In Windows , you get the .exe files for installation . You download it , instal the software , and forget about it . There is no native app to track whether the software has an update . Here ’s where a package managing director come in . Linux has RPM ( RedHat Package Manager ) for Package Management . But , RPM divvy up with .tar software system which are a universal promotion format for Linux .
While in Windows , we have something likeNuGet packageswhich is still in the initial phases . you may expect a good package managing director in further updates but as of now , there is a dire pauperization of one . So , here is a list of best Package Manager for Windows which sort of replicates RPM for you .
Read : How to Disable Windows Firewall With Command Line
Windows Package Manager
1. OneGet (aka PackageManagement)
have ’s start withPackageManagement , formerly known as OneGet . I really liked the old name OneGet so have us just hazard it is not renamed . It comes built into Powershell Version 2.0 though it ’s not the official package coach . It ’s still in the other phases but Windows would start pushing it sooner or later . It downloads the packages from repositories like Powershell Gallery , NuGet.org , etc .
you’re able to just go to PowerShell and eccentric get - dictation -module PackageManagement . It will bring up the supported commands and if nothing show up , you better enable Microsoft Powershell 2.0 . Installing packages is as simple asInstall - Package googlechrome . It fetches the exe data file from the server installs it and done . No motive for any manual effort .
The only bummer is you may not update apps via cmdlets . So , apart from the Microsoft Store , this is one more thing you should be stir about in the future .
act of packages:142,585
Interface : Command Line only
VisitNuGet.org(free )
2. winget
winget is Microsoft ’s latest package managing director in the qualification . It ’s easy and exercise just like the Linux - style package managing director . To install winget , you have 2 options as of now :
A third - party developer has made a GUI front of Windows Package Manager calledwinstall . It let you bulk install Windows app apace with winget .
Installing a file is as easy as “ winget install < app - name > ” . to boot , you’re able to search for software on the secretary by typing “ winget search < app - name > ” . presently , it ’s only available for the developers to write their packages but you could expect a more robust prick in the future .
Number of packages:100 +
Interface : Command Line only/ GUI ( third - party )
3. Scoop
The trouble with parcel direction is that the cmdlets are complex . This brings Scoop in the characterization . Scoop is asmall open - source utilityfor PowerShell . You need to have a minimum of version 3.0 . So , the commands to install software system is as simple asscoop install firefox . To install Scoop , you just want to type the following in the Powershell .
The best thing about Scoop is that it put in the packages in your Home folder so it does n’t involve Administrator access . The first thing you involve to love about Scoop is that it does n’t work like a package manager but rather as a data file parser . In simple term , it download the say app from the URL mentioned in the JSON filing cabinet . These file are present on Github and can be modify by anyone . So , if you want Scoop to bear any other software package , you’re able to just edit the plain file on GitHub . It also hold SSH as well as the proxy servers .
you could also install software of a specific reading by just appending the software name with “ @version” . Scoop is a good usefulness to have but I would still pass on it because of the modified package keep .
Number of packages:440
Interface : Command Line only
DownloadScoop(free )
4. AppGet (cmd)
Based on the same concept of file parse , we haveAppGet . Instead of JSON , it forge with YAML files and has a bigger secretary of apps . AppGet works with the dictation prompt as well as PowerShell and so as to start using it , you have to download the exe filing cabinet . Once you have installed it , go to C:\ProgramData\AppGet andopen command promptfrom there . you may begin installing apps with a simple command like“appget set up firefox ” .
The GitHub repository of AppGet is better categorized compared to Scoop . It also has some surplus cmdlets like outdated which checks for an update of the aforementioned app . you’re able to also execute batch update but this pick must be implemented from an Administrator chit .
AppGet does n’t provide management of apps that are antecedently installed and also there is no GUI interlingual rendition of it .
Number of packages : 800 +
DownloadApp - Get(free )
5. Npackd (GUI & cmd)
NPackd is another option that not only provides a control - railway line interface but even a GUI program . Unlike any other app in this inclination , NPackd is the only one that supports the managing of the apps you have antecedently installed . you’re able to also update those apps or uninstall them . NPackd is also open source so you’re able to go ahead and add your own packages on GitHub .
Like AppGet and Scoop , NPackdalso does n’t expect administrative access . you may just browse the GUI for the app , decently - snap , and install it . It has a safe bundle accessibility than the apps mentioned above . On top of the canonical features , you also getpackage addition within the app . you may at once add packages without pushing or editing a file cabinet on GitHub . Ohh , I almost missed this one in the options which is why this should have been in the front . you may also tot your own FTP server address or repository from where Npackd can bring in data file . The monument address ask to be an XML file with the universal resource locator and package name .
In my prolonged testing , I notice a little glitch . When I uninstall an program , the app sometimes tries to randomly uninstall several program which were already uninstalled . The reparation is to re-start your automobile like any other Windows fix .
numeral of parcel : 1435
user interface : Command Line/ GUI
DownloadNPackd(free )
6. Ninite pro (GUI)
I am sure you would have heard of Ninite . It is a connection app that lets you club a bunch of software together in a individual executable file . And then just in one go , you are installing several apps . But how does that make Ninite a package manager ? It does n’t let you update apps right ! Well , you have Ninite professional for that starting at 1$/per exploiter per calendar month .
You need to file on the website and then you’re able to use the trial interlingual rendition for 15 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . The next footfall is to download the federal agent software system on all of your simple machine . As soon as you are done with that , the web app will show up those systems . What actually happens is that the web app communicates with the local agent software to retrieve the installed package datum which is why it is important to get it installed . you may also use the Ninite Pro classic standalone app which you should if you are contend with Active Directory . It has an redundant tab for locating motorcar in the internet . But the app feel sometime with lesser selection than the WWW app .
Once you are done with the setup , you’re able to install , uninstall , or update apps for the full system of rules in your web with a individual click . It ’s exceedingly smooth and seamless . I really can not emphasize much on the seamlessness Ninite Pro impart to the tabular array . If you are looking for a total connection package managing director , this is a good choice .
The only downside I feel is the lack of packages when compare with Chocolatey .
Number of packages : 1000 +
Interface : GUI ( web app only )
VisitNinite pro(paid 1$/per user/ per calendar month )
7. Chocolatey (cmd & GUI)
The name fathom amusing but you well take this app in earnest . Chocolatey has the largest app depositary and it hold up PowerShell , command ancestry , and even GUI . You name it and Chocolatey has that app . To install , you just need to type the pursuit in program line prompt and pip enter .
Once done , just type choco install chocolatey and it will add the GUI for you . you’re able to now just set up the packages from GUI or CLI , it ’s the same . The pro and business chance variable are dissimilar and they provide some additional features like deploying our own package , malware protection , Package hearer , etc .
A modest issue I would like to target out is that it only supports NuGet software package . So , if you have to deploy your own app you need to change over it into a NuGet package . Also , the GUI is half bake and not all the CLI feature are present in it .
act of software : 6336 ( loose source ) .
DownloadChocolatey(free )
Which Windows Package Manager should you choose?
Also Read : Best Windows Utilities You Should Be Using In 2019 .
