Windows Package Manager Archives

Winsage

May 30, 2025

Windows 11’s new update system is a brutal reminder of where the Microsoft Store falls short

Microsoft has introduced a "unified future for app updates" through a new Windows Update orchestration platform, aiming to streamline the update process for applications, drivers, and components on personal computers. This initiative addresses the fragmented nature of traditional app and driver updates, which often burden IT administrators. In late 2024, Microsoft began testing a feature allowing the Microsoft Store to update applications not hosted on its servers, transforming it into a "one-stop shop for all app updates." The new orchestration platform supports apps and components not listed in the Microsoft Store, enhancing the update experience alongside improvements to the Microsoft Store and the Windows Package Manager.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows Update to handle all apps

Microsoft is introducing a new orchestration platform for Windows Update that will allow developers to manage updates for applications and drivers more effectively. This platform will enable developers to enroll in a private preview and is designed to support updates for a wide range of applications, particularly business applications. Currently, Windows Update focuses on core operating system components and essential drivers. The new platform aims to streamline the update process by allowing developers to schedule updates based on user activity and other factors. Developers will also be able to connect their applications with Windows Update notifications, ensuring visibility in the update history. Microsoft plans to support MSIX, APPX, and certain custom Win32 applications within this framework. The initiative follows previous efforts to encourage developers to list applications in the Microsoft Store, which has seen limited adoption for some proprietary applications. Additionally, the Windows Package Manager has been introduced to tackle app installation and update challenges, although its use has been mainly among power users and developers.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows to update all software on your PC

Microsoft has introduced an update orchestration platform to improve the Windows Update infrastructure, streamlining the updating process for applications, drivers, and system components. Developers and IT teams can onboard updates using Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs or PowerShell commands and can join the private preview by contacting unifiedorchestrator@service.microsoft.com. The platform includes an update scan tool that manages downloads and installations based on user activity, power status, and network conditions, while also handling restart requirements and notification deadlines. It is currently in private preview for developers creating apps or management tools for updates, supporting applications packaged as MSIX, APPX, or Win32 installers. The platform offers a consistent notification experience and centralized app update history within the Settings app, and it works alongside Microsoft's Winget package manager and third-party tools like Chocolatey and Scoop.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft wants Windows Update to handle all apps

Microsoft is opening up Windows Update to third-party applications through a private preview of its new Windows Update orchestration platform. This platform aims to streamline the update process for any application or driver, focusing primarily on business applications while being accessible to a variety of apps and management tools. Traditionally, Windows Update has served to refresh core operating system components and essential drivers, but the new platform will allow developers to schedule updates based on user activity, battery status, and energy usage. Developers will also be able to connect with native Windows Update notifications, ensuring their applications appear in the update history. Microsoft will support MSIX and APPX packaged applications, as well as certain custom Win32 apps. Previous efforts to manage updates through the Microsoft Store and Windows Package Manager have seen limited adoption, raising questions about the future use of this new feature by businesses and major developers.

Winsage

May 27, 2025

I keep all of my software up to date with Winget, and here’s how you can too

Keeping software up to date is essential for an efficient computing environment, as updates introduce new features and fix bugs. The Windows Package Manager, Winget, allows users to manage software installations and updates via the command line interface (CLI) in Windows 11. To check for updates, users can run the command "winget update" in PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator, which shows outdated applications and their current and available versions. For updating a specific application, the command "winget update [application ID]" can be used, while "winget upgrade --all" updates all applications at once. Winget supports various command-line interfaces and has a repository of over 6,000 applications. For users preferring a graphical interface, tools like UniGetUI provide a simpler way to manage updates. Executing "winget upgrade --all" in an elevated CLI window is an easy method for updating all software.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Screw the Windows Search Bar, and Use Command Palette Instead

Mac users utilize Spotlight for searching applications, files, calculations, and web browsing, while Windows users have the Search Bar, which is less versatile. Command Palette is a new keyboard launcher for Windows, replacing PowerToys Run, allowing users to execute commands, search the web, find files, and create custom bookmarks with global keyboard shortcuts. Command Palette is part of PowerToys, which can be downloaded from GitHub, the Microsoft Store, or via the Windows Package Manager. After installing PowerToys version 0.9 or higher, users can enable Command Palette in the settings and customize its keyboard shortcut. Users can search for files by selecting the File search option and typing the desired term, and they can switch between open windows and execute commands in the Terminal. The hidden package manager WinGet allows users to install applications via Command Palette without opening the Terminal. Users can also enhance Command Palette with third-party extensions, which are currently limited but may expand in the future.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

You Need a Windows Package Manager — Virtualization Review

Microsoft's WinGet is a command-line tool for managing software on Windows, allowing users to install, update, list, and uninstall applications. UniGetUI is an open-source graphical user interface that enhances WinGet's functionality, making it easier for users to manage software without using the command line. UniGetUI supports various package managers and features batch operations, automatic updates, and custom installation options. To install UniGetUI, users can execute the command winget install --exact --id MartiCliment.UniGetUI --source winget or download it from the Microsoft Store. Users can easily navigate its interface to discover, install, and uninstall packages.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

3 reasons I prefer managing packages with WinGet over Chocolatey now

Package managers streamline software installation and management on PCs, with WinGet being Microsoft's user-friendly solution for Windows 11. Unlike Chocolatey, which requires complex setup, WinGet is ready to use out of the box after accepting license terms. It integrates with PowerToys, allowing users to execute commands via the Command Palette without opening a Terminal. Additionally, WinGet manages applications from the Microsoft Store, providing a comprehensive experience that can yield more relevant search results. While Chocolatey has a larger repository and advanced features for professionals, WinGet is more accessible for average users.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

7 PowerToys Run plug-ins I use to boost my productivity

PowerToys is a suite of productivity tools for Windows 11, featuring over two dozen modules. PowerToys Run is a launcher and search bar that simplifies launching applications and finding files. It can be enhanced with plug-ins, including: - Window Walker: Allows users to search for running applications for quick window switching. - OneNote: Enables quick access to notebooks and pages after activation. - WinGet/Scoop: Streamlines app installation and uninstallation from a trusted repository. - BrowserSearch: Facilitates quick searches of browser history across different web browsers. - FastWeb: Allows users to create shortcuts for websites accessible via text commands. - Everything: Provides a fast search engine for files, improving upon the basic file search capabilities. - Clipboard Manager: Makes clipboard history searchable for easier reuse of text clips.

Winsage

February 27, 2025

Chrome OS vs. Windows 11 [Performance and Features]

Microsoft Windows and Google Chrome OS are the most widely adopted desktop operating systems. Windows 11 has stringent hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0, but offers greater flexibility and compatibility with a wide array of devices. In contrast, Chrome OS is tied to its hardware, making transitions to Windows typically require a new device. Chrome OS supports Android applications and includes a built-in Linux virtual machine, allowing for some offline functionality and development tools, while also featuring Google Assistant. Windows 11 supports a vast range of software, offers browser choice, excels in gaming performance, and provides seamless compatibility with applications, including Linux GUI applications through the Windows Subsystem for Linux.