Bulk Install Multiple Applications with Winget on Windows

Key Notes

  • Easily bulk install apps using winget commands.
  • Utilize web apps like winstall for a GUI experience.
  • Explore Dev Home for an integrated installation experience.

Streamline Your Application Installation with Winget on Windows

Navigating the installation process for multiple applications on Windows can be cumbersome. Thankfully, Microsoft’s Windows Package Manager, known as winget, provides a solution by allowing you to install numerous applications simultaneously right from the command line. This guide will walk you through various approaches to bulk install applications on Windows 11 and Windows 10, helping you save time and enhance productivity.

Step 1: Bulk Install Applications Using Winget

Follow these steps to leverage winget for installing multiple applications on Windows:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.

  3. Use this command to search for an app in the repository:

    winget search "APP NAME"

    Replace “APP NAME” with the desired app (use quotes for multi-word names).

  4. Verify the app ID from the search results output.

  5. Reiterate steps 3 and 4 to gather IDs for all desired apps.

  6. Construct your installation command as follows:

    winget install --id=App.1. ID -e && winget install --id=App.2. ID -e && winget install --id=App.3. ID -e

    Update the IDs for each app accordingly. For instance:

    winget install --id=Microsoft. Edge. Dev -e && winget install --id=Mozilla. Firefox -e && winget install --id=Google. Chrome. Dev -e

Executing these commands installs the apps you specified, allowing for a flexible installation process to suit your needs.

Step 2: Bulk Install Applications Using Winstall

Winstall is a user-friendly web app that facilitates the selection and installation of apps:

  1. Access winstall online.

  2. Click the Apps section in the top-right corner.

  3. Select apps by clicking the Plus icon.

  4. Utilize the search box to locate and choose more apps.

  5. Click the Generate script option.

  6. Then, click the Batch button if needed.

  7. Copy the generated command by hitting the “Copy to clipboard” button.

    Quick note: Alternatively, grab the command for PowerShell or download a JSON file for winget.
  8. Open Start.

  9. Search for Command Prompt, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.

  10. Paste the script (using Ctrl + V ) and press Enter to install the applications.

    Example script:

    winget install --id=AgileBits.1Password -e && winget install --id=twinkstar.browser -e && winget install --id=VideoLAN. VLC -e

Upon completion, the apps will begin installing automatically on your Windows setup.

Step 3: Bulk Install Applications Using Dev Home

Use the Dev Home app for a streamlined installation process:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for and open Dev Home.

  3. Select Machine configuration from the sidebar.

  4. Go to Install applications from the “Quick steps” menu.

  5. Search and select additional applications.

  6. Click the Plus button to add chosen apps.

  7. Click Next when ready.

  8. Agree to the terms to proceed with installation.

  9. Finish by clicking the Set up button.

This concludes the bulk installation process using Dev Home, ensuring a coordinated app setup on your Windows platform.

Summary

In this guide, we’ve explored three effective methods to bulk install applications on Windows 11 and 10 using winget. Whether using direct command lines, the winstall web GUI, or the Dev Home application, you can save time and streamline your installation processes significantly.

Conclusion

With the ability to install multiple applications simultaneously, winget and associated tools like winstall and Dev Home enhance your Windows computing experience. Adopting these methods can boost your efficiency, making software management a breeze.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What applications can I install using winget?

You can install a wide range of applications available in Microsoft’s app repository, including browsers, media players, IDEs, and more.

Is winget installed by default on Windows 10 and 11?

Yes, winget comes pre-installed with Windows 11 and is available for Windows 10 users via an optional update from the Microsoft Store.