Most of us Linux users know about the ‘apt’ or ‘yum’ commands, making software installation a breeze. There’s no need to click “next” multiple times or worry about dependencies. Until recently, Windows’ closest counterpart was the laudable community-driven Chocolatey.
However, Microsoft decided to jump into the fray in June 2020 with a tool called winget. With support across Windows 10 and 11, winget comes with the added assurance of being developed and maintained by Microsoft. This feature circumvents concerns of project abandonment or compatibility issues often associated with community-supported projects.
Certainly, winget is not perfect and can occasionally falter during updates, but it shines in its ability to update any software that was previously installed, regardless of the installation method. This versatility gives it an edge over Chocolatey, which only updates software installed via Chocolatey itself.
Let’s not ignore some of the potential pitfalls of winget. As a relatively new tool, it may not have as comprehensive a software library as more established counterparts like Chocolatey. Plus, being Microsoft-maintained might mean slower incorporation of community-requested features. It’s also worth noting that winget is primarily command-line based, which might be a turn-off for GUI-preferring users.
At the organization I work for, we’ve found value in winget as a tool for updating third-party software behind the scenes. This approach spares clients from tedious installation processes and unwelcome pop-up windows. With third-party patching being as crucial as updating Windows itself, keeping software like your browser updated is paramount for security as they often connect directly to potentially infected internet sites.
Here are some winget commands to help you hit the ground running:
- Install a program:
winget install <software name> - Search for a software package:
winget search <software name> - List all installed software supported by
winget:winget list - Upgrade all your software:
winget upgrade --all
To upgrade specific software, simply exclude the --all parameter.
Incorporating winget into your RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) toolbox can significantly streamline your workflow. With a well-configured RMM, you can set up scripts to execute winget commands remotely on client systems, thereby automating routine software updates or generating regular inventory reports. Do note that RMM tool capabilities can vary, so be sure to check what’s possible with your chosen RMM tool.
There’s no shortage of real-world applications for winget. From standardizing software installations across a corporate network to facilitating mass software installation at the start of an academic semester, the tool offers immense potential. Developers can also benefit from winget by ensuring consistency in project setup instructions across their team.
Winget may still be in its infancy, but it’s proving to be an invaluable tool in the world of software management on Windows systems. With ongoing development and increased integration with Windows, we can expect winget to become an increasingly essential part of our toolkit.
Learn more at Microsoft’s site.
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