Open source tip: UniGetUI – my update assistant for Windows
Windows devices amass loads of programs over time, making maintenance difficult to manage. UniGetUI takes care of this by consolidating installation, updates and software management in one place.
I’ve got quite the selection of programs on my Windows devices – multiple browsers, VPNs, text and code editors, image editing software and all manner of other little helpers. For a long time, I initiated updates one by one or only installed them whenever a program reminded me to. Now, UniGetUI takes care of that grunt work for me.
UniGetUI is an open-source application. It serves as a graphical user interface for command-line package managers such as WinGet, Scoop and Chocolatey. You can get the tool from the official Devolutions website, the Microsoft Store or straight from WinGet.
What UniGetUI does
With UniGetUI, you can find, install, update and uninstall programs. The tool brings some of that package manager-style convenience to Windows – similar to what you’d get on Linux or with Homebrew on a Mac.
UniGetUI isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, nor is it guaranteed to detect and update every application you’ve installed. The tool works with various package sources, so it might miss programs that aren’t properly listed or that were installed separately. It does support a large number of typical Windows programs though.
Finding and installing programs
UniGetUI is intuitive to use. Under Discover Packages, you enter the name of the software you want. If the program’s available in one of the supported sources, it’ll appear in the list. In the Source column, you can see which package manager the program is provided by.
It’s worth giving the source list a once-over. If any program names sound similar, you should check whether the package name, source and publisher are plausible. Especially if you’re installing a program from a source other than the Microsoft Store or WinGet.
Once you’ve found the program you want, select it and click «Install selection». After that, UniGetUI will take care of the rest.
Keeping track of installed programs
UniGetUI’s Installed Packages tab shows you which programs are installed on your device. Having a list of everything on my Windows laptop at my fingertips encourages me to be more consistent with keeping it tidy.
If you spot a program you don’t need any more, UniGetUI allows you to select it and remove it immediately. For a number of everyday programs, this is more convenient than going through your Windows settings. However, I’d still use the manufacturer’s installation process for software that’s deeply embedded within my operating system.
Updates, without long-winded searches
Updates are the most important thing for me. Most software programs notify you when they need to be updated. Some do this consistently, others bug you with their own update windows, while others say absolutely nothing.
UniGetUI collects available updates in one place. On the left side, click Software Updates, select the programs you want, then start the update by clicking «Update selection». After that, you won’t have to open each application individually to check for updates.
UniGetUI takes this minor, recurring maintenance task – a task I personally tend to procrastinate on – off your hands. Sometimes an update fails, but you can try again by right-clicking with administrator privileges. That sometimes works. It’s also helpful to close the program before updating it.
Software bundles for newly set up laptops
I find the package bundles handy. They allow you to put together your own basic software collection, save it and use it again later. I mainly use this for laptops that have just been set up with Windows.
You can export package bundles and reimport them on another device. UniGetUI then installs the selected programs all at once.
For me, this is UniGetUI’s real draw. As well as saving time on my own laptop, it’s helpful when I’m setting up a new device and want to install a decent bundle of basic software as quickly as possible.
Verdict: useful for anyone who uses more than three programs
UniGetUI isn’t a tool that completely reinvents Windows. What it does do is simplify a task that’s unnecessarily cumbersome on many Windows computers: installing, updating and uninstalling software.
If you only use two or three programs, you don’t necessarily need UniGetUI. However, if you regularly try out new software, manage multiple devices or set up new Windows laptops, this tool will be a handy resource for you. That’s why it’s now one of my basic software essentials.
I'm a journalist with over 20 years of experience in various positions, mostly in online journalism. The tool I rely on for my work? A laptop – preferably connected to the Internet. In fact, I also enjoy taking apart laptops and PCs, repairing and refitting them. Why? Because it's fun!
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