Why I No Longer Use the Microsoft Store or Websites for Installing Windows Applications

For many users, installing applications on Windows has historically been cumbersome, involving endless searches for download sites, avoiding dubious toolbars, and navigating complex installation wizards. While the Microsoft Store offers a streamlined experience for select applications, programs not listed there often require tedious searches across various sites, all while trying to identify safe download links and circumvent unnecessary software.

Enter WinGet, a game-changing command-line tool. With just a few straightforward commands, you can effectively search for, install, and manage applications—all from the command line. Although it may sound daunting, you’ll quickly find that once you learn some essential commands, using WinGet can be a surprisingly simple and even enjoyable experience.

Rapid and Versatile Software Management

Centralized App Installation

Winget search command in Terminal window — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

WinGet serves as Microsoft’s official package manager, integrated directly into Windows. Instead of manually searching for applications online, you merely need to launch Command Prompt or PowerShell and execute a command like winget search chrome. This command quickly brings up a list of available matches from both the WinGet repository and the Microsoft Store—all in one convenient location.

Once you see what you need, a direct command such as winget install Google. Chrome manages all aspects of the installation process, including downloading, verifying, and installing the application. Although the Microsoft Store simplifies the installation of listed apps, WinGet extends this functionality to everything else available online. This versatility significantly enhances your software management workflow.

Moreover, WinGet offers substantial control over versions. By searching for an application, you can view every available version, enabling you to install older builds if necessary. For instance, if you need a specific version of Git, just run winget install git –version 2.44.0, and it seamlessly handles the installation.

Streamlined Installations and Bulk Management

Bypass the Setup Wizard

Winget installing Chrome on PC — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

Traditional installation processes can feel like navigating an obstacle course—multiple Next clicks, agreement on terms, and the risk of inadvertently installing bloatware. WinGet eliminates these hassles completely.

This command-line interface minimizes the likelihood of errors during installations. You won’t need to second-guess clicking the wrong button, selecting an awkward installation directory, or declining critical components by mistake. Everything takes place in the background with precision.

Additionally, WinGet facilitates bulk installations effortlessly. If you are setting up a new device or reinstalling Windows, there is no need to locate programs manually. Platforms like winstall.app empower you to select multiple applications at once and generate a single WinGet command for installation. With one command, you could have Chrome, Visual Studio Code, Spotify, and many more applications ready to use immediately.

Simplified Updates

Easy Command for All Updates

WinGet isn’t just about installations; it dramatically simplifies keeping your applications up to date. While the Microsoft Store can automatically refresh its apps in the background, applications installed from other sources usually require manual intervention. Thanks to WinGet, this concern becomes obsolete. By typing winget upgrade –all, you can check all installed apps for updates and apply them in one seamless command.

What’s more, WinGet does not restrict updates to applications installed via its command. As long as an app exists within the WinGet repository, it can manage updates no matter the source of installation. Before executing an upgrade, the simple command winget upgrade lists all applications with available updates, offering transparency on what will change.

Updating individual applications is equally straightforward. For instance, if you wish to update only Firefox or Visual Studio Code, you can carry out a command like winget upgrade firefox to update that specific program without disturbing others. Version-specific installations are also possible if needed.

Streamlined Deletion and Transfers

Quick Transfers Between PCs

Uninstalling Discord app using Winget on PC — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

Occasionally, you may need to uninstall applications that are no longer in use. WinGet simplifies this process significantly. By executing the command winget uninstall spotify, you can completely remove the application along with its associated files. Although you can also uninstall apps through alternative methods, those often require navigating between Settings and Control Panel—without an easy way to remove multiple applications at once.

Transferring applications to a new machine is just as seamless. By running winget export apps.json, you generate a straightforward file listing all installed programs. On your new computer, executing winget import apps.json installs everything listed, requiring minimal effort. You can also edit this exported list to add or exclude apps prior to importing.

This functionality makes WinGet indispensable for users who frequently switch devices or need consistent configurations across multiple systems.

In conclusion, adopting WinGet has revolutionized my app management on Windows. It’s efficient, clean, and much more reliable than the tedious methods of manually hunting for software or solely relying on the Microsoft Store.

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