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Export and Reinstall Your Apps with winget export / import

Snapshot installed applications into a JSON file and batch-reinstall them on a fresh Windows setup.

WindowsbackuppackageswingetLow risk
Run winget export -o apps.json to save your app list, then winget import -i apps.json on the new machine to install everything.

01Command

Command
$ winget export -o apps.json
winget import -i apps.json

02What it does

winget export records every installed program that has a winget package ID, writing package IDs and versions into apps.json. On a new PC (or after a reset), winget import reads that file and installs each package in sequence — a one-command migration for the toolchain. Use --include-versions on export if exact versions matter.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
RequirementsWindows 10/11 with App Installer (winget) installed; import runs installers for every package in the file.
!Warning: Apps installed outside winget's known sources (e.g. some portable tools) are skipped — compare with winget list and install leftovers manually.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • winget export command
    Microsoft Learn · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents winget export writing installed packages to a JSON file and pairing it with winget import for installation on another machine.

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: Developer

06Related solutions

Find Outdated Apps with winget list --upgrade-available
Windowsupdatespackageswinget

List installed applications that have a newer version available, then upgrade selectively.

Low risk ✓ 2026-09-17