If you find yourself manually searching for, downloading, and installing applications on your Windows system, it may be time to reconsider your approach. Embracing a package manager can significantly streamline this process, transforming what can often feel like a cumbersome task into a seamless experience. Microsoft’s WinGet has emerged as a powerful tool in this regard, offering a command-line interface that simplifies software management much like its Linux counterparts, such as apt-get. With WinGet, users can effortlessly install, update, list, and uninstall applications directly from the terminal, tapping into both Microsoft and third-party software repositories.
Commands such as winget list allow users to view installed packages, while winget search helps locate new applications, and winget install facilitates the addition of new software. The efficiency of these commands is undeniable, but for those who prefer a more visual approach, an innovative open-source project called UniGetUI (formerly WinGetUI) has emerged, providing a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes package management accessible to a broader audience.
What Is UniGetUI
UniGetUI is a fully open-source GUI designed to enhance software management on Windows. It integrates seamlessly with WinGet and other popular package managers, including Scoop, Chocolatey, Pip, Npm, .NET Tool, and PowerShell Gallery. This tool allows users to search for, install, update, and uninstall software packages without the need to engage with the command line, making it an ideal solution for those who may feel intimidated by terminal commands.
Beyond its user-friendly interface, UniGetUI supports batch operations, provides detailed information about packages, and includes features such as automatic updates, custom installation options, and the ability to export and import package lists for system setups. By bringing the convenience of Linux-style package management to Windows, UniGetUI streamlines the application management process for users who prefer a graphical interface.
Installing UniGetUI
Before diving into the installation process, it is essential to note that some malicious entities may impersonate the official UniGetUI website. To ensure safety, users should visit the official site at https://www.marticliment.com/unigetui/ or its GitHub page at https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI.
If you already have WinGet installed, adding UniGetUI is straightforward. Simply enter the following command:
winget install --exact --id MartiCliment.UniGetUI --source winget
Alternatively, UniGetUI is also available for installation through the Microsoft Store.
Using UniGetUI
To utilize UniGetUI, you must first have a package manager like WinGet installed. Once you have UniGetUI set up, launching it is as simple as opening any other application.
Upon startup, UniGetUI may take a moment to load, presenting you with its home screen, which defaults to the Discover Packages section. From the left-hand navigation pane, users can install, remove, and update packages on their system. A notification next to the Software Updates icon indicates how many packages have available updates, allowing for easy management of software versions.
To install a new package, navigate to Discover Packages and use the search bar to input a general term, such as editor, or a specific package name like Notepad++. After selecting the desired package, simply click Install selected packages to proceed.
Uninstalling a package is equally straightforward. Users can click on Installed Packages, select the package they wish to remove, and click Uninstall selected packages. Additionally, the lower left corner of the interface allows users to choose which package managers to utilize.
You Need to Use a Package Manager
Despite the advancements Microsoft has made, including the introduction of a tabbed command prompt and WinGet, the absence of a dedicated GUI for WinGet remains a puzzling oversight. Navigating through Shell:AppsFolder or the Settings > Apps > Installed apps menu does not equate to an effective application management system.
UniGetUI fills this gap, offering an intuitive solution that brings the ease of Linux-style package management to Windows users. Its integration with various package managers and its user-friendly design make it an indispensable tool for both casual users and IT administrators alike.
About the Author
Tom Fenton has amassed over 30 years of hands-on IT experience across various technologies, with the last two decades focusing on virtualization and storage. His previous roles include Technical Marketing Manager at ControlUp and senior positions at VMware. He has also led the Validation Service Lab at The Taneja Group, where he played a pivotal role in establishing its vSphere Virtual Volumes practice. Follow him on X @vDoppler.
