The Windows Package Manager (winget) is getting a new preview update that brings some improvements and bumps the version number to 0.1.41821.
According to the company, the command line tool to download apps on Windows 10 now includes the ability to create and save your favorite settings. The package repository now has more than 850 packages for download, and there are a couple bug fixes.
Starting with this version 0.1.41821, the client now has a settings file. If you want to customize the experience, you only need to run the winget settings command to open the file with your default JSON editor, such as VS Code.
In the file, you can customize a bunch of settings, including the theme for progress bar with the progressBar option. As another example, you can use the autoUpdateIntervalInMinutes option to change how frequently the client checks for the list of available packages.
As part of the bug fixes, this version of the Windows Package Manager addresses issues with non us-ASCII characters and case sensitivity. Also, the update fixes a client problem that refused to support an interactive install.
The Windows Package Manager still in preview, which means that you’ll need to be part of the Windows Insider Program with a device enrolled in the Dev Channel. If you’re already testing the app, the latest version should already be installed.
If you don’t have it, and you’re an Insider, you can check for app updates in the Microsoft Store to get it. In the case that you prefer to download the client, you can get it from GitHub releases page.
Finally, you can also join the Windows Package Manager Insider Program if you want automatic updates from the Microsoft Store, and you want to run on the released version of Windows 10.
What’s next for winget
In addition to the new improvements, Microsoft also shared some details of future releases. For example, in future updates, a new option is expected to be added to test experimental features.
You’ll be able to download and install Microsoft Store apps. Initially, the company will start making available some basic apps, and more will be added over time.
Other functionality coming to the app could including the ability to upgrade, uninstall, and list apps. Support for installing .zip files, store apps, and standalone apps, and native PowerShell support.
Also, the Microsoft Community Package Repository will continue to learn to help approving new packages. According to the company, it now provides better error messages in several different situations. IN addition, it will now tell you if there is a hash mismatch or an error related to being able to access the installer file.
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].