Microsoft provides a built-in command-line tool called Winget for discovering, installing, and updating software on Windows 10 and 11 [1].
This feature changes how users maintain their operating systems by replacing manual web searches for installers with a single, scriptable interface. It reduces the time spent on repetitive setup tasks and minimizes the risk of downloading software from untrusted third-party websites.
Winget, known as the Windows Package Manager, first arrived in May 2020 with the release of Windows 10 version 2004 [1]. It is now available across all current builds of Windows 10 and Windows 11 [1]. The tool operates within the command line, allowing users to execute installation commands that automate the retrieval of software packages.
James, the host of the Techquickie channel under Linus Media Group, said the tool is a powerful but under-used feature of the OS [1]. He said the utility allows users to bypass the traditional process of hunting for software on the internet.
"Winget lets you install apps with a single command, so you don’t have to hunt for installers on the web," James said [1].
By using a centralized repository, the tool enables users to update multiple applications simultaneously rather than opening each program individually to check for updates. This functionality brings a level of automation to the Windows environment that was previously common only in Linux distributions or via third-party managers. The system is designed to be scriptable, meaning advanced users can create lists of required software to set up a new computer in minutes rather than hours [1].
“Winget lets you install apps with a single command, so you don’t have to hunt for installers on the web.”
The integration of a native package manager signals Microsoft's effort to attract power users and developers who prefer command-line efficiency over graphical user interfaces. By standardizing how software is deployed and updated, Microsoft reduces the fragmentation of installation methods and improves the overall security posture of the ecosystem by directing users toward official repositories.
