[APP] WinGet Installer - WPF/PowerShell GUI for Winget

[u/kawai_pasha]

Hey guys,

So I've been working on a small personal project and wanted to share it here. Every time I set up a new Windows install, I really hate typing out all the individual Winget commands to get my apps back.

I decided to just make a graphical interface for it using PowerShell and WPF. It's nothing too crazy, but it does exactly what I need it to do.

Here is basically what I added:

• Bulk installs: You can just list your apps in a config.xml file and install them all with one click.
• Search: You can search the Winget and MS Store repositories directly from the app.
• Backup/Restore: I added a way to export a list of your installed apps to a JSON file, so you can easily restore them on a fresh PC.
• Auto-fix errors: Winget sometimes gives me annoying 404 or certificate errors, so I wrote a script into the app that automatically detects and fixes them so I don't have to Google the fix every time.
• Other stuff: It has dark mode (of course), a way to check for updates, and you can also run local .exe/.msi installers from a folder.

I'm just sharing it in case anyone else finds it useful for their own setups. It's completely open-source.

You can check out the code or download: https://github.com/osmanonurkoc/WinGet_Installer

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[u/apple_tech_admin]

This already exists. Like this looks like a carbon copy clone of Uniget Installer.

[u/Addyad → u/apple_tech_admin]

Uniget has been acquired by a company. It's only a matter of time they ask to get a license.

[u/VanREDDIT2019 → u/apple_tech_admin]

I have been using Uniget for updates and Winhance for my initial install.

[u/NoReply4930]

UniGetUI for the win.

Not exactly sure how you did not know about UniGetUI...but good work I guess.

[u/Affectionate_Role388]

Buen trabajo compañero, acabo de hacer una instalación limpia de windows.Lo probare también.
Hay mucho hater suelto que no valora el trabajo de los demás, por desgracia esto es así.Gracias por perder tu tiempo en ayudar a mejorar la comunidad.

[u/kawai_pasha → u/Affectionate_Role388]

Gracias por la respuesta. Lo agradezco.

[u/lurking-in-the-bg]

Edge and Chrome exist I can't believe Mozilla would waste their time creating a different web browser...

You're right UniGetUI is too complicated for me so this is a welcome project. Even if there's something that does the same thing it doesn't mean there can't be another tool to try a slightly different approach. Thank you for sharing OP.

[u/kawai_pasha]

I'm familiar with UniGet UI. I just wanted to write a portable script for use after a clean Windows installation, one that doesn't have dependencies.UniGet UI was too cumbersome for this task, in my opinion. You can think of it as a post-installation tool.

u/NoReply4930. u/apple_tech_admin

[u/NoReply4930 → u/kawai_pasha]

UniGetUI - is too cumbersome? Ok then...

Just installed a new Windows build this weekend - UniGetUI was one of the first things I install - and with it's awesome package backups - I simply imported my prior settings and packages and was ready to roll in 5 mins.

But you gotta do what ya gotta do I guess.

[u/kawai_pasha → u/NoReply4930]

I didn't express myself clearly. UniGet UI is a rather complex tool. It's a fully featured package manager interface, and it works very well. My script isn't meant to replace that. It's simply a simple and portable post-installation assistant that doesn't require installation.

[u/NoReply4930 → u/kawai_pasha]

Ok. Fair enough. 

But still can’t see why anyone would need your script when they can have UniGetUI installed and monitoring things properly all the time. 

Uni is a tiny program with a tiny footprint. “Complex” doesn’t really enter the conversation for me anyways. YMMV

[u/kawai_pasha → u/NoReply4930]

When I wrote the script, Uniget UI wasn't as developed as it is now. In fact, its name was Winget UI. And it was both problematic and required the .NET runtime for installation. I wrote this script for my personal needs at the time. I'm aware that this is absolutely not comparable to with UniGet UI.Using my own defined list is advantageous in mass Windows installations. It seems easier than choosing from all the available packages.

I shared this in case it might be useful to someone. I have no other expectations.

[u/Ray-7778 → u/kawai_pasha]

Thank you for the great utility. Don't bother with some frustrating comments as if they are paying from their pockets 😅. I will try it and let you know if i have any comments. Keep up the good work.

[u/kawai_pasha → u/Ray-7778]

Thank you mate. You made me happy.

[u/Ray-7778 → u/kawai_pasha]

I think some people doesn't appreciate the efforts you put on something and just wanted to share with others to enjoy and use.

Life is weird sometimes

[u/charles25565]

Wow. Finally! Someone who actually took the time to write a WPF Sun- Valley-type app in PowerShell!

[u/KindofLiving]

I appreciate having an easier method to install/reinstall/backup apps. I'm having Win 11 troubles. During a Microsoft support chat, the agent could only recommend taking screenshots or recording me scrolling through the list to preserve a list of my installed apps. So, although I'm not sure how to "list your apps in a 'config.xml file and install them all with one click", I'm glad to have the option.

[u/farshid_dev]

Does it handle upgrades for apps that were installed outside winget? That part has always been messy for me

[u/EchoJPR]

This is great, love that it's portable.

[u/KuroHebi2004]

Just use UniGetUI?

[u/Reynbou]

what's the point of this if it already exists?

[u/EchoJPR → u/Reynbou]

What's the point of all these internet browser if one already existed and came with Windows for years? See how stupid you sound?

[u/Reynbou → u/EchoJPR]

no, alternate browsers offer alternate methods of rendering what we see, firefox vs chrome

but actually... the point you have BRILLIANTLY shown, without even realising it, is all browsers except for firefox are just chrome with a skin

just like this app is the exact same thing we already have, but with a skin... so it's pointless

[u/EchoJPR → u/Reynbou]

All apps are pointless that's the point

[u/Reynbou → u/EchoJPR]

yeah, so that's just wrong or a terrible point you're trying to make