List of the Top 24 Package Managers for Windows in 2025

Chocolatey offers the most extensive online repository for Windows packages, where each package consolidates all essential components needed for the management of specific software, elegantly grouped as a single deployable unit that may include installers, executables, zips, or scripts. Every package submitted to the repository is subjected to a comprehensive moderation procedure, incorporating automated virus scans to verify safety, along with a stringent policy prohibiting malicious or pirated software. Organizations often face challenges in deploying and managing multiple software versions, but with Chocolatey, they can efficiently automate and streamline the management of their complex Windows environments. Consequently, our clients have experienced notable decreases in labor, quicker deployment times, improved reliability, and comprehensive reporting features. By reducing complexity, valuable time can be saved, allowing for swift adaptation to the latest technologies and methodologies. Additionally, the integration of Chocolatey not only simplifies operational processes but also equips your organization to remain competitive in the rapidly changing technology landscape, ultimately fostering growth and innovation.

Helm streamlines the management of applications within Kubernetes, and its charts enable users to define, install, and upgrade even the most complex Kubernetes applications with ease. These charts are designed to be user-friendly for both creation and publication, facilitating effortless versioning and sharing, which positions Helm as a vital resource in minimizing repetitive copy-and-paste tasks. By outlining even the most advanced applications, charts promote uniform installation practices and serve as a central, authoritative reference point. They also simplify the update process through in-place upgrades and customizable hooks, enhancing operational efficiency. Moreover, charts can be conveniently versioned and hosted on various platforms, whether public or private, providing flexibility for deployment. If a need arises to revert to an earlier version, the helm rollback command allows for a seamless transition. Helm utilizes a packaging format called charts, which are composed of a collection of files that delineate a related group of Kubernetes resources. Importantly, a single chart can manage the deployment of a straightforward component, like a memcached pod, or orchestrate an entire web application stack, comprising HTTP servers, databases, and caches, highlighting its versatility and strength within the Kubernetes landscape. This ability to effectively manage both simple and intricate deployments renders Helm an essential asset for developers and operators, ensuring they can efficiently navigate the complexities of the Kubernetes environment. This multifaceted approach underscores Helm's role as a cornerstone tool in modern application deployment strategies.

Ninite Pro provides a user-friendly web interface for managing Windows computers, starting from Windows 7, by simply installing the lightweight Ninite Agent on your devices, which allows for immediate visibility and easy point-and-click management. This solution facilitates real-time interactive monitoring of all your machines. The enhanced layout of Ninite Pro presents each device in rows and applications in columns, making it easy to update, install, or remove applications by selecting individual cells. You also have the capability to perform bulk operations by selecting multiple cells, entire rows, or even columns across all devices for efficient management. Moreover, you can track the agents as they execute commands and send updates back to Ninite's servers via a secure connection. This feature ensures that mobile laptops integrate smoothly into the web interface, operating just like any other device. Importantly, it allows commands for installation, updates, or uninstallation to be queued for offline devices, ensuring they are executed when the machines reconnect to the internet. Overall, Ninite Pro greatly improves the management experience for IT administrators overseeing numerous Windows PCs, streamlining processes and enhancing productivity within their workflows. With its robust features, it empowers administrators to maintain their systems effortlessly while focusing on larger strategic goals.

NuGet is the designated package manager tailored specifically for the .NET framework. Utilizing NuGet client tools, developers are capable of both creating and effectively utilizing packages. The NuGet Gallery serves as the central repository, offering a diverse selection of packages for developers and users alike. For those new to NuGet, guided tutorials are available to illustrate how it can significantly improve your .NET development process. You can discover an abundance of packages developed and shared by peers within the .NET community. If you are eager to create your first NuGet package and contribute to the community, our comprehensive step-by-step guide can serve as an excellent introduction! The command-line tool, nuget.exe, is compatible with Mono 3.2 and newer versions, enabling package creation on Mono platforms. Although nuget.exe functions smoothly on Windows, users have encountered challenges when trying to operate it on Linux and OS X environments. To gain further insights about any specific package, it is advisable to check its listing page on NuGet or any associated private feed. Each package's listing on the NuGet platform contains essential details such as an in-depth description, history of versions, and key usage statistics, helping developers make well-informed choices. Moreover, regular updates to the package listings guarantee that users are kept informed about the latest improvements and features that the .NET community has to offer, thus enriching the overall development experience. Engaging with the community not only enhances individual projects but also fosters collaboration and innovation among developers.

Yarn operates as a versatile tool, serving the dual roles of package manager and project manager. It is designed to meet the needs of a wide array of users, from casual programmers to large corporations, whether working on simple tasks or extensive monorepos. With Yarn, developers can effectively organize their projects by breaking them down into multiple sub-components within a single repository. A notable benefit of Yarn is its promise that an installation functioning correctly today will maintain that reliability over time. Although Yarn may not solve every challenge you encounter, it lays a strong foundation for additional solutions. Our dedication is to transform the developer experience and challenge traditional methodologies. As an independent open-source project, Yarn operates without corporate ties, and your support plays a vital role in our journey. Yarn possesses a thorough knowledge of your dependency tree and manages the installation process on your disk; thus, it raises the question of why Node should be tasked with finding your packages. Instead, the onus is on the package manager to inform the interpreter where the packages reside on the disk and to oversee the relationships and versioning between them. This alteration in responsibility has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of project management in development settings. Ultimately, Yarn seeks to simplify the development workflow, allowing developers to concentrate on creating exceptional software while fostering a community that supports innovation and collaboration.

Nix presents a unique approach to package management and system configuration. It facilitates the development of systems that are reproducible, declarative, and trustworthy. By isolating the package building process, Nix ensures that each package is reproducible and devoid of hidden dependencies, ensuring that a package which works correctly on one machine will behave the same way on another. Moreover, Nix enhances the ease of sharing development and build environments across different projects, irrespective of the programming languages or tools being used. A significant advantage of Nix is its ability to prevent the installation or upgrade of one package from interfering with others, including the option to roll back to previous versions, which helps maintain stability during updates. Acting as a purely functional package manager, Nix treats packages as immutable values akin to those in functional programming languages such as Haskell, where functions are free from side effects and packages remain unchanged post-construction. This strategy not only fosters reliability and uniformity in software environments but also encourages developers to adopt best practices in project management and collaboration. Ultimately, Nix's innovative methodology positions it as a powerful tool in the realm of software development.

PowerShellGet is an essential module for managing PowerShell artifacts, allowing users to discover, install, update, and publish a variety of items, including modules, DSC resources, role capabilities, and scripts. Users can utilize the Find-Command cmdlet to search for PowerShell commands such as cmdlets, aliases, functions, and workflows by scanning modules in registered repositories. When Find-Command identifies a command, it returns a PSGetCommandInfo object, which can then be piped into the Install-Module cmdlet to facilitate module installation. By utilizing the Tag and RequiredVersion parameters, users can pinpoint DSC resources more effectively; the Tag parameter reveals the current version of all resources with the designated tag in the repository, while RequiredVersion necessitates the ModuleName parameter, making the Name parameter optional. These parameters, Name and ModuleName, help to further narrow down the results. Additionally, the AllVersions parameter is available for users who wish to view every version of a DSC resource, thereby improving the management process of PowerShell artifacts. This organized structure not only streamlines the handling of PowerShell resources but also ensures that users are accessing the most appropriate versions for their specific requirements. Consequently, PowerShellGet significantly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of managing PowerShell resources.

Scoop simplifies the process of installing your preferred programs straight from the command line, making it a hassle-free experience. For terminal-based applications, it creates shims—shortcuts designed for command-line execution—that are housed in the ~\scoop\shims directory, which is conveniently included in your PATH. On the other hand, for graphical applications, Scoop generates shortcuts that are placed in a designated Start menu folder labeled 'Scoop Apps'. This structured method not only ensures that packages can be uninstalled without complications but also provides a clear overview of the tools accessible through your PATH and Start menu. Additionally, this approach promotes an organized workspace, enabling users to effectively oversee their applications and streamline their workflow. By maintaining such an orderly environment, users can focus on their tasks without the distraction of cluttered program access.

Select a software application from the RuckZuck repository, and the platform will automatically handle both the downloading and installation for you. RuckZuck also has the ability to detect and update software that was previously installed, even if it wasn't initially done through their service. It's worth mentioning that the RuckZuck repository does not store binaries; rather, it provides links to the original download sources. When you utilize RuckZuck for software installation, a license for the software product is not included. If you decide to upload new software, you may include an email address, although this will be removed from the package after the software is approved for distribution. Additionally, if a software product does not have an automatic download URL and its license allows for the redistribution of binaries, RuckZuck can host those files for your convenience. This functionality not only simplifies the software management process for users but also enhances accessibility to various applications, making it an efficient tool for all your software needs.

If you're new to the Windows Package Manager, it's beneficial to explore what this tool has to offer. Users can access a variety of packages through the Windows Package Manager Community Repository. The client is designed to work with Windows 10 version 1809 (build 17763) and later versions. Unfortunately, Windows Server 2019 does not receive support due to its lack of Microsoft Store access and the necessary updated dependencies. Although there is a chance to install it on Windows Server 2022, this option should be treated as experimental since it doesn’t have official support, and users must manage dependency installation on their own. Therefore, it’s important for users to be cautious and thoroughly assess the risks before attempting to use the package manager in unsupported environments. Understanding these limitations can help ensure a smoother experience with the tool.

MSYS2 is an extensive collection of tools and libraries tailored to foster a user-friendly setting for developing, installing, and running native applications on the Windows platform. It features a command line interface called mintty, a bash shell environment, version control systems like git and subversion, as well as essential utilities such as tar and awk, and build systems including autotools, all constructed on an adapted Cygwin framework. Although some of its foundational elements are sourced from Cygwin, MSYS2's primary goal is to create a solid build environment specifically for native Windows applications, thereby reducing dependence on Cygwin. The platform provides modern native builds for a diverse range of programming tools and languages, including GCC, mingw-w64, CPython, CMake, Meson, OpenSSL, FFmpeg, Rust, and Ruby, among others. To streamline the process of installing and updating software packages, MSYS2 features a package management system named Pacman, which should be familiar to those acquainted with Arch Linux. This robust package management tool enables users to efficiently handle their software, ensuring they have easy access to the most recent versions and features available within the ecosystem. Additionally, MSYS2's flexibility and comprehensive support make it an attractive option for developers looking to work in a Windows environment.

At present, this module is not being actively developed. The acceptance of pull requests for this repository has been halted. OneGet has achieved a stable state, and moving forward, it will receive only essential bug fixes from Microsoft. If you have any questions or come across any unexpected issues with this module, we invite you to file an issue in the repository. PackageManagement is currently supported on Windows, Linux, and MacOS platforms. Moreover, we consistently provide binary updates for PowerShellCore, which includes PackageManagement as part of the PowerShell Core distributions. Staying informed about these updates is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and functionality. As the technology landscape evolves, it remains vital to keep abreast of any changes that may affect your usage.

Npackd, pronounced as "unpacked," is an application store and package manager licensed under GPLv3, tailored for Windows users. This platform facilitates the easy discovery and installation of software, helping users keep their systems up to date while also allowing for the removal of unnecessary applications. Its installation and uninstallation processes are fully automated, enabling silent or unattended operations without requiring user interaction. For a better understanding of its features, users can watch a short video demonstrating how Npackd works. With a focus on user experience, Npackd not only simplifies software management on Windows but also enhances efficiency through its intuitive interface and automation features. As a result, users can enjoy a more streamlined approach to managing their applications.

Unveiling a groundbreaking decentralized software installation framework designed for seamless operation on Linux, Windows, and macOS platforms, this fully open-source solution empowers users to launch applications with a mere click, thereby negating the need for traditional installation procedures. Users can manage their experience through a command line or a graphical interface, affording them complete oversight of their computing tasks. The installation process is entirely transparent, thereby alleviating the common anxieties surrounding software deployment. It uniquely supports the coexistence of both stable and experimental applications on a single machine, promoting an adaptable software environment. Developers are given the ability to distribute software easily, enabling them to create a unified package that operates across multiple platforms. The system facilitates publishing on any static web host, contributing to a decentralized ecosystem that operates independently of any central authority. Additionally, it boasts robust dependency management and automatic updates, consistently prioritizing security. Importantly, installing an application does not grant it administrator privileges, and all new software is subjected to meticulous digital signature verification before execution. Applications are designed to share libraries while upholding a trust model, further enhancing security measures. This innovative framework also incorporates automatic self-updating features, staged rollouts, and various improvements for desktop integration, all of which significantly enrich the user experience. With such a comprehensive suite of features, it fundamentally transforms the interaction users have with software on their devices, paving the way for a more efficient and secure digital landscape.

The RPM Package Manager (RPM) is an effective tool for software package management, allowing users to convert source code into easily distributable formats while simplifying the processes of installation, updating, and removal of these packages; it also provides the capability to query detailed information about both currently installed and previously uninstalled packages, as well as to verify their integrity and the entire software installation process. The RPM header houses the metadata pertinent to each package, structured as a binary format that organizes this information using specific tags, each assigned a particular meaning and type. While the header does not contain the metadata itself, it is critical for the corresponding code that reads the header to interpret these definitions accurately. In this framework, tags are represented solely by their numerical identifiers, and they can be either single scalar types or arrays made up of these types. Although the type system does not enforce strict rules, it is generally expected by the RPM code that related tags will have a uniform number of entries, which aids in maintaining a coherent data organization. This thoughtful design greatly enhances the RPM system's ability to effectively manage and sustain software packages, ultimately streamlining the overall user experience with software installations. Consequently, users can rely on RPM for efficient software management across various environments.

WPKG is an automated solution designed for the deployment, updating, and removal of software on Windows systems. This application allows for the efficient transfer of software packages—including Service Packs, hotfixes, and application installations—from a centralized server, such as Samba or Active Directory, to numerous workstations. Functioning as a background service, it supports silent installations that do not require any user interaction. The program is compatible with a range of installation formats, including MSI, InstallShield, and Inno Setup, as well as .exe, .bat, and .cmd scripts, thus negating the necessity for repackaging. WPKG is an open-source tool that significantly enhances your Samba or Active Directory environment by simplifying software management tasks like installation, updates, and removals. Furthermore, it provides the capability to execute custom scripts, which facilitates various administrative tasks such as time synchronization, printer configuration, permission changes, and registry adjustments on workstations, thereby improving overall system management efficiency. Overall, WPKG is a flexible tool that can greatly streamline IT management processes and enhance operational productivity, making it an invaluable asset for system administrators.

The Fortran Package Manager (fpm) functions as both a package manager and a build tool tailored specifically for the Fortran programming language. Its extensive collection of available packages enriches a dynamic ecosystem that includes both general-purpose and high-performance code, thereby enhancing user accessibility. Designed to streamline the experience for Fortran developers, fpm simplifies various tasks such as building Fortran programs or libraries, running tests, executing examples, and managing dependencies for other Fortran projects. The user-friendly interface of fpm is inspired by Rust’s Cargo, allowing for an intuitive interaction. Furthermore, fpm is committed to a long-term vision that aims to cultivate the development of modern Fortran applications and libraries. A standout aspect of fpm is its plugin architecture, which allows users to extend its functionality. One such plugin, the fpm-search project, offers a simple way for users to query the package registry, and its compatibility ensures easy installation across different systems. This integration not only enhances the development workflow but also promotes collaboration and innovation among developers within the Fortran community, ultimately contributing to the language's ongoing evolution. Through these efforts, fpm seeks to make Fortran a more accessible and powerful choice for developers everywhere.

Cargo acts as the Rust package manager, overseeing the processes of downloading necessary dependencies, compiling packages, generating distributable versions, and facilitating uploads to crates.io, the official package registry for the Rust community. Contributions to this guide can be submitted via GitHub. To start utilizing Cargo, you must first install both Cargo and Rust before creating your inaugural crate. Using the command-line interface allows for straightforward interaction with Cargo. In Rust, a crate can be categorized as either a library crate or a binary crate, which refers to library or executable types, respectively. The term crate typically encompasses the source code of a project or the compiled output it produces. Furthermore, it may also signify a compressed package sourced from a registry. Crates can depend on external libraries found on crates.io, other registries, git repositories, or even local directories, enabling a wide range of functionalities. Additionally, Cargo offers the capability to temporarily alter the location of a dependency, enhancing the flexibility of project management. This adaptability renders Cargo an indispensable asset for developers working with Rust while fostering a streamlined development experience.

Presenting an exceptionally fast and sophisticated package manager for Windows, Novus distinguishes itself from others by incorporating a pioneering method of multithreaded downloads, significantly boosting download speeds by as much as eight times. Beyond its remarkable speed, Novus also shines in its ability to install and uninstall packages simultaneously, thus maximizing operational efficiency. Moreover, every package available through Novus is regularly monitored, ensuring that users receive updates and access to reliable software recognized by the community. With its innovative strategy and dedication to dependability, Novus is poised to transform the software management landscape for Windows users. This combination of rapid performance and trustworthiness positions Novus as an ideal solution for anyone aiming to optimize their package management process. Users can expect a seamless experience that not only enhances productivity but also fosters a sense of security in their software choices.

Conda is an open-source tool designed for the effective management of packages, dependencies, and environments across various programming languages such as Python, R, Ruby, Lua, Scala, Java, JavaScript, C/C++, Fortran, and many others. This adaptable system functions smoothly on a variety of platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, and z/OS. By allowing rapid installation, execution, and upgrading of packages along with their dependencies, Conda boosts efficiency in development workflows. It also simplifies the tasks of creating, saving, loading, and switching between different environments on a user's machine. Initially developed for Python applications, Conda has broadened its scope to support software packaging and distribution for any programming language. As a robust package manager, it assists users in finding and installing the necessary packages they need for their projects. If you encounter a situation where a package requires a different version of Python, you won’t have to resort to a different environment manager; Conda can handle that seamlessly. You can easily create an entirely new environment tailored to that specific Python version, while continuing to use your standard version in the default environment. This remarkable flexibility not only streamlines development but also makes Conda an essential asset for developers with varied software needs, catering to the complexities of modern programming environments.

AppGet is a community-driven package manager that operates through GitHub, prioritizing security, automation, and ease of use. The entire process of moderation takes place on GitHub, enabling anyone to suggest modifications via pull requests that are carefully examined and sanctioned by our committed team. Users can easily install, update, or remove any application found in our vast library, no matter how it was initially acquired. Both the client software and the application repository are entirely open source and available on GitHub for public scrutiny. Our dedicated AppGet bots work continuously to ensure that our library is filled with the latest software releases. Each application hosted in AppGet's repository comes directly from its original creators, removing the need for users to hunt for download links across the internet. Moreover, AppGet utilizes metadata-only manifest files to streamline the review process for manifests and enhance security protocols. This unwavering dedication to transparency and safety positions AppGet as a trustworthy option for software management, making it a preferred tool for developers and users alike. By fostering an open environment, AppGet not only builds a robust package management system but also encourages community engagement and contribution.

just-install is an easy-to-use package installer created specifically for the Windows platform. It enables users to smoothly install a wide range of packages, choose a particular architecture for the installation process, explore a comprehensive catalog of available packages, and obtain useful assistance, all via simple command-line commands. The user-friendly nature of just-install makes it an ideal option for individuals at any skill level, from beginners to seasoned professionals, ensuring that everyone can benefit from its functionality. Additionally, it streamlines the installation experience, reducing the time and effort required to manage software on a Windows system.

Apache Ivy™ is a well-known tool for managing dependencies that prioritizes both user-friendliness and versatility. Explore its unique features tailored for enterprise use, feedback from users, and how it can improve your building framework! Ivy effectively handles various aspects of project dependencies, such as documenting, monitoring, resolving, and generating reports. Its process-agnostic design ensures it is not limited to any particular methodology or framework, allowing for substantial flexibility and reconfiguration to meet diverse needs in dependency management and build scenarios. While it can operate independently, Ivy demonstrates its true potential when used alongside Apache Ant, which provides a comprehensive set of Ant tasks that facilitate everything from resolving dependencies to generating reports and publishing outputs. This tool is packed with impressive features, with its adaptability, smooth integration with Ant, and strong management of transitive dependencies being some of the most appreciated aspects. As an open-source initiative, Ivy is shared under a permissive Apache License, encouraging community contributions and nurturing a collaborative development atmosphere. Consequently, it stands out as an ideal option for teams aiming to optimize their dependency management processes, ultimately leading to more efficient project development and maintenance.

Master Packager is an innovative application packaging solution that empowers users to create and edit Microsoft Windows Installer (MSI) files while also converting various installation formats into MSI. Our aim is to streamline the application packaging experience, ensuring it is fast and economical for everyone, ranging from independent packaging experts to small businesses and large corporations alike. * Speed - The tool functions smoothly without interruptions, allowing for easy modifications to extensive MSIs and efficient repackaging. * Quality - By implementing standardized naming conventions, ICE validation, and accurate mapping for .dll/.exe file registrations, this tool significantly reduces human error and improves overall quality. * User-Friendly - Its intuitive design allows both beginners and seasoned packagers to start crafting packages immediately, eliminating the need for extensive training. * Automation - Users can completely automate the processes of capturing, building, and applying templates, resulting in a fully optimized repackaging procedure. * Cost-Effective - Master Packager provides exceptional value, potentially cutting users' packaging costs by up to ten times, thus representing a financially savvy option for all. Ultimately, Master Packager aims to transform the application packaging industry by prioritizing efficiency, dependability, and affordability, paving the way for a new standard in packaging solutions. This commitment to innovation ensures that users can achieve their packaging goals with ease and confidence.