Use Winget on Windows Server 2025 to install, update, and uninstall apps

If you manage Windows Server 2025, you probably know the pain of hunting down installers, managing software updates, or cleaning up old applications. Enter Winget—the Windows Package Manager. It’s not just for desktops anymore. With Windows Server 2025, Microsoft finally brings native support for Winget, making app management faster and a lot less annoying.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to use Winget to install, update, and uninstall applications right from the command line.

What is Winget?

Winget is a command-line tool for managing applications on Windows. Think of it as apt for Ubuntu or yum for CentOS, but built for Windows. It lets you:

• Install apps directly from Microsoft’s official repository.
• Update all your apps with a single command.
• Uninstall apps without digging through menus.

Getting Started: Enable Winget on Windows Server 2025

Before you start, make sure you’re running Windows Server 2025 and that Winget is available. On Windows Server 2025, Winget is included by default—no extra downloads needed.

To check, open PowerShell and run:

winget --version

If you see a version number, you’re good to go. If not, run Windows Update and make sure your system is up-to-date.

Need to install Winget manually or running into issues? Check out this detailed guide:
How to Install Winget on Windows Server

1. Installing Apps with Winget

Let’s say you want to install Notepad++. All you need is:

winget install Notepad++

Winget will search the official Microsoft repository, grab the latest version, and install it. No browser, no manual downloads.

Tip: To find an app’s exact ID or see what’s available, use:

winget search <app-name>

For example:

winget search 7zip

2. Updating Apps with Winget

Forget manually checking for updates. To update all Winget-installed apps at once, run:

winget upgrade --all

Want to update a specific app? For example, to update Git:

winget upgrade Git.Git

You can find the exact package ID using winget list.

3. Uninstalling Apps with Winget

Cleaning up is just as easy. To remove an app, use:

winget uninstall <app-name or ID>

For example, to uninstall VLC:

winget uninstall VideoLAN.VLC

Again, use winget list to see what’s installed and get the right name or ID.

Automate with Scripts

Since Winget works in PowerShell or the regular command prompt, you can script your app installs or updates. Perfect for setting up new servers or keeping environments consistent.

Example: Batch install multiple apps

winget install Git.Git
winget install Microsoft.VisualStudioCode
winget install Google.Chrome

Why Use Winget on Windows Server?

• Save time: No more hunting down EXE files.
• Consistency: Scripts make server setups repeatable.
• Security: Install from a trusted Microsoft repository.
• Easy updates: Patch all your tools with one command.

Final Thoughts

Winget is a game-changer for Windows Server 2025 admins. It brings the convenience of Linux-style package management to Windows, finally. Give it a shot—you’ll spend less time managing software and more time getting real work done.

Have you tried Winget on Windows Server 2025? Let me know your favorite commands or tips in the comments!

Need help automating your Windows Server environment? Get in touch for custom scripts or solutions tailored to your business.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!