Best Package Managers for Windows of 2025

Chocolatey boasts the largest online repository for Windows packages, where each package contains all necessary components for managing specific software, neatly packaged together as a single deployment entity that can include installers, executables, zips, or scripts. Each submission to the repository undergoes a thorough moderation process, which includes automatic virus checks to ensure safety, and there is a strict policy against malicious and pirated software. Organizations frequently grapple with the difficulties of deploying and maintaining multiple software versions, but with Chocolatey, they can streamline and automate the management of their intricate Windows systems. As a result, our clients have reported significant reductions in labor, faster deployment times, enhanced reliability, and thorough reporting capabilities. By minimizing complexity, you can save valuable time and quickly adapt to the latest technologies and methodologies available. Embracing Chocolatey not only simplifies your processes but also empowers your organization to stay ahead in the fast-evolving tech landscape.

Helm simplifies the management of Kubernetes applications, while Helm charts allow users to define, install, and upgrade even the most intricate Kubernetes applications. These charts are not only user-friendly to create and publish, but they also facilitate easy versioning and sharing, making Helm an essential tool to eliminate redundant copy-and-paste efforts. By detailing even the most sophisticated applications, charts ensure consistent installation practices and act as a central authoritative source. They also ease the update process through in-place upgrades and customizable hooks. Furthermore, charts can be easily versioned and hosted on both public and private servers, allowing for flexibility in deployment. Should you need to revert to a previous version, the helm rollback command makes this process straightforward. Helm operates using a packaging format known as charts, which consist of a collection of files that outline a related group of Kubernetes resources. Notably, a single chart can manage the deployment of a simple element, such as a memcached pod, or orchestrate a comprehensive web application stack, including HTTP servers, databases, and caches, showcasing its versatility and power in the Kubernetes ecosystem. This capability to handle both simple and complex deployments makes Helm an indispensable tool for developers and operators alike.

With Ninite Pro, you can conveniently manage your Windows computers (from Windows 7 onward) through an intuitive web interface, simply by installing the lightweight Ninite Agent on your devices, which allows them to appear instantly for streamlined point-and-click management. This provides a seamless way to monitor all your machines in real-time interactively. The upgraded Ninite Pro features a layout where each device is displayed as a row and each application as a column, enabling you to easily select an individual cell to update, install, or remove an application on a specific machine. Alternatively, you can select multiple cells, entire rows, columns, or even all devices to execute bulk operations efficiently. Additionally, you have the option to observe the agents in action as they receive commands and relay updates back to Ninite's servers over a secure connection. This functionality ensures that a mobile laptop integrates seamlessly within the web interface, functioning just like any other machine. Furthermore, it allows for the issuance of install, update, or uninstall commands for devices that are offline, ensuring that these commands will be executed the next time the machines connect to the internet. Overall, Ninite Pro significantly enhances the management experience for IT administrators handling multiple Windows PCs.

NuGet serves as the package manager specifically designed for the .NET framework. With the help of NuGet client tools, developers can both create and utilize packages effectively. The NuGet Gallery acts as the primary repository where all package developers and users can access a wide variety of packages. If you’re unfamiliar with NuGet, you can begin with a guided tutorial that demonstrates how NuGet enhances your .NET development experience. You can explore countless packages generated and shared by fellow developers within the .NET ecosystem. If you’re interested in creating your very first NuGet package to contribute to the community, our step-by-step guide is an excellent starting point! The command-line utility, nuget.exe, is compatible with Mono 3.2 and later, allowing package creation on Mono platforms. While nuget.exe operates seamlessly on Windows, users have reported some issues when attempting to run it on Linux and OS X systems. To learn more about any given package, you should refer to its listing page on NuGet or any private feed. Each package's page on the NuGet platform features crucial information, including a detailed description, version history, and key usage statistics, empowering developers to make informed decisions. Additionally, the continuous updates to the package listings ensure that users have access to the latest enhancements and features available in the .NET community.

Yarn serves as a dual-purpose tool, functioning both as a package manager and a project manager. It caters to a diverse range of users, from hobbyists to large enterprises, whether you're engaged in quick projects or comprehensive monorepos. With Yarn, you can compartmentalize your project into various sub-components within a single repository. One of its key features is the assurance that an installation that works today will continue to perform consistently in the future. While Yarn may not address every issue you face, it provides a solid base for further solutions. We are committed to redefining the developer experience and questioning conventional practices. As an independent open-source initiative, Yarn is not affiliated with any corporation, and your support is crucial to our success. Yarn has a comprehensive understanding of your dependency tree and takes care of installing it on your disk, so why should Node be responsible for locating your packages? Instead, it is the responsibility of the package manager to notify the interpreter about where the packages are stored on the disk and to handle any relationships and versioning between those packages. This shift in responsibility could enhance the overall efficiency of project management in development environments. Ultimately, Yarn aims to streamline the development process, making it easier for developers to focus on building great software.

Nix offers a distinctive methodology for managing packages and configuring systems. It enables the creation of systems that are not only reproducible but also declarative and dependable. By building packages in isolation, Nix guarantees that they are reproducible and free from hidden dependencies, meaning a package that functions properly on one machine will operate identically on another. Additionally, Nix simplifies the sharing of development and build environments across various projects, regardless of the programming languages or tools involved. One of its key features is the prevention of one package's installation or upgrade from disrupting the functionality of others. This capability includes options to revert to earlier versions, ensuring that no package enters an inconsistent state during the upgrade process. By functioning as a purely functional package manager, Nix treats packages as immutable values similar to those in purely functional programming languages like Haskell, where they are constructed by functions devoid of side effects and remain unchanged once built. Consequently, this approach promotes greater reliability and consistency within software environments.

PowerShellGet is a module designed for managing PowerShell artifacts, enabling users to discover, install, update, and publish various items such as modules, DSC resources, role capabilities, and scripts. The cmdlet Find-Command is utilized to search for PowerShell commands, including cmdlets, aliases, functions, and workflows, by examining modules within registered repositories. When Find-Command locates a command, it returns a PSGetCommandInfo object, which can subsequently be piped into the Install-Module cmdlet for module installation. By using the Tag and RequiredVersion parameters, users can effectively identify DSC resources; Tag will provide the current version for all resources that possess the specified tag within the repository, while RequiredVersion requires the ModuleName parameter, making the Name parameter optional. These Name and ModuleName parameters serve to refine the output further. Additionally, employing the AllVersions parameter allows users to see all available versions of a DSC resource, enhancing the overall management of PowerShell artifacts. This structure empowers users to efficiently handle PowerShell resources and ensures they are utilizing the most relevant versions for their needs.

Scoop allows you to effortlessly install your favorite programs directly from the command line with minimal hassle. For terminal applications, it generates shims—essentially shortcuts for command-line use—stored in the ~\scoop\shims directory, which is included in your PATH. In contrast, when it comes to graphical applications, Scoop places shortcuts in a specific Start menu folder named 'Scoop Apps'. This organized approach ensures that packages are uninstalled cleanly, providing clarity on which tools are available in your PATH and Start menu. Moreover, this system helps maintain a tidy environment, making it easier for users to manage their applications effectively.

Choose a software application from the RuckZuck repository, and the platform will take care of both the downloading and installation processes for you. Additionally, RuckZuck is capable of identifying and updating previously installed software, even if it wasn't initially set up through their system. It's important to note that the RuckZuck repository itself does not keep binaries; instead, it provides links directing you to the original download sources. While using RuckZuck to install software, you do not receive a license for that software product. If you choose to upload new software, you can provide an email address, but this will be removed from the package once the software is approved for use. Furthermore, if a software product lacks an automatic download URL and its license permits the redistribution of binaries, RuckZuck can host those files for you to access. This ensures that users have a streamlined experience while managing their software needs.

For those who are just getting acquainted with the Windows Package Manager, it's a good idea to delve into the functionalities of this tool. The packages accessible to users can be found in the Windows Package Manager Community Repository. Currently, the client is compatible with Windows 10 version 1809 (build 17763) and newer. However, Windows Server 2019 is not supported due to the lack of Microsoft Store access and updated dependencies. While there might be a possibility of installation on Windows Server 2022, this should be approached as an experimental endeavor, as it is not officially supported, and users will need to handle the installation of dependencies manually. As such, users should proceed with caution when considering this option.

MSYS2 is a comprehensive suite of tools and libraries designed to create a user-friendly environment for developing, installing, and executing native software on Windows. It includes a command line interface known as mintty, a shell environment with bash, version control systems such as git and subversion, as well as utilities like tar and awk, alongside build systems including autotools, all built upon a modified Cygwin framework. While some of its core components are derived from Cygwin, MSYS2 primarily aims to establish a robust build environment for native Windows applications, minimizing reliance on Cygwin. The platform offers modern native builds for a variety of programming tools and languages such as GCC, mingw-w64, CPython, CMake, Meson, OpenSSL, FFmpeg, Rust, and Ruby, among others. To simplify the installation and updating of software packages, MSYS2 incorporates a package management system named Pacman, which should be recognizable to users familiar with Arch Linux. This efficient package management system allows users to easily manage their software, ensuring they have access to the latest versions and features available in the ecosystem.

This module is not undergoing any active development at the moment. We have ceased the acceptance of pull requests for this repository. OneGet has reached a stable condition and will only be provided with critical bug fixes from Microsoft going forward. Should you have any inquiries or encounter any unforeseen issues with this module, we encourage you to create an issue in the repository. Currently, PackageManagement is compatible with Windows, Linux, and MacOS. Additionally, we regularly release binary updates to PowerShellCore, ensuring that PackageManagement is included in the PowerShell Core distributions. It is important to stay updated on these developments for optimal functionality.

AppGet is an open-source package manager moderated by GitHub that emphasizes security, automation, and user-friendliness. All moderation processes are conducted through GitHub, allowing anyone to submit a pull request that is subsequently reviewed and approved by our dedicated team. Users can install, update, and remove any application found in our library, even those not initially installed via AppGet. Both our client code and application library are fully open-source and accessible on GitHub. Our AppGet bots tirelessly operate around the clock to ensure our application library remains current with the latest software versions. Applications listed in AppGet's library are always sourced directly from the original authors, eliminating the hassle of searching the internet for download links. Furthermore, AppGet employs metadata-only manifest files, streamlining the review process for manifests and enhancing overall security. This approach not only simplifies the workflow for users but also fosters a trustworthy environment for software management.

Npackd, which is pronounced as "unpacked," serves as a GPLv3 licensed application store and package manager designed specifically for Windows users. This platform simplifies the process of discovering and installing software, ensuring that your system remains current while also providing the option to remove applications that are no longer needed. The installation and uninstallation procedures are fully automated, allowing for silent or unattended operations without user intervention. To gain a clearer insight into its functionalities, you can view a brief video that explains how Npackd operates. With its user-friendly interface and automation capabilities, Npackd enhances the overall software management experience on Windows systems.

Introducing a decentralized software installation framework that operates seamlessly across Linux, Windows, and macOS platforms. This fully open-source solution allows users to launch applications with just a single click, enabling them to run programs without the need for prior installation. Users can manage all operations through either a command line or a graphical interface, ensuring complete control over their computing experience. The installation process is transparent, eliminating the uncertainty typically associated with software deployment. It supports the combination of both stable and experimental applications on a single system, fostering a versatile software environment. Anyone has the capability to distribute software, empowering developers to create a single package that functions across various platforms. This system allows publishing on any static web host, establishing a decentralized ecosystem devoid of any central authority. Moreover, it features robust dependency management and automatic updates, prioritizing security at every step. Installing an application does not bestow it with administrator privileges, and digital signatures are meticulously verified before any new software is executed. Applications can share libraries while maintaining a level of trust, which enhances security. This framework also introduces automatic self-updating mechanisms, staged rollouts, and numerous enhancements for desktop integration, thereby enriching the overall user experience. With such features, it redefines the way users interact with software on their devices.

The RPM Package Manager (RPM) serves as a robust system for managing software packages, enabling users to compile software from source into easily distributable formats, as well as facilitating the installation, updating, and removal of these packages; it also allows for the querying of extensive details about both installed and uninstalled software packages, along with the ability to verify their integrity and the overall software installation process. Metadata related to the package is contained within the RPM header, a binary data structure that organizes information in specific tags, each associated with a defined meaning and type. Although this metadata is not embedded within the header, it is essential for the code that interprets the header to understand these definitions. In this structure, tags are identified solely by their numerical representation, and each tag can either be a simple scalar type or an array comprising these types. While the type system does not strictly enforce it, the RPM code conventionally assumes that related tags contain the same number of entries, ensuring a consistent organization of data. This design contributes significantly to the effectiveness of the RPM system in managing and maintaining software packages.

WPKG serves as an automated solution for deploying, upgrading, and removing software on Windows systems. This tool enables the transfer of software packages, including Service Packs, hotfixes, and application installations, from a centralized server like Samba or Active Directory to multiple workstations efficiently. Operating as a background service, it facilitates silent installations without requiring user intervention. The program supports a variety of installation formats such as MSI, InstallShield, and Inno Setup, along with .exe, .bat, and .cmd scripts, eliminating the need for repackaging. As an open-source application, WPKG adds significant functionality to your Samba or Active Directory environment by streamlining software management tasks like installation, updates, and removal. Additionally, it allows for the execution of custom scripts, enabling tasks such as time synchronization, printer settings configuration, permission adjustments, and registry modifications on your workstations, thus enhancing overall system management capabilities. Ultimately, WPKG proves to be a versatile tool that can simplify IT management processes and improve operational efficiency.

The Fortran Package Manager (fpm) serves as both a package manager and a build system specifically designed for Fortran. It boasts a wide array of available packages, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem of both general-purpose and high-performance code, enhancing accessibility for users. Aimed at improving the overall experience for Fortran developers, fpm simplifies the process of building Fortran programs or libraries, executing tests, running examples, and managing dependencies for other Fortran projects. Its design draws inspiration from Rust’s Cargo, creating an intuitive user interface. Additionally, fpm has a long-term vision focused on fostering the growth of modern Fortran applications and libraries. One notable feature of fpm is its plugin system, which facilitates the extension of its capabilities. Among these plugins is the fpm-search project, which enables users to query the package registry effortlessly, and because it is built with fpm, installation on any system is straightforward. This synergy not only streamlines the development process but also encourages collaboration among developers within the Fortran community.

Cargo serves as the package manager for Rust, handling tasks such as downloading dependencies, compiling packages, creating distributable versions, and uploading them to crates.io, which is the Rust community's designated package registry. Contributions to this book can be made through GitHub. To begin using Cargo, you need to install both Cargo and Rust, then create your first crate. Through the command-line interface, you will be able to interact with Cargo easily. A Rust crate can be classified as either a library or an executable, known respectively as a library crate or a binary crate. Generally speaking, the term crate can denote the source code of the project or the compiled output it generates. Additionally, it may also refer to a compressed package obtained from a registry. You can create crates that depend on external libraries available on crates.io, other registries, git repositories, or even local subdirectories. Moreover, there is an option to temporarily change the location of a dependency, providing flexibility in your project management. This versatility makes Cargo an essential tool for Rust developers.

Introducing a remarkably rapid and advanced package manager for Windows, Novus stands out from its competitors through its innovative use of multithreaded downloads that enhance download speeds by up to eight times. In addition to its incredible speed, Novus excels at installing and uninstalling packages simultaneously, ensuring maximum efficiency. Furthermore, every package within Novus is consistently monitored, guaranteeing that they remain up to date and are trusted by the user community. With its cutting-edge approach and commitment to reliability, Novus is set to revolutionize the way users manage software on their Windows systems. This blend of speed and trustworthiness makes Novus a standout choice for anyone looking to streamline their package management experience.

Apache Ivy™ serves as a widely-used dependency manager that emphasizes both flexibility and ease of use. Discover its distinct enterprise capabilities, user feedback, and the ways it can enhance your build process! Ivy operates as a tool designed for the management of project dependencies, which includes recording, tracking, resolving, and reporting. It is not confined to any specific methodology or framework, allowing it to be highly adaptable to various dependency management and build workflows. Although it can function independently, Ivy is particularly effective in conjunction with Apache Ant, offering a variety of robust Ant tasks that range from resolving dependencies to generating reports and facilitating publication. Among its many powerful attributes, users often highlight its flexibility, seamless integration with Ant, and an efficient engine for managing transitive dependencies. Additionally, Ivy is an open-source tool, distributed under a permissive Apache License, making it accessible for a wide audience. This combination of features positions Ivy as a valuable asset for developers seeking to streamline their dependency management processes.

Conda serves as an open-source solution for managing packages, dependencies, and environments across various programming languages, including Python, R, Ruby, Lua, Scala, Java, JavaScript, C/C++, Fortran, and others. This versatile system operates seamlessly on multiple platforms such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and z/OS. With the ability to swiftly install, execute, and upgrade packages alongside their dependencies, Conda enhances productivity. It simplifies the process of creating, saving, loading, and switching between different environments on your device. Originally designed for Python applications, Conda's capabilities extend to packaging and distributing software for any programming language. Acting as an efficient package manager, it aids users in locating and installing the packages they require. If you find yourself needing a package that depends on an alternate Python version, there’s no need to switch to a different environment manager; Conda fulfills that role as well. You can effortlessly establish an entirely separate environment to accommodate that specific version of Python, while still utilizing your standard version in your default environment. This flexibility makes Conda an invaluable tool for developers working with diverse software requirements.

just-install is a straightforward package installer designed for the Windows operating system. It allows users to effortlessly install various packages, select a specific architecture for installation, view an extensive list of available packages, and access helpful support, all through easy-to-use command-line instructions. This simplicity makes it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced users alike.

Master Packager is a tool designed for application packaging that allows users to create and modify Microsoft Windows Installer (MSI) files, as well as transform other installation formats into MSI. Our goal is to simplify the application packaging process, making it quick and cost-effective for anyone, from independent packaging professionals to both small businesses and large enterprises. * Speed - The tool operates seamlessly without showing any "not responding" messages, facilitating effortless modifications to large MSIs and smooth repackaging. * Quality - With standardized naming conventions, ICE validation, and proper mapping for .dll/.exe file registrations, this tool minimizes human errors and enhances overall quality. * User-Friendly - The intuitive interface enables both novice and experienced packagers to begin creating packages right away without a steep learning curve. * Automation - The processes of capturing, building, and applying templates can be entirely automated, allowing for a fully streamlined repackaging experience. * Cost-Effective - Master Packager offers comparable or superior value, potentially saving users up to tenfold on their packaging expenses, making it an economical choice for all. In essence, Master Packager is designed to revolutionize the application packaging landscape by ensuring efficiency, reliability, and affordability.