Microsoft launches Windows Package Manager on Windows 11
Windows Package Manager 1.1 is available as an automatic update on the Microsoft Store
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Microsofthas announced that version 1.1 ofWindows Package Manageris now available onWindows 10and the recently launchedWindows 11.
Thecommand-line tool, which is also known asWinget, exited beta with its official release back in May at Microsoft Build 2021. Over the last few months, the software giant’s developers have been busy making improvements and adding new features to Windows Package Manager.
The most notable new feature in version 1.1 though is access to apps in theMicrosoft Store. The Windows Packager Manager client now ships with both support for the Windows Package Manager app repository and the Microsoft Store.
While the new update is rolling automatically via the Microsoft Store, developers that haven’t received it yet have several ways to install it on their workstations. Windows Package Manager is distributed with the App Installer from the Microsoft Store but users can also download and get it fromGitHubor even directly install the latest available released version.
Windows Package Manager 1.1
According to a newblog postfrom Microsoft, more than 2,600 packages are available in the Windows Package Manager app repository. To see all of the available packages, users can open aterminal windowand run “winget search”.
Private app repositories, which were announced with the release ofversion 1.0, are also available and Microsoft has even established a source agreement that users must accept to use them.
At the same time, the latest release of Windows Package Manager is highly customizable and developers can run “winget settings” to customize the client experience. This allows them to change things such as the color of the progress bar, install behavior, telemetry, scope and more.
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Package managers have long been a staple ofLinux distrosand have existed on Windows through third-party options such as Choclately. Now though, Microsoft has built this functionality directly into itsoperating systemto make things easier for developers.
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
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