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Set Up WinGet App Restore on a Fresh Windows 11 25H2 Install

Export a WinGet app list from an existing PC and reinstall supported applications after a clean Windows 11 installation.

by@guidox updated:10/29/26 time:30 min level:Intermediate works on:Windows 11 25H2 x64, WinGet export and import commands, Microsoft WinGet documentation reviewed October 2026, WinGet client version is determined by the installed App Ins tools:Windows Package Manager, Windows Terminal or PowerShell
TL;DR

Use **WinGet export** to save the supported application list before reinstalling Windows. Transfer the JSON manifest to the new installation and restore supported apps with **WinGet import**.

Before you start

Requirements

  • An existing Windows installation or PC containing the applications to be restored.
  • A fresh Windows 11 25H2 x64 installation with network access.
  • Windows Package Manager supplied through Microsoft's App Installer component.
  • A USB drive or other safe transfer method for the exported manifest.
  • Administrator credentials for applications that require elevated installation.
  • Microsoft WinGet documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/package-manager/winget/
  • A separate backup of application settings, licenses, and personal data.
Step by step

Instructions

01

Check WinGet on the original PC

Open **Windows Terminal** or **PowerShell** on the existing installation. Check that the **WinGet** command is available before exporting applications.

winget --version
tipIf WinGet is unavailable, check **App Installer** in the Microsoft Store. Existing installations can update App Installer without reinstalling Windows.
02

Export the installed app list

Run the export command in a working folder where you can locate the resulting file. WinGet creates a JSON manifest containing recognized application packages.

winget export --output guidox-apps.json --accept-source-agreements
03

Review export warnings

Read the export results and inspect the generated manifest in a text editor. Note applications that WinGet could not identify, because they may require manual installation later.

⚠ warningThe WinGet manifest is an application package list. It does not back up personal files, software licenses, or application profiles.
04

Transfer the manifest

Copy the generated JSON file to a USB drive or another trusted location. Make it accessible from the fresh Windows installation after setup is complete.

05

Prepare WinGet on fresh Windows

Finish initial Windows setup, connect to the internet, and check **App Installer** updates through the Microsoft Store. Open **PowerShell** and confirm that WinGet responds.

winget --version
winget source list
06

Restore supported applications

Open **PowerShell** in the folder containing the exported JSON manifest and run the import command. Review any administrator prompts and allow package installations to complete.

winget import --import-file guidox-apps.json --accept-package-agreements --accept-source-agreements
tipWinGet installs supported applications from the sources recorded in the manifest. Review installer prompts rather than approving unexpected changes.
07

Verify installed applications

Check the installed package list and compare it with the original export. Install missing programs manually from their official sources, then restore application settings from separate backups.

winget list
Troubleshooting

Common issues

WinGet is not recognized.

Check **App Installer** installation and registration in the Microsoft Store. Finish initial Windows sign-in and updates, then reopen **PowerShell**.

Some applications are missing after import.

Check the import output for unavailable package IDs, unsupported installers, or failed installations. Reinstall those applications manually from their official vendors.

An installer requests administrator permission.

This is normal for some system-wide installations. Confirm the package identity and publisher before approving the elevation request.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Does WinGet restore application settings?

No. It installs supported applications but does not restore their individual settings or user data.

Will all previously installed programs return?

No. Only packages recognized and available through the configured WinGet sources can be restored automatically.

Can I use the manifest on another Windows PC?

Yes, provided the applications are available and compatible with the target computer.

How to undo this

Delete the exported manifest if it is no longer needed. WinGet import does not offer an automatic rollback of every installed package. Review **Installed apps** or **WinGet list**, identify applications added by the import, and uninstall them individually. Preserve applications that were already present before the import.

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