How to batch install multiple apps on Windows 11

Installing apps one by one on a fresh Windows 11 setup is a time-waster. Whether you’re setting up a new PC or reinstalling Windows, there’s a smarter way: batch installation. Instead of downloading and clicking through every installer, you can automate the entire process and let your PC do the work.

Here’s how to do it fast and efficiently.

Option 1: Use Winget (The Built-in Windows Package Manager)

Winget is Microsoft’s command-line tool for installing apps. It’s built into Windows 11, so no extra software needed.

Step-by-Step:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
   • Right-click Start → Windows Terminal (Admin)
2. Search for Apps
   • Run: winget search appname Replace appname with what you’re looking for, like Chrome, VLC, etc.
3. Create a List of Apps
   • Example: winget install Google.Chrome winget install VLC winget install Notepad++.Notepad++
4. Batch It
   • Save all those commands in a .bat or .ps1 file.
   • Run it once to install everything in one go.

Bonus: Export and Import App List

If you’re moving to a new PC, export your app list:

winget export app-list.json

Then install them later with:

winget import app-list.json

Option 2: Use Ninite (The Classic Web-Based Installer)

Ninite is perfect for installing popular apps in one shot—no command line needed.

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to https://ninite.com
2. Check the Apps You Want
   • Options include Chrome, Zoom, Spotify, VS Code, etc.
3. Click “Get Your Ninite”
   • It downloads a custom installer.
4. Run the Installer
   • It installs everything silently in the background—no pop-ups, no bloat.

Option 3: Chocolatey (Advanced Option for Power Users)

Chocolatey is a powerful package manager with a massive app library, perfect for IT pros and automation fans.

Step-by-Step:

1. Install Chocolatey
   • Open PowerShell as Admin and run: Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force; ` [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = ` [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol -bor 3072; ` iex ((New-Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString('https://chocolatey.org/install.ps1'))
2. Install Multiple Apps
   • Example: choco install googlechrome vlc notepadplusplus -y
3. Automate It
   • Just like with Winget, save your commands in a script and run it whenever you need to deploy a setup.

Final Thoughts

Batch installing apps isn’t just a time-saver—it’s a sanity-saver. Whether you use Winget, Ninite, or Chocolatey, you can set up your machine exactly the way you want it with almost no manual work.

Got your own favorite tool or script for bulk installs? Drop it in the comments!

Need help scripting your setup? Let me know—I’ll walk you through it.