Alex Ruben
How to Install, Check, and Update Winget (Windows Package Manager) on Windows 11/10
In this guide, we will explore how to install, check, and update Winget, the Windows Package Manager, on Windows 11 and 10. Winget is a powerful command-line tool developed by Microsoft that simplifies the process of finding, installing, updating, and removing applications from your computer. By using Winget, you can automate the installation process and save time, especially beneficial for IT professionals, developers, and anyone setting up multiple Windows machines.
Before we start, ensure you are running Windows 11 (22H2) or Windows 10 (22H2) as Winget is pre-installed in these versions. If it’s not installed or needs an update, follow the steps below to get the latest version from Microsoft’s official GitHub page.
Step 1: Check if Winget is Already Installed
To determine if Winget is installed on your system, follow these steps:
- Open the Command Prompt. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the command
wingetand press Enter. - If Winget is installed, you will see output showing the version of the Windows Package Manager along with a list of available commands. If you see an error message indicating that Winget is not recognized, it means it is not installed on your system.
Step 2: Download Winget if Not Installed
If Winget is not installed, you can download it from the official Microsoft GitHub page. Here’s how:
- Open your web browser and navigate to the official Winget GitHub releases page.
- Scroll down to the “Assets” section and find the latest version of the application installer package. Ensure that you select the version compatible with your system architecture, which is typically 64-bit for most modern systems.
- Click on the installer package to download it. Wait until the download completes.
Step 3: Install or Update Winget
Once the Winget installer package is downloaded, follow these steps to install or update:
- Navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click on the downloaded installer package.
- Follow the prompts in the installation wizard. If Winget is already installed, the wizard will provide an option to update it. Otherwise, you will see an install button.
- Click on the Install or Update button and wait for the process to complete.
- Once the installation or update is successful, you will receive a confirmation message.
Step 4: Verify the Installation or Update
To ensure that Winget has been installed or updated correctly, perform the following steps:
- Open the Command Prompt again.
- Type the command
wingetand press Enter. - You should see the updated version of Winget displayed along with available commands, confirming that the installation was successful.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips and common issues related to Winget:
- Ensure your Windows is updated to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.
- If you encounter the error “winget is not recognized as an internal or external command,” ensure that the installation path is added to your system’s environment variables.
- For advanced users, consider using Winget commands to automate software installations. Commands like
winget installcan streamline your workflow.
Conclusion
Installing and updating Winget on your Windows machine is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your software management capabilities. With Winget, you can efficiently manage applications without the hassle of manual installations. For further exploration, consider learning how to use various Winget commands to fully utilize its features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Winget?
Winget, or Windows Package Manager, is a tool that allows users to automate the installation, update, and removal of software applications directly from the command line.
Can I use Winget on Windows 10?
Yes, Winget is available on Windows 10 (22H2) and later versions. It simplifies software management across different Windows systems.
How do I uninstall Winget?
To uninstall Winget, you can go to the Apps & features settings in Windows and remove it like any other application.