How to Install Winget (Windows Package Manager) on Windows 11/10?
Installing Winget on Windows 11 or Windows 10 is a simple process that can greatly improve the way you manage software on your computer. Winget, also known as the Windows Package Manager, is one of the most useful tools introduced by Microsoft. It allows users to install, update, and manage applications directly from the command line without manually downloading setup files from different websites.
If you frequently install apps on your system or want a faster and more efficient way to manage programs, learning how to install Winget on Windows 11 or Windows 10 can save you time and effort.
Let’s learn the correct ways and steps to install and use the Windows Package Manager!
How to Install Winget (Windows Package Manager) on Windows 11 or 10?
To install Winget on Windows 11 or Windows 10, open the Microsoft Store and install the App Installer package. Once installed or updated, open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type winget to confirm installation. If Winget is not available, you can manually download and install the latest App Installer package from Microsoft’s GitHub page and restart your system.
What is Winget and Why Do You Need It?
Before moving to the installation steps, it is important to understand what Winget actually does and why it has become essential for many Windows users.
Winget, or Windows Package Manager, is a command-line tool developed by Microsoft that helps you install and manage software packages quickly. Instead of visiting multiple websites, downloading setup files, and going through installation screens, Winget allows you to install applications using simple commands.
For example, instead of searching for Chrome on the web, downloading it, and installing it manually, you can simply type a command in PowerShell, and Winget will install it automatically.
Some major benefits of using Winget include faster installations, automatic updates, centralized software management, and improved productivity for developers and advanced users. Even beginners can benefit from its simplicity once it is installed correctly.
Requirements Before Installing Winget
Before starting the installation process, make sure your system meets a few basic requirements.
Your computer must be running Windows 10 version 1809 or later or Windows 11. You also need access to the Microsoft Store and an active internet connection. In most cases, Winget comes preinstalled on newer Windows versions through the App Installer package. However, if it is missing or outdated, you can install or update it manually.
Now, let us move to the actual installation process.
Step 1: Check if Winget is Already Installed
Before installing anything manually, check whether Winget is already available on your system. Many modern Windows 11 and updated Windows 10 systems already include it by default.
Open the Start Menu and search for Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell. Open it with normal user permissions. Once the terminal window opens, type the following command and press Enter:
winget
If Winget is already installed, you will see a list of commands and options related to the Windows Package Manager. This means you do not need to install it manually and can start using it immediately.
If you see an error message saying that the Winget command is not recognized, it means Winget is not installed or not configured correctly. In that case, continue with the next steps.
Step 2: Install Winget Using Microsoft Store App Installer
The easiest way to install Winget is through the Microsoft Store using the App Installer package provided by Microsoft.
Open the Microsoft Store from the Start Menu. Once the store opens, click on the search bar and type App Installer. Press Enter and open the official App Installer page published by Microsoft Corporation.
If you see an Install button, click it to install the App Installer. If you see an Update button instead, click Update to make sure you have the latest version. The App Installer package includes Winget as part of its features.
Wait for the installation or update process to complete. This usually takes only a few minutes, depending on your internet speed. After installation finishes, restart your computer to ensure that Winget is properly configured.
Once your system restarts, open Command Prompt or PowerShell again and type winget. If everything is installed correctly, you will see the Winget command interface.
Step 3: Install Winget Manually from GitHub
If you cannot access the Microsoft Store or the App Installer is not available in your region, you can manually install Winget using the official GitHub repository.
Open your web browser and visit the official Microsoft Winget GitHub releases page. Look for the latest version of the App Installer package. Download the file with the .msixbundle extension. This file contains the latest version of Winget and related components.
After downloading the file, double-click on it to start the installation. A Windows installation window will appear, showing details about the App Installer package. Click Install and wait for the process to complete.
If your system asks for permission, click Yes to allow installation. Once installed, restart your computer to apply the changes.
After restarting, open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type winget to verify installation. If the command works, Winget has been successfully installed.
Step 4: Enable App Installer Dependencies if Required
Sometimes manual installation may fail due to missing dependencies. If you encounter errors during installation, you may need to install additional packages such as Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime or Desktop App Installer dependencies.
Visit the same GitHub releases page and download the dependency packages listed there. Install them one by one and then reinstall the App Installer package.
After installing all required components, restart your computer and check Winget again using Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Step 5: Update Winget to the Latest Version
After installing Winget, it is a good idea to ensure you have the latest version. Updated versions include new features, better compatibility, and security improvements.
Open PowerShell as a normal user and type:
winget upgrade
This command checks for updates for installed applications, including Winget itself. If an update for App Installer or Winget is available, install it using:
winget upgrade Microsoft.AppInstaller
Wait for the update to complete and restart your system if required.
Keeping Winget updated ensures smooth performance and access to the latest software packages.
Step 6: Test Winget with a Sample Installation
Once Winget is installed and updated, test it by installing a sample application. This helps confirm that everything is working correctly.
Open PowerShell and type:
winget install vlc
This command installs the VLC media player using Winget. The system will download and install the software automatically without requiring manual setup.
If the installation completes successfully, Winget is fully functional on your system.
Windget Is Not Recognized: How to Fix It?
Some users may face minor issues during installation. If Winget is not recognized even after installing App Installer, try restarting your computer. Restarting refreshes system paths and ensures the winget command becomes available.
If you receive permission errors, make sure you are using a standard account with installation rights. Running PowerShell as an administrator can also help in some cases.
If the Microsoft Store is missing or not working, use the manual GitHub installation method described earlier. This method works even on restricted systems.
FAQs
Is Winget available by default on Windows 11?
Yes, most Windows 11 systems already include Winget through the App Installer package. However, you may need to update the App Installer from the Microsoft Store to get the latest version.
Can I install Winget on Windows 10?
Yes, Winget works on Windows 10 version 1809 or later. If it is not already installed, you can install it using the Microsoft Store or download it manually from GitHub.
Do I need administrator permissions to install Winget?
In most cases, you do not need administrator permissions to install Winget using the Microsoft Store. However, some manual installations or dependency installations may require admin rights.
How do I update apps using Winget?
You can update installed apps by opening PowerShell and typing winget upgrade. This command shows all available updates. To update all apps at once, type winget upgrade –all.
Is Winget safe to use?
Yes, Winget is developed and maintained by Microsoft. It downloads software from trusted sources and official repositories. Always review the package source before installing any application.
Can I uninstall Winget later?
Yes, Winget is part of the App Installer package. You can remove it by uninstalling App Installer from Windows settings if needed.