import command (winget)

The import command of the winget tool imports a JSON file of apps to install. The import command combined with the export command allows you to batch install applications on your PC.

The import command is often used to share your developer environment or build up your PC image with your favorite apps.

Usage

winget import [-i] <import-file> [<options>]

Arguments

The following arguments are available.

Argument	Description
-i,--import-file	JSON file describing the packages to install.

Options

The options allow you to customize the import experience to meet your needs.

Option	Description
--ignore-unavailable	Suppresses errors if the app requested is unavailable.
--ignore-versions	Ignores versions specified in the JSON file and installs the latest available version.
--no-upgrade	Skips upgrade if an installed version already exists.
--accept-package-agreements	Used to accept the license agreement, and avoid the prompt.
--accept-source-agreements	Used to accept the source license agreement, and avoid the prompt.
-?,--help	Shows help about the selected command.
--wait	Prompts the user to press any key before exiting.
--logs,--open-logs	Open the default logs location.
--verbose, --verbose-logs	Used to override the logging setting and create a verbose log.
--disable-interactivity	Disable interactive prompts.

JSON Schema

The driving force behind the import command is the JSON file. You can find the schema for the JSON file in the Windows Package Manager Client repo on GitHub.

The JSON file includes the following hierarchy.

Entry	Description
Sources	The sources application manifests come from.
Packages	The collection of packages to install.
PackageIdentifier	The Windows Package Manager package identifier used to specify the package.
Version	[optional] The specific version of the package to install.

Importing files

When the Windows Package Manager imports the JSON file, it attempts to install the specified applications in a serial fashion. If the application is not available or the application is already installed, it will notify the user of that case.

In the previous example, the Microsoft.WindowsTerminal was already installed. Therefore the import command skipped the installation.