How to Use Winget (Windows Package Manager) to Install Apps in Windows 11

For decades, installing software on Windows involved a repetitive and tedious workflow: open a browser, search for the application, navigate past advertisements to find the correct download link, download an executable file, and click through endless installation wizard prompts. Updating software was equally fragmented, relying on built-in updaters for each individual application.

Microsoft solved this inefficiency with Winget (the Windows Package Manager). Winget brings the speed and automation of Linux package managers (like apt or dnf) natively to Windows. Using simple text commands, you can instantly search for, install, upgrade, and remove software without ever opening a web browser or clicking a “Next” button.

In this guide, you will learn the essential Winget commands necessary to drastically improve your productivity when managing software on Windows 11.

Checking if Winget is Installed

Winget is included by default in Windows 11 as part of the “App Installer” package. To verify that it is ready to use:

1. Click the Start button, type Terminal (or Command Prompt/PowerShell), and press Enter.
2. Type winget and press Enter.
3. If Winget is installed, you will see a list of available commands and the current version number. If it is not recognized, you may need to update the App Installer from the Microsoft Store.

How to Search for Applications

Before installing an app, you need to find its exact package ID in the Microsoft repository. You can search the repository directly from the terminal.

To search for an application (for example, VLC Media Player), use the search command:

winget search vlc

The terminal will return a formatted table displaying the Name, ID, Version, and Source. The most important column is the Id. This is the exact string you must use to install the software (e.g., VideoLAN.VLC).

How to Install Applications

Once you know the package ID, installation is practically instantaneous.

To install VLC Media Player, type:

winget install VideoLAN.VLC

Winget will automatically download the correct installer, verify its hash for security, and execute a silent installation in the background. Within seconds, the software will be installed and ready to use.

You are not limited to installing one app at a time. If you are setting up a new PC, you can chain installations together. However, currently, the most reliable way to bulk install is to use an external script or separate the commands:

winget install Mozilla.Firefox; winget install Discord.Discord; winget install Spotify.Spotify

How to Update Software Automatically

One of the most powerful features of Winget is its ability to update all your installed software at once, saving you the hassle of updating apps individually.

First, check which applications have updates available by running:

winget upgrade

Winget will list all software on your system that has a newer version available in the repository. To update a specific application, use the upgrade command followed by the ID:

winget upgrade Mozilla.Firefox

To update all available applications simultaneously, use the --all flag:

winget upgrade --all

Note: Some installations may request Administrator privileges. If a UAC prompt appears, click Yes to allow the update to proceed.

How to Uninstall Applications

Winget can also cleanly remove software from your system, bypassing the traditional “Apps & features” menu in Settings.

To view exactly what is installed on your system, use the list command:

winget list

Locate the ID of the software you want to remove, and use the uninstall command:

winget uninstall VideoLAN.VLC

Exporting and Importing App Lists (PC Migration)

If you regularly format your computer or need to set up multiple PCs with the exact same software, Winget can automate the entire process.

You can export a list of all your currently installed applications to a JSON file:

winget export -o C:\apps.json

When you set up a new Windows 11 PC, simply transfer the apps.json file to the new machine and run the import command:

winget import -i C:\apps.json

Winget will read the file and automatically download and install every piece of software on the list while you get a coffee.

Best Practices When Using Winget

• Use exact IDs: When installing or uninstalling, always use the Id (e.g., Mozilla.Firefox) rather than the Name (e.g., Firefox). This prevents Winget from installing the wrong version if multiple apps share similar names.
• Run as Administrator: While you can run Winget as a standard user, running Windows Terminal as an Administrator prevents UAC prompts from interrupting automated bulk installations.
• Accept Source Agreements: The first time you use Winget, you may be prompted to agree to the Microsoft Store source terms. Press ‘Y’ to accept and continue.

By integrating Winget into your daily workflow, you eliminate the friction of traditional software management, bringing a highly efficient, command-line driven experience to Windows 11.