Collection / Studio / Motion
← Windows
Windows App Backup Guide • Windows • Step-by-step Windows help

How to Export Installed Apps with WinGet

This page covers the exact WinGet export command and the simple flow for saving an app list before a reinstall or PC migration.

Start here

Start with the fastest command or direct open action

This block comes first on purpose. Copy one command, open PowerShell, Windows Terminal, Run, or Start search, paste the exact text, press Enter, then do the slower click-by-click checks underneath only if you still need them.

Export app list to JSON
Run this in: Windows Terminal or PowerShell Admin: No 
winget export -o apps.json

What this command does

Creates a JSON package list you can keep for later app reinstall work.

What to do after running it

Confirm that the JSON file was really created where you expected, then keep a copy in a safe place.

Export with a full path
Run this in: Windows Terminal or PowerShell Admin: No 
winget export -o "C:Users%USERNAME%Desktopapps.json"

What this command does

Creates a JSON package list you can keep for later app reinstall work.

What to do after running it

Confirm that the JSON file was really created where you expected, then keep a copy in a safe place.

Check WinGet version first
Run this in: Windows Terminal or PowerShell Admin: No 
winget --version

What this command does

Runs the exact Windows action used in this guide so you do not have to guess the wording.

What to do after running it

Check the exact Windows page or result this guide mentions before moving to the next step.

Overview

What this guide helps you do

An exported WinGet app list can save time after a clean install because you already have a structured list of apps to bring back.

  • Exporting before a reinstall can save a lot of repeat setup time.
  • The output file is usually JSON.
  • This is best for apps managed through WinGet, not every possible program on the PC.

When to use this

When to use this guide

Useful before reinstalling Windows, moving to a new PC, or creating a repeatable setup flow.

Before you start

What to review first

The export list does not guarantee every app can be restored exactly the same way. Some apps may not be available through the same package source.

Do this exactly

Open the right Windows area first, then follow the changes one by one

  1. Press Start, type Terminal, and open Windows Terminal. Administrator rights are usually not required for a simple export.
  2. If you want the export in the current folder, type winget export -o apps.json and press Enter. If you want it in a specific place like the Desktop, use the full-path example from this page instead.
  3. Wait for WinGet to finish building the package list. Do not close the window until the command is done.
  4. Open File Explorer and confirm that apps.json really exists where you expected it to be saved.
  5. Copy that file to cloud storage, a USB drive, or another safe backup location before reinstalling Windows or setting up a new PC.

Exact click path

Tell the user exactly what to open and press

Do not change ten things at once. Open the exact Windows page first, make one clear change, then check whether it solved the problem before moving on.

Fast open: Press Start, type Terminal, open Windows Terminal, then type winget export -o apps.json and press Enter. If you want the file on the Desktop or another folder, use the full path shown in the command card on this page instead of guessing the location.

Try a faster path

Useful before reinstalling Windows, moving to a new PC, or creating a repeatable setup flow.

Open the Windows section

How to use

The export list does not guarantee every app can be restored exactly the same way. Some apps may not be available through the same package source.

Related pages

Keep going with the next useful page

Use these links when you want the matching script, another Windows help page, or a browser tool for the same job.

Open the tools section Browse all script pages Open the Windows section How to Stop Windows from Tracking Activity How to Disable Telemetry Safely How to Remove Personal Metadata from Files Before Sharing

FAQ

Questions about How to Export Installed Apps with WinGet

Does WinGet export include every installed app?

It mainly helps with packages known to WinGet. Some manually installed or uncommon apps may not map cleanly into the export/import flow.

Should I still back up files separately?

Yes. An app list is not a file backup and does not replace document, photo, or project backups.