Microsoft has unveiled a new preview version of the Windows Package Manager, named WinGet 1.12.240, aimed at enhancing user experience in discovering and installing software packages for Windows PCs. This release introduces several notable features, including experimental support for fonts, an upgraded manifest schema, and various bug fixes to improve performance and compatibility, particularly with older operating systems.
With WinGet 1.12.240, users can install applications with a simple command, making the process more straightforward. The update includes the newly accessible WinGet server, which helps users configure their client via the command "winget mcp." The App Installer has also transitioned to utilizing WinUI 3, moving away from its previous dependency on WinUI 2 and Windows App Runtime 1.8.
The manifest schema has been updated to version 1.12, which now supports a "Font" installer type, allowing for better management of font packages. Users interested in this feature can enable it through a specific settings snippet. The command "winget font list" will allow users to see their installed font families and the number of font faces associated with each.
In addition to these advancements, the release addresses several bugs, such as improving the optimization of COM static store usage, fixing manifest validation issues related to UTF-8 BOM encoding, and enhancing the performance of slow searches for installed items. Other improvements include updates to the schema regarding Font InstallerType, downloading Microsoft Store packages tailored for specific operating systems, and resolving compatibility issues.
As this is a preview version, users are encouraged to test the build and report any encountered issues to help Microsoft further refine the package manager. The overall goal of WinGet 1.12.240 is to streamline the package installation process while enhancing the overall user experience.
Looking ahead, Microsoft may continue to expand WinGet's capabilities, potentially integrating more package types and improving its functionality based on user feedback. This evolving tool is set to play a crucial role in simplifying software management for Windows users, making it easier to keep their systems up-to-date and personalized.
For those interested in trying out the latest features, the preview build is available for download through the official Microsoft repository
With WinGet 1.12.240, users can install applications with a simple command, making the process more straightforward. The update includes the newly accessible WinGet server, which helps users configure their client via the command "winget mcp." The App Installer has also transitioned to utilizing WinUI 3, moving away from its previous dependency on WinUI 2 and Windows App Runtime 1.8.
The manifest schema has been updated to version 1.12, which now supports a "Font" installer type, allowing for better management of font packages. Users interested in this feature can enable it through a specific settings snippet. The command "winget font list" will allow users to see their installed font families and the number of font faces associated with each.
In addition to these advancements, the release addresses several bugs, such as improving the optimization of COM static store usage, fixing manifest validation issues related to UTF-8 BOM encoding, and enhancing the performance of slow searches for installed items. Other improvements include updates to the schema regarding Font InstallerType, downloading Microsoft Store packages tailored for specific operating systems, and resolving compatibility issues.
As this is a preview version, users are encouraged to test the build and report any encountered issues to help Microsoft further refine the package manager. The overall goal of WinGet 1.12.240 is to streamline the package installation process while enhancing the overall user experience.
Looking ahead, Microsoft may continue to expand WinGet's capabilities, potentially integrating more package types and improving its functionality based on user feedback. This evolving tool is set to play a crucial role in simplifying software management for Windows users, making it easier to keep their systems up-to-date and personalized.
For those interested in trying out the latest features, the preview build is available for download through the official Microsoft repository
Windows Package Manager 1.12.240 Pre-Release released
Microsoft has released a new preview version of the Windows Package Manager, known as WinGet 1.12.240, which streamlines the discovery and installation process of packages that can enhance your PC environment. The latest release includes several significant updates, such as experimental support for fonts and improved manifest schema and validation, as well as bug fixes to resolve issues like slow searches and compatibility problems on older OSes. To enable experimental support for fonts, users can use a specific settings snippet, while the winget font list command will display installed font families and their corresponding number of font faces.
Windows Package Manager 1.12.240 Pre-Release released @ NT Compatible
