Winget Not Working on Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It

Is winget, the Windows Package Manager, not working on your Windows 11 system? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many users have encountered issues with winget, preventing them from installing, updating, or managing software via the command line. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common causes and provide step-by-step solutions to get winget back up and running.

Common Causes of Winget Issues

Before diving into the solutions, let’s identify some potential reasons why winget might be malfunctioning:

  • Outdated App Installer: Winget relies on the App Installer, a core Windows component. An outdated version can lead to compatibility issues.
  • Incorrect Path Variables: Winget needs to be properly included in your system’s PATH environment variable.
  • Corrupted Winget Installation: The winget installation itself might be corrupted.
  • Conflicting Software: In rare cases, other software can interfere with winget’s operation.
  • Permissions Issues: Insufficient permissions can prevent winget from executing properly.
  • System File Corruption: Underlying system file issues can impact winget.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Winget

Here are several methods to troubleshoot and fix winget issues on Windows 11. Work through these steps in order, testing winget after each to see if the problem is resolved.

1. Update the App Installer

An outdated App Installer is a frequent culprit. Here’s how to update it:

  1. Open the Microsoft Store.
  2. Click on the Library icon in the bottom-left corner.
  3. Click Get updates to check for available updates.
  4. If an update for App Installer is available, install it.
  5. Restart your computer after the update is complete.

2. Verify Winget is in the System PATH

If winget’s directory isn’t in your system’s PATH, Windows won’t be able to find and execute the command. Here’s how to check and add it:

  1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter to open System Properties.
  2. Click on the Advanced tab.
  3. Click on Environment Variables.
  4. In the System variables section, find the Path variable and select it.
  5. Click Edit.
  6. Check if the following path exists: %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\WindowsApps
  7. If it’s missing, click New and add it. Make sure it’s placed before any other package manager paths, such as Chocolatey or Scoop, to ensure winget is prioritized.
  8. Click OK on all windows to save the changes.
  9. Restart your computer.

3. Reinstall Winget

Reinstalling winget can resolve issues caused by corrupted installation files.

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).
  2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
  3. Search for App Installer.
  4. Click the three dots next to App Installer and select Uninstall.
  5. Restart your computer.
  6. Reinstall App Installer from the Microsoft Store. Search for “App Installer” and click “Install”.

4. Reset or Repair App Installer

Windows offers options to reset or repair apps, which can fix underlying issues.

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).
  2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
  3. Search for App Installer.
  4. Click the three dots next to App Installer and select Advanced options.
  5. Try the Repair option first. If the issue persists, try the Reset option. Note that resetting will delete the app’s data, but for App Installer, this is generally safe.

5. Check for System File Corruption using SFC and DISM

System file corruption can cause various issues, including winget malfunctions. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to scan and repair your system files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for “cmd”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let the scan complete.
  3. After the SFC scan, run the following DISM commands:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Restart your computer after the process is complete.

6. Ensure Correct Permissions

Sometimes, winget may not work correctly if it doesn’t have the necessary permissions.

  1. Right-click on the Windows Start Menu and choose “Windows Terminal (Admin)”.
  2. In the terminal, execute the command winget upgrade --all to attempt to update all installed packages.
  3. If you encounter permission errors, it might indicate a need to adjust user account control settings or file permissions.

7. Check for Conflicting Software

In rare cases, other software (especially other package managers) may conflict with winget. Try temporarily disabling recently installed software to see if it resolves the issue.

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most winget issues on Windows 11. Remember to restart your computer after making significant changes. If the problem persists, consider checking the official winget documentation or seeking help from online forums or communities.