Microsoft launched the Windows Package Manager back in May 2020, bringing to Windows a command-line based package manager akin to what is on Linux. The offering – also known as winget – lets users quickly install a bunch of programs from a central repository that is hosted on GitHub. Users can also opt to use GUI-based offerings such as Winstall.app that features pre-set packages and more.
Now, the Windows Package Manager preview is receiving an update that brings with it a small yet significant feature; the ability to uninstall apps using the utility. The feature was shown off on Twitter by Demitrius Nelon, a member of the team that is building the package manager. The update to the preview version was finally submitted to the Microsoft Store as part of the App Installer package yesterday and has been confirmed by Nelon (spotted by WindowsCentral) as being available on the store now.
The update for the Windows Package Manager v0.2.10191 Preview should be in the Microsoft Store. Check for updates to "App Installer". It was published yesterday afternoon. It may take up to 24 hours before you to get the update.
— Demitrius Nelon (@DenelonMs) January 29, 2021
As noted by Nelon, it might be a while before preview version 0.2.10191 propagates to all users, so those that are unable to find the update might have to wait for a while. The ability to use the utility to install and uninstall apps greatly enhances the usability of the tool while also making it a viable alternative to other third-party offerings. If you wish to install the update manually, you can find the package on the GitHub releases page here.
It will be interesting to see if more developers leverage the open-source client to create such managers, and when existing apps such as Winstall.app add this functionality.