export command (winget)

The export command of the winget tool exports a JSON file of apps to a specified file. The export command uses JSON as the format. You can find the schema for the JSON file used by winget in the Windows Package Manager Client repo on GitHub.

The export combined with the import command allows you to batch install applications on your PC.

The export command is often used to create a file that you can share with other developers, or for use when restoring your build environment.

Usage

winget export [-o] <output> [<options>]

Arguments

The following arguments are available.

Argument	Description
-o,--output	Path to the JSON file to be created

Options

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

Option	Description
-s, --source	[Optional] Specifies a source to export files from. Use this option when you only want files from a specific source.
--include-versions	[Optional] Includes the version of the app currently installed. Use this option if you want a specific version. By default, unless specified, import will use latest.
--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 export 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.

Exporting files

When the Windows Package Manager exports the JSON file, it attempts to export all the applications installed on the PC. If the winget export command is not able to match an application to an application from an available source, the export command will show a warning.

Note

Matching an application depends on metadata in the manifest from a configured source, and metadata in Add / Remove Programs in Windows based on the package installer.

After the export is complete, you can edit the resulting JSON file in your favorite editor. You can remove apps you do not wish to import in the future.

Related topics

• Use the winget tool to install and manage applications