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The import command installs packages listed in a JSON file created by the export command.

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Syntax

winget import <import-file> [options]

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Required Arguments

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import-file
path
required
Path to JSON file containing package list

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Options

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-i, --import-file
path
Import file path (alternative to positional argument)
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--ignore-unavailable
flag
Continue if some packages are not found
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--ignore-versions
flag
Install latest versions instead of specified versions
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--no-upgrade
flag
Skip packages that are already installed
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--accept-package-agreements
flag
Accept all license agreements
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--accept-source-agreements
flag
Accept all source agreements

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Examples

Import packages: 
winget import packages.json
Import with automatic agreements: 
winget import packages.json --accept-package-agreements --accept-source-agreements
Import latest versions: 
winget import packages.json --ignore-versions
Import ignoring unavailable packages: 
winget import packages.json --ignore-unavailable
Import without upgrading existing: 
winget import packages.json --no-upgrade

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Import Process

The import command:
  1. Reads JSON file
  2. Validates package identifiers
  3. Checks which packages are already installed
  4. Installs or upgrades packages as needed
  5. Reports results for each package

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Output

Importing packages from: packages.json
Found 5 packages to install

[1/5] Installing Microsoft.PowerToys 0.71.0...
✓ Successfully installed

[2/5] Installing Microsoft.VisualStudioCode 1.80.0...
✓ Already installed

[3/5] Installing Python.Python.3.11...
✓ Successfully installed

[4/5] Installing Git.Git...
✗ Package not found in source

[5/5] Installing Docker.DockerDesktop...
✓ Successfully installed

Import completed.
Successful: 3
Already installed: 1
Failed: 1

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Import File Format

Expects JSON format from winget export: 
{
  "$schema": "https://aka.ms/winget-packages.schema.2.0.json",
  "Sources": [
    {
      "SourceDetails": {
        "Name": "winget"
      },
      "Packages": [
        {
          "PackageIdentifier": "Microsoft.PowerToys",
          "Version": "0.71.0"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

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Behavior Flags

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—ignore-unavailable

Continues installation if some packages aren’t found: 
winget import packages.json --ignore-unavailable
Without flag, import stops on first unavailable package.

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—ignore-versions

Installs latest versions instead of specified versions: 
winget import packages.json --ignore-versions

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—no-upgrade

Skips packages already installed (no upgrade): 
winget import packages.json --no-upgrade

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Use Cases

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New System Setup

Quickly set up a new machine: 
winget import my-tools.json --accept-package-agreements --accept-source-agreements

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Restore from Backup

Restore after system reset: 
winget import backup.json --ignore-versions

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Team Onboarding

Standardized developer setup: 
winget import dev-environment.json

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Testing

Set up test environment: 
winget import test-tools.json --ignore-unavailable

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Error Handling

By default, import stops on first error. Use --ignore-unavailable to continue: 
# Stops on first error
winget import packages.json

# Continues despite errors
winget import packages.json --ignore-unavailable

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Exit Codes

  • 0 - All packages installed successfully
  • 0x8A150025 - Import file not found or invalid
  • 0x8A150028 - Some packages failed to install
  • 0x8A150001 - Package not found (without —ignore-unavailable)
The import command respects package pins. Pinned packages won’t be upgraded unless forced.
Importing installs packages in the order they appear in the JSON file.

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