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The export command creates a JSON file containing a list of installed packages, which can later be imported on another system.

​
Syntax

winget export <output-file> [options]

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Required Arguments

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output-file
path
required
Path where JSON export file will be created

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Options

​
--output
path
Output file path (alternative to positional argument)
​
-s, --source
string
Export only packages from specified source
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--include-versions
flag
Include version information in export
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--accept-source-agreements
flag
Accept all source agreements without prompting

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Examples

Export all packages: 
winget export packages.json
Export with versions: 
winget export packages.json --include-versions
Export from specific source: 
winget export winget-packages.json --source winget
Export accepting agreements: 
winget export packages.json --accept-source-agreements

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Export File Format

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Without Versions

{
  "$schema": "https://aka.ms/winget-packages.schema.2.0.json",
  "WinGetVersion": "1.6.3482",
  "CreationDate": "2024-03-04T10:30:00.000-08:00",
  "Sources": [
    {
      "SourceDetails": {
        "Name": "winget",
        "Type": "Microsoft.PreIndexed.Package",
        "Argument": "https://cdn.winget.microsoft.com/cache"
      },
      "Packages": [
        {
          "PackageIdentifier": "Microsoft.PowerToys"
        },
        {
          "PackageIdentifier": "Microsoft.VisualStudioCode"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

​
With Versions

{
  "$schema": "https://aka.ms/winget-packages.schema.2.0.json",
  "WinGetVersion": "1.6.3482",
  "CreationDate": "2024-03-04T10:30:00.000-08:00",
  "Sources": [
    {
      "SourceDetails": {
        "Name": "winget",
        "Type": "Microsoft.PreIndexed.Package",
        "Argument": "https://cdn.winget.microsoft.com/cache"
      },
      "Packages": [
        {
          "PackageIdentifier": "Microsoft.PowerToys",
          "Version": "0.71.0"
        },
        {
          "PackageIdentifier": "Microsoft.VisualStudioCode",
          "Version": "1.80.0"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

​
Use Cases

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System Migration

Export from old system: 
winget export old-system.json --include-versions
Import on new system: 
winget import old-system.json

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Backup

Create periodic backups: 
winget export "backup-%date%.json" --include-versions

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Team Standardization

Export standard toolset: 
winget export team-tools.json

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Development Environment

Export dev tools: 
winget export dev-environment.json --include-versions

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Version Behavior

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Without —include-versions

Import installs latest available versions: 
{
  "PackageIdentifier": "Microsoft.PowerToys"
}

​
With —include-versions

Import installs specific versions: 
{
  "PackageIdentifier": "Microsoft.PowerToys",
  "Version": "0.71.0"
}

​
Exit Codes

  • 0 - Success
  • 0x8A150026 - Export file write failed
  • 0x8A150027 - No packages to export
Exported files use JSON format compatible with winget import command.
Only packages installed via WinGet or tracked by WinGet sources are exported.