WinGet review
A capable open-source Windows application manager with broad installation controls.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
WinGet pros and cons
- 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
WinGet fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update