How to export and import apps with winget on Windows 10

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The Windows Package Manager (winget) command-line tool includes “export” and “import” options to create a list of apps currently installed on your computer using a JSON file, which you can then use to bulk install them on a new setup or device.

On Windows 10, winget is a tool to save you time and frustration by automating the process of searching, downloading, installing, upgrading, and configuring software on your computer. The utility is compatible with Windows 10 version 1809 through version 21H1 and higher, but you may need to install it manually depending on when you are using this guide.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to use the Windows Package Manager tool to export and import apps on Windows 10.

Export installed apps to JSON file using winget on Windows 10

To export a list of installed apps with the winget command, use these steps:

1. Open Start on Windows 10.

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2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to export a list of installed apps to a JSON file with winget and press Enter:

   winget export -o PATH\TO\EXPORT.JSON

   In the command, replace PATH\TO\EXPORT.JSON for the path and file name to export the list of installed apps. You can also append the --include-versions option at the end of the command to include the version of the app you want to import.

   This example exports the installed apps into an exported.json file: winget export -o C:\files\exported.json

   winget export -o C:\files\exported.json

   

   winget export command

Once you complete the steps, the command will create a list in a JSON file containing all the app installed on your computer, which you can then use to bulk install the same apps in a new installation of Windows 10 or on a different device. However, the command will only export those apps that are available in the Windows Package Manager repository. Apps available through the Microsoft Store or third-party sources won’t be exported.

Import apps from JSON file using winget on Windows 10

To use the winget command to import apps from an JSON file previously created with the export command, use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to export a list of installed apps to a JSON file with winget and press Enter:

   winget import -i PATH\TO\IMPORT.JSON

   In the command, replace PATH\TO\IMPORT.JSON for the path and file name that includes the exported information. You can also append the --ignore-versions option at the end of the command to install the latest version of the apps.

   This example imports and install apps listed inside the exported.json file:

   winget import -i C:\files\exported.json

   

   winget import command

After you complete the steps, the command will automatically check the list, download, and install all the apps. If the app is already installed, then the command will skip the installation, and continue with the rest of the JSON list.