How to use Winget to automatically install and update programs in Windows

Would you like a tool that allows you to automatically search, install, update, remove, and configure your programs and applications? It already exists in Windows and is called Winget. In this article, we'll take a look at it. How to use Winget to automatically install and update programs in WindowsWe'll also analyze the benefits of using this tool. Let's get started.

How to use Winget to automatically install and update programs in Windows

Before learning how to use Winget to install and update programs, you need to know what Winget is. It is a command-line tool that allows you to manage software packages in Windows. It was created by Microsoft and released in 2020 for Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2025. Now, who is this tool especially useful for?

The truth is that Winget can be used by a wide variety of users: from technicians and system administrators to any user average user who needs to streamline their workflow. If you learn how to use Winget, you can do the following by just entering a command in the Command Prompt or PowerShell:

• Install and update programs.
• Search for available applications.
• Uninstall compatible packages.
• Create automated installation scripts, or in other words, install multiple programs without having to do it manually one by one.

Chances are you already have Winget on your PC if you're using Windows. However, It is best to check that you have it before you start installing or updating programs. To verify that you have this tool installed, open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type winget –versionIf you see a version number, Winget is installed on your PC.

Using Winget to install programs

Once you've confirmed that you have the tool installed on your PC, we can use Winget to install and update programs. The great thing about doing it this way is that it saves you a ton of time searching, choosing, and following each of the steps required for a conventional installation. Below are the steps: Steps to install programs using Winget:

1. Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator. To do this, type cmd or PowerShell in the Windows menu.
2. Right where the cursor is, type install install "package nameWithout the quotes.
3. For example, to install Google Chrome, you have to write: winget install Google.Chrome.
4. Finally, click Enter and that's it. The program will download and install automatically.

Installing a program using Winget is that simple. This means you can skip the entire download and installation process by clicking "Next" several times. Now, to find out the name of the program before installing it, you can write winget search Program name and with that, make sure you install the correct version.

To update programs

Another way to use Winget is when updating the programs that are installed on your PCIn fact, you can update all programs at once by running a single command. Of course, you can also update specific programs using another command. Here's how to update programs using Winget:

• To update all programs at the same time: winget upgrade –all.
• To update a specific program: winget upgrade (package name).

The advantage of using this tool to update all your programs is that you save a lot of time. When you do this, a list of all the programs installed on your PC will appear and will automatically update them. So you won't have to search for each program individually, check for updates, and update them one by one.

How to use Winget to uninstall programs

Of course, in addition to using Winget to install and update programs, you can use it to uninstall a program without much effort. To do so, type the following command: winget uninstall (name of the program). Now, make sure you only uninstall the program you want to delete. Other programs that are essential for the proper functioning of the system may be listed.

Benefits of using Winget to install and update programs

Using Winget to automatically install and update programs in Windows is advantageous because of how easy and fast it is to do. Plus, you make sure to install exactly what you wantNo additional programs or applications will be downloaded, as is the case when downloading through a browser.

On the other hand, you can not only use Winget to install and update programs, but also to migrate your programs from one computer to another automaticallyIf you're switching from one computer to another, follow these steps to have all the programs from your old PC on your new one:

1. Enter PowerShell or Command Prompt.
2. Write the winget export command export -o de:\list.json (give your list whatever name you want and the drive letter where you want to save it).
3. Then, save the generated list to a USB drive.
4. The next step is to connect the USB to the new PC and enter PowerShell.
5. There, write the winget import command import -id:\list.json and that's it, all your programs will be imported to the new computer.
6. Now, if you don't want to install any program on the list, just edit it before importing it and you're done.

What you should keep in mind when using Winget to install and update programs

There are some security tips and warnings you should keep in mind when using Winget to install and update programs, and especially when uninstalling them. For example, If you are not sure what a program does, it is best to leave it as is. before uninstalling it.

Therefore, if you are a beginner, it is best to use Winget to Basic tasks such as searching, installing, and updating programsThis way, you won't do anything you'll regret later. It's also important to know and type the commands exactly, since if you make a mistake, your PC won't perform the action you want.

At Winget you'll find thousands of apps to install and update. Among them are the most popular ones, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Visual Studio Code, VLC Media Player, Spotify, etcAll you have to do is search for it to make sure it's available so you can use Winget to automatically install and update programs.