# **I Use This Winget Method To Configure New Windows PCs Instantly, And You Should Too**

Setting up a new Windows PC can be a daunting task, involving the manual installation of numerous applications. This process can be incredibly time-consuming and tedious. However, there's a streamlined method that leverages the **Windows Package Manager (Winget)**, transforming the entire setup experience into a remarkably efficient operation. We've discovered a powerful workflow that allows us to install all our essential applications quickly and consistently across multiple machines. This approach dramatically reduces the time spent on initial configuration, allowing us to focus on more productive tasks.

## **Understanding the Power of Winget: The Windows Package Manager**

Winget is a command-line package manager that simplifies the discovery, installation, upgrade, and configuration of software on Windows. It's similar to package managers found in Linux distributions (like `apt` or `yum`) and allows you to install applications with a single command. Its integration with the Microsoft Store and other software repositories makes it a central hub for managing your Windows applications. This means no more navigating multiple websites, downloading installers, and clicking through countless installation wizards. It's all handled through simple commands in the terminal.

## **Crafting the Ultimate Winget Configuration File: Your App Arsenal**

The key to automating your Windows setup is creating a **Winget configuration file**. This file acts as a blueprint, defining which applications you want to install. It's a simple text file (typically in JSON format) that lists the application IDs recognized by Winget. You can then execute a single command to install all the applications listed in the file. Here's how to create your ultimate configuration:

1.  **Identifying Your Essential Applications:** Start by making a comprehensive list of all the applications you regularly use. Consider categories like productivity tools, web browsers, communication apps, media players, and development environments.

2.  **Finding Winget Package IDs:** For each application on your list, you need to find its corresponding Winget package ID. The easiest way to do this is through the command line:

    ```bash
    winget search <application name>
    ```

    Replace `<application name>` with the actual name of the application you're looking for. Winget will return a list of matching packages, including their IDs, names, sources, and versions.

3.  **Creating the JSON Configuration File:** Once you've gathered all the necessary package IDs, create a new text file and save it with a `.json` extension (e.g., `winget-config.json`). The JSON file should follow this structure:

    ```json
    {
      "sources": [
        {
          "name": "winget"
        }
      ],
      "installers": [
        {
          "packageIdentifier": "Mozilla.Firefox",
          "arguments": "--silent"
        },
        {
          "packageIdentifier": "Google.Chrome",
          "arguments": "--system-level"
        },
        {
          "packageIdentifier": "VideoLAN.VLC",
          "arguments": "--quiet"
        },
        {
          "packageIdentifier": "Microsoft.VisualStudioCode",
          "arguments": "--system-setup"
        }
      ]
    }
    ```

    *   **"sources"**: This section specifies the source(s) from which Winget will retrieve the packages. The default source is "winget", which refers to the official Winget repository.
    *   **"installers"**: This section contains an array of objects, each representing an application you want to install.
    *   **"packageIdentifier"**: This is the unique ID of the application, as identified in the Winget search results.
    *   **"arguments"**: (Optional) This allows you to pass command-line arguments to the installer. This can be useful for customizing the installation process, such as performing a silent installation (e.g., `--silent`, `--quiet`, `--system-level`, `--system-setup`) or specifying installation paths. Look for command line parameters for each installer to perform silent installations to avoid user intervention.

4.  **Customize Installation with Command-Line Arguments:** Command-line arguments enhance installation by automating actions and eliminating interactive steps.

    *   **Silent Installation:** `--silent`, `--quiet` These are parameters used for a hands-free experience during installs.
    *   **System-Level Installation:** `--system-level`, `--system-setup` These make installations system-wide and ensure software is accessible to all users.

5. **Refining Configuration File:**
Always validate JSON files to correct possible formatting errors. Use online JSON validators.

## **Executing Your Winget Configuration: The Installation Command**

With your configuration file ready, the installation process is incredibly simple. Open a PowerShell or Command Prompt window (as an administrator) and navigate to the directory containing your `winget-config.json` file. Then, execute the following command:

```powershell
winget install --file winget-config.json

winget upgrade --all

winget uninstall <application name or id>

winget export --output "C:\path\to\export\manifest.json"

winget install Chocolatey.Chocolatey