In the realm of Windows 11, the quest for a more efficient way to utilize the Windows Package Manager (winget) is ongoing, particularly when it comes to simplifying the process of keeping applications updated. Traditionally, users have relied on commands like winget upgrade –all, a method that, while effective, hinges on the user’s ability to remember to execute it. The Microsoft Store offers automatic updates, but this functionality is limited to Store apps, leaving a significant number of traditional desktop applications installed via winget without the same convenience.
Enter the WAU Settings GUI, a transformative addition to the winget experience. This second phase of the project introduces a graphical user interface that enhances usability, allowing users to configure their settings without delving into scripts. The installation process is akin to that of any standard application, guiding users through the setup of the core tool and its graphical interface seamlessly within a single wizard. Users are prompted to select a folder for installation, ideally at the root of “C:”, where app lists will be stored.
Configuring WAU using the GUI
Upon entering the interface, users gain the ability to toggle automatic updates on or off, establish schedules, and set up allowlists and blocklists for specific applications. Additionally, they can manage notifications and logging behaviors, along with adjusting advanced options. A simple click on the “Run WAU” button initiates updates for all winget applications, with toast notifications appearing to inform users of completed updates.
To further streamline the process, users can automate updates through the “Update Time & Random Delay” section, ensuring that the “Update Interval & Notifications” setting is adjusted to something other than “Never.”
Who actually needs Winget-AutoUpdate
This tool is tailored for specific user scenarios. It proves invaluable for those who frequently install applications via the Windows Package Manager and desire a maintenance-free system. WAU ensures that all applications remain up-to-date without the need for manual checks. Moreover, it caters to users seeking greater control, offering options for allow and block lists, wildcard filtering, version pinning, and custom arguments.
What it’s like to use
Once configured, Winget-AutoUpdate operates quietly in the background, eliminating the need for users to manually trigger updates or check for outdated applications. The user experience is straightforward: configure it once, let it run on a schedule, and receive updates automatically accompanied by notifications. This approach is non-intrusive, liberating users from the constant cycle of update management that many have come to know.
Windows Central’s take
Winget-AutoUpdate is a complimentary tool that adeptly manages updates for all applications installed via winget on Windows 11, effectively addressing a notable gap in the Windows Package Manager. While winget traditionally relies on manual commands such as winget upgrade –all, which necessitates user initiative, the Microsoft Store’s automatic updates are limited to Store apps, leaving most traditional desktop software unaccounted for. This is where Winget-AutoUpdate (WAU) truly shines, automating the update process and functioning in the background on a schedule, thus relieving users of the burden of manual intervention. Once set up, it transforms the update experience, making it continuous and largely invisible—an ideal scenario for modern systems.
More resources
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