Stop downloading software from websites: Windows has a built-in package manager

Stop Downloading Software from Websites: Windows Has a Built-In Package Manager

If you use a Windows 11 PC, you probably download your programs the usual way: searching on Google, clicking the most legitimate-looking site, and installing from there. While this traditional method has long been the norm, it’s not the most efficient or secure approach.

Linux users widely prefer package managers for installing software, and Windows actually includes one as well, built right into the operating system. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s worth exploring.

What Is Windows Package Manager?

When mentioning a built-in package manager for Windows, this is not about the Microsoft Store, although it remains a good option providing a user-friendly way to get apps. Instead, the package manager is called Winget (Windows Package Manager), a command-line tool operated via Windows Terminal.

“Winget functions entirely within the command line, making it simple once you get familiar with it.”

The command line may seem intimidating at first, but with Winget, using it is straightforward. To start, you can type winget search [app name] to find applications whose names match your query. Winget returns a list of available apps along with their unique IDs.

Using these IDs ensures precise installation, especially for apps with similar names or multiple versions.

Why Use Winget?

Getting Started with Winget

Open Windows Terminal and run commands like:

This approach simplifies managing software installations, reduces risk, and helps keep your system consistent.

Author's Summary

Windows 11’s built-in Winget makes software installation faster, safer, and more efficient by managing apps through the command line without relying on risky downloads from the web.

more

XDA XDA — 2025-11-03

More News