The Surprising Benefits of Using WINGET in Windows 11 Nobody Tells You

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the powerful features of WINGET, a command-line tool for managing software installations in Windows 11. By leveraging WINGET, you can streamline your software management process, making it easier to install, upgrade, and uninstall applications.

Step 1: Installing Apps

To begin using WINGET, you need to install applications efficiently.

1. Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
2. Use the following command to install an application:

   winget install <app_name>
   

   • Replace <app_name> with the name of the application you want to install. For example, to install Notepad++, you would type:

   winget install Notepad++.Notepad++
   

Step 2: Listing Installed Software

You can easily view all applications currently installed on your system.

1. Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
2. Run the following command:

   winget list
   

   • This will display a list of all installed applications along with their version numbers and IDs.

Step 3: Upgrading Installed Software

Keep your applications up to date with WINGET's upgrade feature.

1. Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
2. To upgrade all installed applications, use:

   winget upgrade --all
   

   • To upgrade a specific application, run:

   winget upgrade <app_name>
   

Step 4: Uninstalling Software

Remove unwanted applications easily with WINGET.

1. Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
2. Use the following command to uninstall an application:

   winget uninstall <app_name>
   

Step 5: Batch Installations Using a Script

You can automate the installation of multiple applications by using a script.

1. Create a text file (e.g., install_apps.bat).
2. Add the following commands:

   winget install <app_name_1>
   winget install <app_name_2>
   winget install <app_name_3>
   

3. Save the file and run it in Windows Terminal or Command Prompt to install all listed applications at once.

Step 6: Exporting and Importing Installed Software Lists

Manage your installed applications by exporting and importing lists.

1. To export the list of installed applications:

   winget export -o <file_path>.json
   

   • Replace <file_path> with your desired file path.

2. To import the list later:

   winget import <file_path>.json
   

Step 7: Managing Repositories

Customize the sources from which WINGET installs applications.

1. View available repositories:

   winget source list
   

2. To add a new repository:

   winget source add -n <source_name> <source_url>
   

3. To remove a repository:

   winget source remove <source_name>
   

Step 8: Combining WINGET with Other Command Line Tools

You can enhance your software management by combining WINGET with other command line tools.

• Consider using PowerShell scripts or batch files to automate tasks further.
• Pipe commands together to create powerful command sequences.

Conclusion

WINGET is a versatile tool that simplifies software management in Windows 11. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can efficiently install, upgrade, and manage your applications. Explore further by integrating WINGET with scripts and other command line tools to maximize productivity. Start using WINGET today to streamline your software management process!