Windows 10 now includes the Windows Package Manager (winget), which is a tool that allows you to discover, install, upgrade, remove and configure apps on your device using the tool. Technically, the tool is simply an interface to connect and use the Windows Package Manager service.
The service is still in preview, which means that you’ll need to be part of the Windows Insider Program with a machine enrolled in the Fast ring to access the tool.
In this guide, you will learn the steps to install an app using the winget command on Windows 10. You can also use these instructions to uninstall apps.
How to install app using Windows Package Manager
To install an app using the winget command, use these steps:
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Open Start on Windows 10.
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Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
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Type the following command to search the app and press Enter:
winget search APP-NAME
In the command, make sure to replace the APP-NAME for the name of the app that you’re trying to install. If you don’t know the exact name, you can search part of the name.
For example, the following command winget search micro will return apps available from Microsoft and other apps that may contain the query in the name or ID:
winget search micro
Windows 10 winget search command -
Type the following command to install an app and press Enter:
winget install APP-NAME
In the command, make sure to change “APP-NAME” for the name of the app you want to install.
For example, the following command installs the PowerToys app:
winget install powertoys
Windows 10 winget install command -
Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).
Once you complete the steps, the app will download and install on your device. If it is a desktop application, after the package downloads, you may need to go through the installation experience like with other desktop apps.
You can use the Windows Package Manager without administrator privileges, but you will be prompted to elevate, and if you choose not to elevate, the installation will fail.
The winget command should be available in the latest preview of Windows 10 in the Fast ring, if it’s not, you may need to install the preview version of the App Installer from the Microsoft Store.
Alternatively, you can also winstall to create a script to install apps in bulk on Windows 10 using winget.
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 15 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 21 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].