How to Update All Windows Apps Using Winget (Full Guide)

Keeping your Windows applications fully updated is essential for security, performance, and stability. While Windows Update handles system patches, it doesn’t update most third‑party software. That’s where Winget, Microsoft’s official package manager for Windows 10 and Windows 11, becomes incredibly powerful.

Video Tutorial: How to Update All Windows Apps with Winget

Prefer watching instead of reading? Here’s the full video guide that walks you through the basic option process step‑by‑step.

One of Winget’s most useful capabilities is the ability to update every application on your system — including those where Winget cannot detect the installed version. This is done using the include unknown option on the upgrade command.

In this guide, we’ll explain what it does, why it matters, and how to use it effectively.

What Is Winget?

Winget (Windows Package Manager) is a command‑line tool that allows you to:

• Install applications
• Upgrade applications
• Remove applications
• Search for software
• Automate software deployment

It works similarly to package managers like apt, yum, or Homebrew.

Why Use the “Include Unknown” Option?

By default, Winget only upgrades applications where it can detect:

• The installed version
• The latest available version

However, many applications don’t report their version correctly or use custom installers. Winget labels these as Unknown.

Using the include unknown option forces Winget to attempt upgrades for all applications — even those with missing or mismatched version metadata.

Benefits

• Ensures maximum update coverage
• Helps catch outdated apps that Windows Update ignores
• Reduces security risks from old software
• Ideal for IT admins, power users, and automation scripts

Potential Downsides

• Some apps may reinstall even if already up to date
• A few installers may require manual interaction
• Updates may take longer than a standard upgrade

How to Update All Apps Using Winget

1. Open Windows Terminal or PowerShell

Right‑click Start → Windows Terminal (Admin)
Admin rights are recommended for system‑wide apps.

2. Run the upgrade command

winget upgrade --include-unknown

Winget will:

• Scan all installed applications
• Compare versions (where possible)
• Attempt to upgrade everything
• Display progress for each package

3. Optional: Automate the process with --all

winget upgrade --all --include-unknown

4. Optional: Log the output

winget upgrade --include-unknown --log upgrade_log.txt

Example Output

Name              Id                         Version     Available    Source
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
7-Zip             7zip.7zip                   23.01       23.02        winget
VLC Media Player  VideoLAN.VLC                Unknown     3.0.21       winget
Google Chrome     Google.Chrome               121.0.0     122.0.0      winget

The Unknown entries are the ones targeted by the include unknown option.

When Should You Use This Option?

Use it when:

• You want a full system refresh
• You maintain multiple PCs
• You’re building a maintenance script
• You want maximum security coverage

Avoid it when:

• You’re on a metered connection
• You need to avoid reinstalling certain apps
• You’re running time‑sensitive tasks

Automating Updates with Task Scheduler

You can automate Winget updates weekly or daily.

1. Create a PowerShell script

Save this as winget_update.ps1:

winget upgrade --all --include-unknown --silent --accept-source-agreements --accept-package-agreements

2. Schedule it

• Open Task Scheduler
• Create a new task
• Run with highest privileges
• Trigger: Weekly (or your preferred schedule)
• Action: Start a program → powershell.exe
• Add arguments:

-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:\Scripts\winget_update.ps1"

Troubleshooting

Winget says “No applicable updates found”

winget source update

Some apps fail to update

This is normal for:

• Apps requiring manual interaction
• Microsoft Store‑only apps
• Custom installers

Installer hash mismatch

winget source reset --force

FAQ

Does this replace Windows Update?
No. Winget updates applications, not Windows system patches.

Is the include unknown option safe?
Yes — but expect occasional reinstalls or manual prompts.

Does Winget update Microsoft Store apps?
Only if the app is also available in the Winget repository.

Do I need admin rights?
Recommended, but not always required.

Can I exclude certain apps?
Yes — upgrade them individually instead of using --all.

Does this work on Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, as long as Winget (App Installer) is installed and up to date.

Glossary

Conclusion

Using Winget’s include unknown option is one of the most effective ways to ensure your Windows system stays fully updated — including applications that Winget cannot normally evaluate. Whether you’re a home user, IT professional, or automation enthusiast, this command gives you maximum coverage with minimal effort.

Automating it with a scheduled PowerShell script can turn it into a completely hands‑off maintenance routine, leaving you with a cleaner, more secure, and more consistent Windows environment.