I use WinGet to install the applications I actually want on a new Windows PC, save that app list for rebuilds, and check for updates deliberately. It helps keep my application setup intentional and repeatable; it does not identify unwanted software or remove Windows components for me.
Start with the apps you actually need
I begin by writing a short list based on the work I do: the browser, communication tools, utilities, and other applications I know I will use. There is no universal list of “bloat” that suits every PC. WinGet manages application packages; the commands below are not a method for removing Windows features, disabling telemetry, or proving a performance improvement.
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Find and inspect each package before installing
Search for an app, then inspect the package details and installer that WinGet selects. Microsoft documents search for identifying applications and show for inspecting package information. Exact IDs help avoid picking an unintended result, but package catalog data can change, so I check the current result rather than relying on an old list.
The Tool Desk
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winget show --id <Package.Id>
winget install --id <Package.Id> --exactReplace <query> and <Package.Id> with values from your search; these are placeholders, not literal package names. By default, WinGet can match a query case-insensitively as a substring across package name, ID, and moniker. If a query matches more than one package, it may ask you to narrow the selection. Exact matching and field-specific search options can help make the result more precise. See Microsoft’s install command reference for current options.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
Review the selected installer and package details before proceeding. Installers do not all behave identically, so do not assume every installation is silent or has the same prompts. Package agreements and source agreements are separate; accepting package agreements does not accept optional bundled components.
Install a few apps together—or use a setup file
Use one command for a short list
For a small set of known package IDs, WinGet supports installing multiple packages in one command. It processes them sequentially. Confirm the syntax and IDs against the current install reference before using a command in a script.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Export and import a package list for rebuilds
For a setup I may need again, I can use winget export to create a JSON package list, then winget import to have WinGet attempt to install the listed apps on another machine. Microsoft’s export and import references describe these as ways to share or restore an environment. Treat the file as a useful list, not a guarantee: export can warn when an installed app cannot be matched to an available source, and import can encounter packages that are unavailable.
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A WinGet Configuration file can describe package installations alongside system settings. That broader scope can make setup more repeatable, but it also makes review more important: read the file and assess the credibility of the resources it references before running it. Microsoft’s configuration guidance explicitly advises reviewing configuration files and checking their resources.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
For either approach, keep the file readable and explain entries so it is easier to understand what a future install will do. A package list focuses on applications; a configuration can cover additional settings, with correspondingly greater review responsibility.
Preview updates before upgrading everything
I run winget upgrade without arguments first to see which installed apps have available updates. Only after reviewing that list do I choose whether to run winget upgrade --all, which attempts to upgrade apps with available updates. Microsoft’s upgrade reference documents two limits: apps with unknown versions may not be recognized as having a newer version, and pinned packages may be skipped unless included.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
If an app is pinned, check the pin behavior before expecting WinGet to update it. A pin controls what WinGet’s upgrade operations do; it does not prove an app is permanently frozen, since the app may still update on its own or outside WinGet. For exceptions, review the results and handle the app individually.
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Keep track of package sources
WinGet discovers packages through sources. Microsoft’s source reference lists these defaults:
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
msstore: Microsoft Store catalog.winget: WinGet Community Repository for applications.winget-font: repository for fonts.
The winget source command can list, update, add, remove, or reset sources. Because source settings affect where package discovery and installation data comes from, use sources you trust and review any changes rather than adding one casually.
Quick Recap
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