Master Software updates on Windows computer using winget
If you are tired of clicking through endless prompts, visiting individual websites, or opening a dozen different applications just to update your software, Windows has a built-in solution that can save you hours of time: Winget.
The Windows Package Manager (winget) is a powerful command-line tool that lets you discover, install, upgrade, and configure applications on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to use winget to keep your system's software up to date effortlessly.
What You Need to Get Started
Before diving into the commands, make sure you have winget installed.
Windows 11: It comes pre-installed.
Windows 10: It is included in modern versions (version 1809 and later) via the App Installer package from the Microsoft Store.
Pro Tip: To get the best results and avoid permission errors during installation, always run your command-line interface (PowerShell or Command Prompt) as an Administrator.
Step 1: Check for Available Updates
To see which of your installed applications have updates available, you only need one simple command. Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and type:
winget update
Winget will scan your installed software against its vast repository and present you with a neatly formatted table displaying:
The Name of the software.
The Id (a unique identifier for the package).
The Version currently installed.
The Available new version.
Step 2: Updating Your Software
Once you know what needs updating, you have two primary options: updating a specific app or updating everything at once.
Option A: Updating a Specific Application
If you only want to update a single program, use the upgrade command followed by the app's exact Id or Name. Using the Id is usually safer, as it prevents confusion between similarly named apps.
winget upgrade Mozilla.Firefox
Option B: The "Update All" Command (The Magic Button)
This is where winget truly shines. You can command Windows to cycle through every single available update and install them consecutively without you lifting a finger.
winget upgrade --all
Automating the Process
If you want to take your efficiency a step further, you can automate this process so you never have to think about updates again.
Open Notepad and paste the "Ultimate Update Command" from above.
Save the file as update_all.bat (make sure you change "Save as type" to "All Files").
Open Task Scheduler in Windows.
Create a Basic Task to run this .bat file weekly or monthly, making sure to check the box that says "Run with highest privileges".
Conclusion
Switching to winget for your software maintenance transforms a tedious, multi-step chore into a single line of text. Whether you are an IT professional managing multiple machines or a casual user wanting a cleaner PC experience, making winget a regular part of your workflow is one of the best productivity upgrades you can make for your Windows machine.