Microsoft releases Windows Package Manager at Build 2021
After a year of preview testing, Windows Package Manager is now generally available.
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What you need to know
At Microsoft Build 2021, the companyreleased Windows Package Manager 1.0. First announced in preview at Build 2020, Windows Package Manager makes it easy to install software onto Windows 10. The tool is especially handy for IT admins that manage multiple PCs but can also be useful for individual users.
Windows Package Manager is a winget client that facilitates streamlines installations using the command line. There are third-party package managers, such asChocolatey, that were already available for Windows, but it’s nice to have another option from Microsoft.
Windows Insiders and people that have signed up for the Windows Package Manager Insider group may already have the tool. If you don’t have it already, you can grab it from theWindows Package Manager GitHub page. Microsoft also has a direct link to install it in thedevblog postannouncing its availability.
Soon, Windows Package Manager 1.0 will ship as an automatic update through the Microsoft Store for PCs running Windows 10 version 1809 or later.
Over 1,400 unique packages have been contributed to theMicrosoft Community repositoryalready. That number should only go up now that Windows Package Manager is generally available.
Microsoft also announced a new tool in preview to help submit packages to the Microsoft Community repository. The tool is calledWindows Package Manager Manifest Creator.
If you’ve never used the tool before, or just need a refresher, we have a complete guide onhow to use Windows Package Manager to install apps and programs.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
