How to update all applications in Windows with the winget upgrade –all command

Updating all the programs installed on your computer can be a tedious task, especially if you have many different applications and want to keep them up to date. Forget about opening each tool one by one and searching for the 'check for updates' tab. There's a much faster, simpler, and more efficient way by leveraging the power of the Windows command prompt.

The arrival of WinGet revolutionized software management in Windows, bringing Microsoft users almost on par with Linux users in terms of ease of use . Now, there's no need to navigate dozens of websites or rely exclusively on the Microsoft Store: with a single command, you can install, update, or remove applications without complications. Below, I'll explain how to get the most out of the `winget upgrade -all` command to keep your computer up-to-date and secure.

What is WinGet and what is it used for?

WinGet is the official Windows package manager, a command-line tool designed to find, install, update, and remove software from your PC or server . Similar to popular package managers like apt on Linux or Homebrew on macOS, WinGet centralizes software control, making administration much simpler and more efficient.

Pre-installed on Windows 11 and available on recent versions of Windows 10 and Server 2025 , WinGet integrates into the system through the App Installer component, which is updated via the Microsoft Store or directly from the release portal for more advanced systems.

Additionally, for those who want to try out the latest features, it's possible to install preview versions through the Windows Insider Program or by downloading test packages from GitHub. In environments like the Windows Sandbox, WinGet can also be installed by following a few extra steps using PowerShell , making it easier to manage even on isolated virtual machines.

Why is it important to keep applications updated?

Regularly updating your applications on Windows offers key advantages: performance improvements, new features, and, above all, enhanced security . Outdated versions can contain vulnerabilities that put your data and system performance at risk. However, managing updates manually can be a waste of time, especially if you're handling dozens of programs from various sources.

This is where WinGet comes in , allowing you to update all your installed software with a single command, regardless of whether it came from the Microsoft Store or not. This streamlines maintenance and drastically reduces the risk of oversights or infections from unsafe versions.

How the winget upgrade –all command works

The `winget upgrade -all` command is designed to identify all applications on your system that can be updated and install them automatically . It is especially useful for those who want to avoid the hassle of regular software maintenance.

The basic syntax is very simple:

winget upgrade --all

When you run this command in the console ( CMD or PowerShell), WinGet analyzes the list of installed applications, compares the versions, and automatically downloads and installs available updates . If you have many apps or some with large updates, the process may take a little longer, but everything happens automatically in the background.

Main arguments and options for Winget Upgrade

WinGet allows you to further customize the update behavior with a variety of arguments and options, making it suitable for both home users and system administrators . Some of these parameters are essential for fine-tuning the process:

• -q, –query: Perform specific searches for an application to update.
• -m, –manifest: Allows you to run the update from a local manifest (YAML file).
• –id: Limit the update to an app using its unique identifier.
• -yam: Updates only the application that matches the specified name.
• -v, –version: Allows you to install a specific version, not necessarily the most recent one.
• -s, –source: Restricts the search to a specific packet source.
• -e, –exact: Forces exact matches in a case-sensitive manner.
• -h, –silent: Perform updates without displaying windows or messages.
• –purge: Delete residual files after updating apps portable.
• -r, –recurse, –all: Update all possible packages, including dependent ones.
• –uninstall-previous: Uninstall older versions after upgrading.

With these parameters, you can update a single app, choose the exact version, automate the process for multiple devices, and even purge unwanted leftovers and keep your system clean.

Steps to update all your applications with WinGet

The most efficient way to take advantage of WinGet is to follow these simple steps:

1. 1. Open the command prompt (CMD) or PowerShell with administrator permissionsSimply type 'cmd' or 'powershell' into the Start menu, right-click, and select 'Run as administrator.'
   2. List all your installed applications and their possible updates by typing:

winget upgrade

1. 1. If you want to update a single program, use its name or identifier:

winget upgrade NOMBRE_DEL_PROGRAMA

1. 1. To update absolutely all of them, run:

winget upgrade --all

The command will analyze installed apps, download and apply each update automatically, displaying the progress on screen . If any application requires special permissions or specific actions, WinGet will notify you so you can authorize them or perform the necessary steps.

What applications and formats does WinGet support?

One of WinGet's biggest advantages is its compatibility with apps from both the Microsoft Store and other sources . You won't be limited to just UWP apps or those published in the official store. Furthermore, it supports a wide variety of installers and software formats.

• .exe (including silent and progress installs)
• .zip
• .inno
• .nsi
• . MSI
• .wix
• .appx
• .msix
• Laptops

This allows for the management and updating of everything from traditional programs to modern universal applications, centralizing management and making life easier for both individual users and IT professionals.

Comparing WinGet with other methods and tools

Until recently, updating multiple apps on Windows was a real ordeal: you either did it manually or relied on third-party solutions with less robust integration . Now, with WinGet, the experience is much more straightforward and powerful. If you're coming from the Linux world, you'll see similarities with systems like apt-get, and if you've used tools like Chocolatey, you'll notice that WinGet has become an official and increasingly comprehensive alternative.

Unlike the Microsoft Store, WinGet encompasses not only apps published on that platform, but also countless third-party utilities and professional tools . And while programs like CCleaner or SUMo exist for monitoring versions and checking for updates, none offer the integration, flexibility, and native automation that WinGet provides in the latest versions of Microsoft's operating system.

Alternative options if you don't want to use the console

For those who prefer a graphical interface, the Microsoft Store also allows you to update all downloaded apps in bulk . Simply open the store, go to the 'Library' section, and click on 'Get updates'. However, this only covers UWP applications, so traditional apps will need to be updated through other means (that's where WinGet shines).

If you're looking for more advanced and customizable options, there are third-party tools like Chocolatey , geared towards technical users and businesses, that allow you to install and update programs using scripts in CMD or PowerShell. Additionally, apps like SUMo or CCleaner can help detect outdated software, although their level of automation and format support isn't as extensive as WinGet's.

Advantages and limitations of updating from the CMD console with WinGet

The advantages of using `winget upgrade -all` are numerous: you save time, automate processes, reduce errors caused by carelessness, and maintain greater control over installed software . It's ideal for advanced users who want speed and efficiency, and for administrators managing multiple systems. Furthermore, you can incorporate the command into .BAT scripts or scheduled tasks to eliminate the need for maintenance.

However, it's not all perfect . Not all applications are yet available in the WinGet repository; some programs may require additional steps or not support silent installation. It's also possible that an update might fail or require manual intervention. Therefore, it's still advisable to review the final result or supplement with other methods if you have very specific software.

Another limitation is that, from time to time, you might come across an app whose new version you're not interested in due to compatibility changes, or incompatibilities with your hardware or system, so it's a good idea to do a quick check before giving the absolute green light to the 'all' command.

Usage recommendations and considerations for administrators

If you're going to use WinGet in a business environment or as an administrator, it's recommended to always run it in elevated mode (with administrator privileges) . This will prevent potential permission issues and ensure that all applications can be installed or updated correctly. However, exercise extreme caution and make sure you trust the sources of the programs.

Some interesting options for advanced scenarios include automatically accepting license agreements, defining registration paths, or forcing updates to specific versions . It's also possible to export and import app lists, ideal for quickly setting up new devices or cloning work environments.

A very useful trick is to consult the complete help for the command at any time by typing:

winget upgrade --help

This will show you all the arguments and options available in the installed version, as well as any parameters unique to your WinGet edition.

Related articles:

How to use Winget to install and manage programs in Windows

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.