Microsoft develops open source package manager for Windows

Microsoft has released a beta of its own package manager. This feature, which the company calls “winget,” allows users to install applications through the terminal. The operation is largely the same as that of Linux package managers.

Microsoft reports that the winget feature is currently available in beta and that the final version is subject to substantial changes. Version 1.0 is planned for 2021. To use the feature, users currently need to install a Windows 10 Insider build first, or manually request access to the beta version. Since the package manager is open source, users can also compile the function themselves using Visual Studio 2019 and C++.

Once installed, users can start the feature by typing ‘winget’ in the command prompt. For example, to search for programs in the repository, users can type ‘winget search ‘. If the program of your choice is available, it can be installed with the install command. The function can also be used to generate a sha256 checksum of applications. People can also submit applications for addition to Microsoft’s repository.

Version 1.0 of the winget feature is on the roadmap for May 2021. However, Microsoft states that the company expects “substantial feedback” from the community, which may change the planning. Some major features are added to version 1.0, including the ability to update and uninstall apps via command prompt.

The winget feature in use. Image via Microsoft