> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Use winget on Windows Server (Install Software)

> Use winget on Windows Server 2025 to search, install and upgrade software from PowerShell. Which versions include winget, and what to use on 2019 and 2022.

winget (the Windows Package Manager) is included in Windows Server 2025 with Desktop Experience. To install software, open PowerShell and run `winget search git`, then `winget install --id Git.Git -e`. Update everything with `winget upgrade --all`. Microsoft states that winget isn't available on Windows Server 2022 or earlier, or on Windows Server 2025 Server Core, so on those use the vendor's installer instead.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Needs |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 minutes | Windows Server 2025 (Desktop Experience) | Administrator account, internet access |

## Before you start

* Sign in as an administrator with [Remote Desktop](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md).
* Check your version: run `winver`. You need Windows Server 2025 with the desktop (not Server Core).
* Open PowerShell as administrator: select **Start**, type `PowerShell`, right-click **Windows PowerShell** and choose **Run as administrator**. Installing machine-wide software from an admin window avoids repeated elevation prompts.

## Which Windows Server versions include winget?

| Version | winget |
| - | - |
| Windows Server 2025, Desktop Experience | Included, as part of **App Installer**, updated through Windows Update |
| Windows Server 2025, Server Core | Not included |
| Windows Server 2022 and 2019 | Not available |

Sources: [What's new in Windows Server 2025](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/whats-new-windows-server-2025), [Use WinGet](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/package-manager/winget/) and [Install PowerShell on Windows](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/scripting/install/install-powershell-on-windows) on Microsoft Learn.

Check that it works:

```powershell theme={null}
winget --version
```

If PowerShell doesn't recognise `winget` on Windows Server 2025 right after the first sign-in, Microsoft suggests registering App Installer for your account:

```powershell theme={null}
Add-AppxPackage -RegisterByFamilyName -MainPackage Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller_8wekyb3d8bbwe
```

## How to install software with winget

**1. Search for the app**

```powershell theme={null}
winget search vscode
```

The result shows each package's **Name**, **Id**, **Version** and **Source**. Use the **Id**, because names can match several packages.

**2. Check the package details (optional)**

```powershell theme={null}
winget show --id Microsoft.VisualStudioCode -e
```

`show` lists the **Publisher**, **Homepage**, **Installer Url** and **Installer SHA256**, so you can check it's the real app.

**3. Install by Id**

```powershell theme={null}
winget install --id Microsoft.VisualStudioCode -e --accept-package-agreements --accept-source-agreements
```

`-e` (`--exact`) matches the Id exactly, including case. The two `--accept-…` flags accept the package licence and the winget source terms so the install doesn't stop for a prompt. Add `--silent` (`-h`) to hide the installer's own window.

You can install several apps in one line by listing their Ids:

```powershell theme={null}
winget install --id Git.Git -e
winget install Microsoft.VisualStudioCode Microsoft.PowerShell Git.Git
```

## How to update software with winget

```powershell theme={null}
winget upgrade
```

lists every installed app that has a newer version. Then upgrade one app, or all of them:

```powershell theme={null}
winget upgrade --id Git.Git -e
winget upgrade --all
```

Some apps don't report a version, so `upgrade --all` skips them unless you add `--include-unknown` ([winget upgrade on Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/package-manager/winget/upgrade)).

> [!WARNING]
>
> `winget upgrade --all` can update software your website or game server depends on (for example a runtime or database). On a production server, upgrade those apps one at a time during a maintenance window and test afterwards.

## How to list and remove software

```powershell theme={null}
winget list
winget uninstall --id Git.Git -e
```

`winget list` shows apps installed with winget and apps installed by other means.

## What to use on Windows Server 2019 and 2022

winget isn't available there, so:

* Download the installer from the vendor's official website (with Microsoft Edge on Desktop Experience).
* Or download it with PowerShell and run it:

```powershell theme={null}
Invoke-WebRequest -UseBasicParsing -Uri "https://example.com/downloads/app-setup.msi" -OutFile "C:\Temp\app-setup.msi"
Start-Process msiexec.exe -ArgumentList '/i C:\Temp\app-setup.msi /qn' -Wait
```

Replace the URL with the vendor's real download link. For PowerShell 7, Microsoft recommends the MSI package on Windows Server ([Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/scripting/install/install-powershell-on-windows)).

Before running a downloaded file, compare its hash with the one the vendor publishes:

```powershell theme={null}
Get-FileHash C:\Temp\app-setup.msi -Algorithm SHA256
```

## How to check it worked

* `winget list --id Microsoft.VisualStudioCode` shows the app and its version.
* The app appears in the **Start** menu.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I install winget on Windows Server 2022 anyway?

Microsoft's PowerShell documentation states that winget isn't available on Windows Server 2022 or earlier. Workarounds exist, but they aren't supported, so we recommend the vendor's installer on those versions or moving to Windows Server 2025 with a [rebuild](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-rebuild-and-reinstall-your-vps.md).

### Is software from winget safe?

winget downloads the installer from the publisher's URL listed in the package manifest. Check the **Publisher** and **Installer Url** with `winget show` before installing anything you don't recognise.

### Does winget work in Command Prompt as well as PowerShell?

Yes. The `winget` command runs from Command Prompt (`cmd.exe`), Windows PowerShell and PowerShell 7.

## Related guides

> [card] [VPS and dedicated server guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-and-dedicated-server-guides.md)
>
> Every guide in this section.

> [card] [PowerShell on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-powershell-on-windows-server.md)
>
> The basics you need first.

> [card] [Install Windows updates](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-windows-updates-on-windows-server.md)
>
> Keep Windows itself current.

> [card] [Install roles and features](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-roles-and-features-on-windows-server.md)
>
> Built-in Windows components.

> [card] [First steps on a new Windows server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-steps-on-a-new-windows-server-vps.md)
>
> Set up a fresh server.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Checked against Microsoft Learn: [Use WinGet](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/package-manager/winget/), [winget install](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/package-manager/winget/install), [winget upgrade](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/package-manager/winget/upgrade), [What's new in Windows Server 2025](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/whats-new-windows-server-2025) and [Install PowerShell on Windows](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/scripting/install/install-powershell-on-windows)** on 4 November 2026. Not tested on a live Windows server for this page; package Ids can change, so confirm them with `winget search`.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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