Had Windows been ignoring you each time you tried to summon WinGet? That exceptionally irritating “WinGet is not recognized” error looming? Fear not! This guide cruises the error down into the digital abyss and primes WinGet for action, and you will be installing and managing apps like a pro from PowerShell, Command Prompt, or any interpreter that tickles your fancy.
1. Reregister or Repair WinGet
WinGet has become a diva? Then that interjection of power that is a bug in your particular Windows Package Manager installation is the culprit. Thankfully, a quick re-registration is all it takes to cast out the error demons and put WinGet back on its high horse again. It is like a digital reboot, setting everything clean and right!
Prepare to unleash PowerShell! Hit the Windows key and start typing PowerShell. When the choice appears on top of the search list, right-click and select Run as Administrator. With that pathetic prompt in your way, just copy-paste the below spell to get it working.
“` Add
–
AppxPackage
–
RegisterByFamilyName
–
MainPackage Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller_8wekyb3d8bbwe “`
“Basically, this command jumpstarts the whole work of WinGet by forcing Windows to re-establish its connection with the Microsoft App Installer, hence giving it a fresh start from the source.”
Instead of a full reinstall, you can repair the existing WinGet package using the following command.
“` Add
–
AppxPackage
–
RegisterByFamilyName
–
MainPackage Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller_8wekyb3d8bbwe “`
If the Windows Package Manager is acting up, a simple-to-do WinGet re-registration will solve the problem. Done properly, it fixes any broken shortcut, finds any missing dependency, and removes any corrupted registration entry, thereby restoring perfect harmony in your Windows life.
Allow me to remind you: online hunting for software is passé! WinGet is the command-line superhero of the Windows Package Manager ecosystem here to mediate in installations and updates.
2. Enable App Execution Alias for Windows Package Manager
In the command-line context, the name WinGet is the app execution alias for Windows Package Manager.
App execution aliases: Secret shortcuts can be thought of as special keys, each one opening a door to a particular application from your command line. If one breaks, your command line might suddenly seem mute in trying to communicate with WinGet. Beyond the accidental disabling of this Windows feature, cleanup tools running beyond their remit may also sabotage such shortcuts, leaving the system unable to find WinGet.
This is a Windows Package Manager secret! Instant run of favorite apps from command line? Simply runWin+Iat a blink. Proceed toAppsand then in theAdvanced app settingslies the mysteriousApp execution aliases. Configure them and have a good time!
If the toggle forWindows Package Manager ClientisOff, turn the toggle backOn.
Tip : if you’re relatively new to PowerShell, learn these essential commands.
3. Verify You Have the Latest Version of App Installer
Bothered about installing software? WinGet is your Windows sidekick for easy app management. It’s beholden to App Installer for its functionality, but sometimes even heroes falter. If App Installer is erratic, WinGet errors can rain on the parade. Quick fix: go to the Microsoft Store and Supercharge App Installer with a fresh update. That’s it resolved!
Grab the Application Installer! Just click on that bright blue “Download” button on the official page. Your browser will then ask where you want to save this MSIXBUNDLE file; choose wisely!
“Already got App Installer? Excellent! HitReinstallto ensure everything’s running smoothly and snag any sneaky missing bits.”
Otherwise, you will see an option to update through Microsoft Store.
Did you know? WinGet can be used to download a web browser on Windows without using another browser.
4. Reinstall App Installer from GitHub
Troubles with Winget? A fresh start is all it requires. Sometimes, if all else with an App Installer update fails, try uninstalling and installing again to get those Winget gremlins away. Follow through:
Go to the Windows Package Manager GitHub page.
Scroll down to theAssetssection, and click on the Desktop App Installer’s MSIXBundle file to download it.
Double-click the file you just downloaded, and click on Reinstall in the pop-up window.
- Follow the rest of the instructions to complete reinstalling App Installer.
FYI : be sure to check out this list of Windows apps you should uninstall immediately.
5. Create a Path Environment Variable for Winget
Having faced the dreaded “WinGet” error? Take your detective tools! Windows needs to see the PATH variable, which is a directory roadmap linking to where the command executables actually reside. If that secret cell does not feature on the map, Windows just throws its hands in the air, resulting in that annoying error. PATH is basically an exclusive list where WinGet needs to be placed for entry.
To fix this, you’ll have to manually add the missing directory to the PATH variable:
Bring about the magical Windows Run box; hit theWin+Rkeys. Once there, mouth the words:systempropertiesadvanced, thankfulness be given to thisOKbutton for its final touch of magic. The System Properties window now should be in front of you.
Select theAdvancedtab, then click onEnvironment Variables.
Select thePathvariable, then click onEditto open theEdit environment variable window.
Copy the following file path:%UserProfile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps.
Setting up an application environment? Go toEdit environment variable. ClickNewunder thisEdit environment variable. Now, add that path you copied earlier the spirit of “drop the mic.” Finish up by clickingOKtwice. Now the changes are set, and your app stands ready for action!
Related : check out a complete list of Windows environment variables.
6. Enable App Package Deployment Settings in Local Group Policy Editor
On a Windows Pro/Enterprise device, open Group Policy by typinggpedit.mscin the Run command.
Navigate to the following path:Computer Configuration->Administrative Templates->Windows Components->App Package Deployment.
Good to know : learn the differences between Command Prompt and PowerShell.
7. Repair App Installer Cache Using Various Methods
Is your application behaving oddly? Give it some freshness by clearing its cache! Here’s how: Into your Control Panel, browse to Programs->Programs and Features. Is “App Installer” lurking in the list? Perfect!
If you find the program listed, right-click and chooseRepair(orUninstall, then reinstall from GitHub as shown earlier.
WinGet throwing a fit? Nuke that MS Store cache for me! Unleash Run (Windows key + R), typewsreset.exe, and return. Done? The WinGet commands now should be skipping to your racket.
8. Reset Your Windows PC to Factory Defaults
When all other troubleshooting options stand exhausted, it implies some fundamentally rooted OS problem is at play. Imagine it like spring cleaning-out digital-style: restoring Windows to the factory defaults somewhat cleans up problematic settings that could be working against Winget. Nevertheless, be sure to back up your important files before you go in for a reset! It is like saving your digital memories prior to a great reset; since this will wipe all of those memories away in the end, make sure to back up beforehand.
Tip : learn which option is the best when doing a Windows reset: a cloud download or local reinstall.
Get Winget Working Again on Your PC
Is Winget refusing to be amicable in your Command Prompt or PowerShell? Maybe a broken winget can obstruct one’s smooth command-line flow, leaving Windows with a bitter aftertaste. Don’t let a rogue utility tug at the reins and make them drag you along; reestablish command-line control and resurrect winget with the following troubleshooting steps!
If you’re looking for an alternative to Winget, try using Chocolatey to install various applications on your Windows PC.
Thanks for reading How to Fix Winget Is Not Recognized on Windows
