WinGet
WinGet: A capable open-source Windows application manager with broad installation controls. Ranked #41 of 92 in Package Managers by our editors (5.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows application installation.
At a glance
- Editor score5.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWindows application installation
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Searches, installs, upgrades, and removes Windows applications
- Supports dependencies, custom sources, and package list import/export
- Offers silent, scoped, architecture-specific, and manifest-based installs
Where it doesn't
- Supports Windows platforms rather than cross-platform package management
- Targets applications instead of language-package workflows
- Requires command-line or PowerShell-oriented operation
Our verdict on WinGet
WinGet is Microsoft's open-source command-line client for discovering and managing applications on Windows. It searches configured package sources, including the Microsoft Store and WinGet Community Repository, then installs applications by name, ID, version, source, or local YAML manifest. It also upgrades and uninstalls applications, processes package dependencies, and supports Windows 10 version 1809 or later, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2025. Its strongest fit is for individuals, administrators, and teams standardizing Windows application installation through commands and scripts.
The package-management scope is broad for Windows software. WinGet supports EXE, ZIP, INNO, NULLSOFT, MSI, WIX, APPX, MSIX, BURN, PORTABLE, and FONT formats. Installation controls include silent, interactive, scoped, and architecture-specific options. Custom Microsoft REST and pre-indexed package sources extend how applications can be discovered, while private registry authentication supports controlled source access. PowerShell integration makes it suitable for repeatable command-line workflows, and export/import features help carry package lists between environments.
WinGet also includes operational checks around package handling: it generates installer SHA-256 hashes and validates manifests. Those features complement dependency processing and local YAML manifest support when installation needs more control than a simple application name. The tradeoff is focus: WinGet is designed for Windows application management, not language-package management, and its platform scope is limited to Windows. Choose it when Windows software discovery, installation, upgrades, removal, and scripting are the priority. Choose another package manager when cross-platform coverage or a language-specific workflow is central.
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WinGet pricing
WinGet fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Package formats | EXE, ZIP, INNO, NULLSOFT, MSI, WIX, APPX, MSIX, BURN, PORTABLE, FONT |
| Supported platforms | Windows 10 version 1809 or later, Windows 11, Windows Server 2025 |
| Dependency resolution | Yes |
| Lockfile support | Not verified |
| Workspace support | Not verified |
| Private registry auth | Yes |
| Offline installation | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | learn.microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to WinGet
- npmA complete JavaScript package workflow with public access free and private packages at $7/month.9.4
- uvA broad, open-source toolkit for managing modern Python projects across three platforms.9.2
- YarnA capable JavaScript package manager for consistent installs and monorepositories.9.0
Also Ranked In
WinGet is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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