Installing programs used to be a long, boring process. You had to hunt down a website, click the right download button (not the fake one!), run an installer, and hope your PC didn’t yell at you. But now there’s Winget, the Windows Package Manager. It’s like having a superpower for installing apps right from your command line. Sounds cool? It is!
Let’s break it down step-by-step. 🛠️
What is Winget?
Winget is a command-line tool built into Windows. It lets you search, install, upgrade, and remove software from your PC — all with a few words typed into your terminal. No browser, no buttons, no worries!
It’s simple, fast, and great for both techies and beginners.
Step 1: Open Your Command Line
Open your favorite terminal. This could be:
- Command Prompt (just type cmd in the Start menu)
- PowerShell
- Windows Terminal (our personal fav)
Step 2: Check If Winget Is Installed
Type this simple command:
wingetHit Enter.
If you get a wall of text starting with something like “Windows Package Manager …”, you’re good to go!
If it says the command isn’t recognized, you might need to update Windows or install the App Installer from the Microsoft Store.
Step 3: Find the Program You Want
Don’t know the exact name of an app? No problem! Just search:
winget search app-nameReplace app-name with whatever you’re looking for. For example:
winget search firefoxThis will bring up a list. Find the exact name in the Id or Name column. That’s what you’ll use to install it.
Step 4: Install the Program
Once you’ve found what you want, use:
winget install app-nameFor example, to install Firefox:
winget install Mozilla.FirefoxWinget will do everything for you. Download. Install. Boom. 💥
Step 5: Celebrate! 🎉
That’s it. You just installed a program without ever touching your mouse. Welcome to the future!
Bonus Tips
- Update an app:
winget upgrade app-name - See what’s upgradable:
winget upgrade - Uninstall with power:
winget uninstall app-name
Why Use Winget?
- Fast: No waiting for websites to load.
- Easy: One command and done.
- Safe: Install apps from trusted sources.
- Repeatable: Great for setting up new PCs quickly.
Make It a Habit
Next time you want to install something, skip the Google search. Open your terminal and type a command instead.
Before you know it, you’ll feel like a hacker (a friendly one, of course!).
Final Thought
Winget makes your PC life easier. It’s powerful, fun, and totally free. Try it today and impress your friends with your new tech skills. Need a new browser, a text editor, or even Spotify? Just winget it!