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On Windows 11, the quest for a more efficient way to manage applications often leads users to explore the capabilities of the Windows Package Manager, known as winget. While the command winget upgrade –all serves its purpose, it relies heavily on user memory and initiative. The Microsoft Store offers automatic updates, but this feature is limited to Store apps, leaving traditional desktop applications largely unattended. This gap in functionality inspired the creation of Winget-AutoUpdate (WAU), a tool designed to streamline the update process.
The GUI makes WAU actually accessible
Initially, Winget-AutoUpdate was tailored for users comfortable with scripts and configuration files, which could be daunting for those seeking a more straightforward setup. Enter the WAU Settings GUI, a significant enhancement that transforms the user experience. This graphical interface allows users to configure the tool visually, eliminating the need for script manipulation. The installation process is akin to that of any standard application, guiding users through the setup of both the core tool and its graphical counterpart seamlessly.
Configuring WAU using the GUI
Once the GUI is up and running, users can easily toggle automatic updates, set schedules, and manage allowlists and blocklists for specific applications. Notifications and logging behaviors can also be customized, ensuring that updates are both efficient and informative. A simple click on the “Run WAU” button initiates updates for all winget applications, with toast notifications popping up to inform users of any changes made.
For those who prefer to exclude certain applications from automatic updates, creating an “excludedapps.txt” file in the designated folder allows for easy management. Conversely, users can specify which applications to include in updates by listing them in an “includedapps.txt” file. After making the necessary adjustments, clicking the “Save Settings” button ensures that all configurations are applied effectively.
Who actually needs Winget-AutoUpdate
While WAU is not universally applicable, it shines in specific scenarios. For users who frequently install applications through the Windows Package Manager and desire a maintenance-free environment, WAU automates the update process, freeing them from manual checks. Additionally, for those seeking granular control over their applications, the tool offers features such as allow and block lists, wildcard filtering, and version pinning.
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 monitor outdated applications. The user experience is refreshingly straightforward: configure it once, let it run on a schedule, and enjoy the seamless flow of updates accompanied by timely notifications. This approach alleviates the burdensome cycle of constant update management, allowing users to focus on their tasks without interruption.
Windows Central’s take
Winget-AutoUpdate emerges as a free solution that adeptly addresses the update management challenges faced by users of winget on Windows 11. By automating the update process, WAU fills a critical void in the Windows Package Manager, transforming what was once a manual chore into a continuous, largely invisible operation. This evolution in application maintenance is precisely what modern systems require, allowing users to enjoy a more complete package management experience.
More resources
For those looking to delve deeper into the world of Windows 11 and 10, a wealth of resources awaits:
- Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
- Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
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