Windows Windows 10 How-To

How to Download and Install Winget CLI (Windows Package Manager)

Microsoft's Windows Package Manager, known as winget, is a powerful tool that streamlines installing, upgrading, and configuring applications on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This command-line utility simplifies software management for developers and IT professionals, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

The winget CLI is included in the latest Windows builds as part of the App Installer from the Microsoft Store. To check if it's already installed on your system, open Command Prompt or PowerShel

Microsoft’s Windows Package Manager, known as winget, is a powerful tool that streamlines installing, upgrading, and configuring applications on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This command-line utility simplifies software management for developers and IT professionals, enhancing…

by Harshal Bondre

Microsoft’s Windows Package Manager, known as winget, is a powerful tool that streamlines installing, upgrading, and configuring applications on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This command-line utility simplifies software management for developers and IT professionals, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

The winget CLI is included in the latest Windows builds as part of the App Installer from the Microsoft Store. To check if it’s already installed on your system, open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:

winget --version

If a version number appears (for example, v1.4.11071), winget is installed on your PC. If not, you can download and install it manually by following the steps below.

Download App Installer (with winget) from GitHub

You can obtain the latest version of winget directly from GitHub without enrolling in the Windows Insider program.

Navigate to the winget-cli GitHub repository and go to the Releases page to find the most recent release of the App Installer.
Scroll down to the latest release and locate the Assets section. Here, you’ll find the .appxbundle file and the source code for the release.
Click on the Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller_*.appxbundle link to download the App Installer that includes the winget feature. This version is consistent with the one provided in the latest Windows updates.
App Installer with winget

Install App Installer (with winget)

After downloading the .appxbundle file, navigate to your download folder.
Double-click on the Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller_*.appxbundle file to begin the installation. This action will install the App Installer along with the winget CLI tool.
Double-click the App Installer package
When prompted to update the existing App Installer, click on the Update button. This ensures you have the latest version that includes the winget feature.
Update App Installer to include winget

After the update completes, the winget CLI will be available on your computer.

Verify the Installation

To confirm that winget is installed, open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Run the following command:
winget --version

You should see an output displaying the installed version of winget, such as v1.4.11071.

Confirming the winget version

Since you manually installed winget, it might not receive automatic updates. To stay up-to-date with the latest features and improvements, periodically check the winget releases page on GitHub to download and install newer versions of the App Installer.

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