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Install any app from the command line with winget

Use Windows Package Manager to install, search, and upgrade thousands of applications from the community repository in one command.

WindowssystemTerminaldeveloperLow risk
Run `winget search <name>` to find a package, then `winget install --id <Package.Id> -e --source winget` to install it, and `winget upgrade --all` to update everything at once.

01Command

Command
$ winget install --id Microsoft.PowerToys -e --source winget

02What it does

The `-e` (exact) flag prevents fuzzy matches like installing "Notepad" when you wanted "Notepad++", so always pair it with a full `--id`. Find exact IDs with `winget search keyword --source winget`; prefer the `winget` source over `msstore` for scriptable silent installs. Most installers run silently by default; add `-h` for headless where supported, and `winget list` shows everything installed regardless of how it arrived. Keep machines patched with a single `winget upgrade --all` in a scheduled task.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
RequirementsWindows 10 1709+ with the App Installer package from Microsoft Store; a user account (no admin needed for most MSI/MSIX installs).
!Warning: winget installs whatever the community manifest points at — verify the publisher shown by `winget show <id>` before installing packages with generic-sounding names.

04Undo

Undo
$ winget uninstall --id Microsoft.PowerToys -e

05Sources

  • Install winget | Microsoft Learn
    Microsoft · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Microsoft documents winget as the Windows Package Manager client, installed via the App Installer package, supporting commands such as install, uninstall and upgrade.
  • Windows Package Manager (winget) documentation
    Microsoft · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Microsoft's winget documentation describes searching, installing and upgrading applications from configured sources like winget and msstore.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: System & Settings

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