Windows has a hidden tool that makes installing apps much quicker

When it comes to using Windows, the real excitement begins with the installation of third-party software. Whether you’re into Spotify, Photoshop, Google Chrome, Apple Music, or Steam, there are endless possibilities to enhance your Windows experience.

Traditionally, installing software meant visiting the official website and downloading the program. However, with the introduction of the Microsoft Store (formerly Windows Store) since Windows 8, users have had the option of a more streamlined app installation process.

But there’s a lesser-known third option—the Windows Package Manager. While it may seem intimidating at first due to its command-line interface, it offers a fast and lightweight way to install various programs.

Getting started with the Windows Package Manager

To begin using the Windows Package Manager, open the Windows command line by searching for “powershell” in the Start menu, right-clicking the top result, and selecting “Run as administrator.” Once in the terminal interface, type “winget” and press Enter to learn more about the Package Manager. You can also find detailed information on the Microsoft site.

While the Windows Package Manager may require typed commands, it is a faster and more efficient way to manage software once you become familiar with the commands. In addition to installing new programs, you can also update and uninstall apps.

For assistance with specific commands, type “winget -?” and press Enter, replacing “” with the command you need help with. For example, to understand how the main install command works, type “winget install -?” and press Enter to see all the install options.

A simple command to start with is “winget list:” Enter the command, press Enter, and you will see a list of all programs currently installed on your system along with their versions. These program names are essential for installing and updating apps.

You can also use the Windows Package Manager to gather more information about a program on your system, which is useful for uninstalling unused software or investigating suspicious programs. Simply type “winget show ” and press Enter, replacing “program” with the app’s name to view details such as the publisher and support website.

Installing apps with the Windows Package Manager

To install apps using the Windows Package Manager, you need to know the program names. You can use the helpful Winstall site to discover programs or type “winget search ” in the command line to find a specific software program.

Each program has a unique ID that you can use in the command line. For example, to install Google Chrome, you would enter “winget install –id=Google.Chrome -e” and press Enter (the “-e” flag ensures an exact package match).

This method is much simpler than manually downloading and setting up programs from their respective websites. As you become more proficient with the commands and program names, you’ll save even more time.

Furthermore, you can install multiple programs simultaneously with a single command, making the process more efficient. You can even save this command in a text file for future use.

The Windows Package Manager offers various functionalities, such as updating all installed programs with “winget upgrade -h –all” (the “-h” flag runs the update in the background) and uninstalling software using “winget uninstall” followed by the package ID.