designed by Microsoft for Windows 10 and Windows 11. It provides a command-line tool and services for installing, upgrading, removing, and managing applications.

Winget aims to streamline the process of installing and managing software on Windows, making it easier for users to find, install, and keep their software up to date.

Key Features of Winget:

• Command-line interface (CLI): Winget is primarily operated through a CLI, allowing users to execute commands to discover, install, update, and remove applications.
• Package repository: Winget maintains a public repository of manifest files that describe the applications it supports. These manifest files provide information about the application, such as its name, version, description, and installation instructions.
• Support for various installation formats: Winget can install applications packaged in various formats, including EXE, MSIX, and MSI. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of applications.
• Integration with Microsoft Store: Winget can also install applications from the Microsoft Store, providing a unified interface for managing both traditional desktop applications and modern appx packages.

Benefits of Using Winget:

• Simplified software installation: Winget simplifies the process of finding and installing applications by eliminating the need to search for and download software from individual websites.
• Centralized management: Winget provides a centralized location for managing all installed applications, making it easier to keep track of and update software.
• Automated updates: Winget can automatically check for and install updates for applications, ensuring that users always have the latest versions installed.
• Open-source and community-driven: Winget is an open-source project with an active community, fostering collaboration and ongoing development.

Overall, Winget offers a powerful and convenient tool for managing software on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Its ease of use, centralized management capabilities, and support for various installation formats make it a valuable addition to the Windows ecosystem.

An Example:

Here is an easy and super cool way to install Git on your Windows machine using Winget, Just open your command line interface and type in the following command and you will have Git installed on your machine.

winget install --id Git.Git -e --source winget

Note: This command is the taken from the official Git downloads page. If it does not work when running in a normal command line, run the command in a command line interface with administrator permission.

Sources Referred:

Use the winget tool to install and manage applications

GitHub - microsoft/winget-cli: WinGet is the Windows Package Manager. This project includes a CLI…