Among all the new features coming to Windows 10, Microsoft is yet adding a new one. It’s called OneGet and it’s a command line based tool similar to Linux’s package management system to find, install, update, and remove desktop applications and other software more easily.
OneGet has been part of Windows 8.1, but as an optional feature through the installation of the Windows Management Framework 5.0 Preview. In Windows 10, OneGet will ship as part of PowerShell by default on every installation and developers and users alike will be able to take advantage of the new feature.
What is OneGet?
In short, OneGet is a new way in Windows to find and install new software from trusted sources (or repositories) around the web. It basically is like the Windows Store, but using command lines instead of a graphical user interface. But it’s not locked to only Microsoft repositories, anyone can create and roll out desktop applications and other software with this method, and users can always query, add, and remove new repositories. With OneGet power-users can install and uninstall packages from one or more repositories using a single command and view all the apps installed in their system.
Like the Windows Store when installing software from trusted sources, every time a package gets updated in the repository, your installation will get the update automatically too. Although developers will be ones finding the most benefit, power-users will find OneGet very useful as it will be a lot easier to find software from trusted sources and all this new applications will get updated automatically.
OneGet still in its infancy and we still don’t know Microsoft’s plans for the future of this new Linux-like package management system, but it seems that it’ll be a welcome addition to Windows 10.
If you’re running the Windows Technical Preview, you can test this new feature now.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].