Windows Package Manager (WinGet)

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Get the official Microsoft Windows Package Manager, a utility meant to help users search, display, and install different packages on their PCs, using simple commands

Windows Package Manager or WinGet is the official Microsoft management tool for Windows 10 that allows installing app's components, updating packages, and managing applications' sources.

The basic mechanisms of WinGet

The Windows Package Manager is an open-source construct and is free to download and use. It consists of a variety of tools and components that can help you retrieve packages and other programs. For example, you can find four different packages, of different versions, of the same program.
When creating complex development ecosystems, sometimes you need to have available, in separately-created environments (or in virtual environments, separated from the general scope), multiple versions of the same utility. Why? Because different versions of the same program could have distinct compatibility traits, configuration methods, and distinct dependencies. WinGet enables quick access to methods that help you configure these environments a lot easier.

Installation, usage, and prerequisites

Needless to say, the Windows Package Manager needs a Windows OS and the .NET Framework. You can access the manager's functionalities by installing it or by compiling it. If you choose the latter, dedicated .NET development tools and Visual Studio Code 2019 are mandatory.
However, via the normal installation process, WinGet preview is added to your system in seconds (using the dedicated installer). As a Windows user, you can opt for the Command Prompt or the PowerShell interface. Both command-line tools allow navigating the system and performing different sets of actions. Any of them allows installing, searching, and updating applications. And every time you try executing WinGet-related commands, use the dedicated keyword (e.g. winget install zoom).

Conclusion

All things considered, Windows Package Manager or WinGet is a system helper that can be useful for any user. Not only does it have simple commands, it also offers comprehensive instructions so you can use it even if you lack knowledge about shell/scripting languages. Just type 'help' and see the available, self-explanatory commands (and their descriptions) — install, show, source, search, hash, validate, settings, and features.