If you are a Windows 11 user, you might be accustomed to the traditional method of downloading applications—typing the program name into a search engine, selecting a seemingly legitimate link, and proceeding from there. While this approach has served many for years, it may not be the most efficient or secure method available. For those familiar with Linux, package managers are the preferred choice, and Windows has its own built-in option that you might not be utilizing yet: Winget, or Windows Package Manager.
The command line isn’t so scary
And it’s faster
Winget operates entirely within the command line, specifically through Windows Terminal. Although the command line can appear intimidating to newcomers, it becomes quite manageable once you familiarize yourself with it. To start using Winget, simply enter winget search to find applications that match your query. The tool will return a list of available applications along with their respective IDs.
Using these IDs is particularly helpful for installing applications that may share similar names or have multiple versions. Once you have the ID of your desired app, you can execute winget install to install it directly. While you can also use app names, relying on IDs minimizes the risk of confusion during installation. This streamlined process is notably quicker than navigating through a web browser to locate and download software, allowing for faster installations that often occur silently, requiring minimal user interaction.
It’s safer, too
No shady websites to worry about
Winget enhances security by sourcing applications from trusted locations. By default, it retrieves apps from the Microsoft Store and the Winget repository on GitHub. Developers can submit their applications to the Winget repository at no cost, ensuring that a wide array of popular software is readily available. However, submissions undergo a vetting process, which means users can trust that the applications they find are legitimate and safe.
This feature is particularly significant in a digital landscape rife with dubious websites that lure unsuspecting users into downloading harmful software. By limiting the sources of applications, Winget helps mitigate the risks associated with malware and spyware, safeguarding your system and personal data. For organizations, Winget can be customized to include only specific repositories, allowing for tailored app availability that aligns with operational needs.
Backups are the ace in the hole
Get started even faster
One of Winget’s standout features is its ability to facilitate quick setups on new devices or after a system reset. After installing your preferred applications, you can create a backup file containing a list of all installed software. This JSON file can be stored on a cloud service or a portable drive, making it easy to transfer to a new machine. By importing this file using Winget, you can swiftly reinstall all your applications in succession, significantly reducing downtime.
This capability is a remarkable time saver. When combined with options for silent installations and automatic agreement acceptance, you can initiate the setup process and attend to other tasks while your applications install in the background. The combination of speed, security, and convenience makes Winget an invaluable tool for any Windows user.
Winget should be everyone’s default way to install apps
While it’s understandable that some may hesitate to adopt a new method, Winget offers a compelling case for becoming the standard approach to application installation on Windows PCs. Its ease of use for both installing and removing applications, along with the ability to create backup files for future installations, positions it as an almost ideal solution. Since Winget is already integrated into your system, the only step left is to give it a try.
