As a seasoned tech enthusiast with years of tinkering under my belt, I can confidently say that the Windows Package Manager has been a game-changer for me. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for your software needs.
You’ve heard it all before, whichever browser you choose to use. The running joke is always that people only use Microsoft Edge to download Google Chrome. There’s obviously an element of truth in that, given Chrome’s ridiculous share of the browser pie, but it doesn’t have to be this way. And yes, I know a lot of people do actually use and love Microsoft Edge. It’s a very good browser these days.
Whenever people suggest using Edge to download another browser, be it jokingly or not, I always feel inclined to offer an alternative response. It’s unnecessary to use Edge for this purpose, as there’s a more efficient method available. Rather than opening Edge, navigating to a website, downloading an installer, and then installing the browser, you can directly download your preferred browser from its official site, often with a single click.
Instead of relying on Windows Edge, opt for the Windows Package Manager – a tool I absolutely love in Windows 11. I’m so passionate about it that I won’t stop singing its praises until I’ve convinced others. Luckily, it’s now functional even among my previously resistant coworkers. To use it, open the Terminal app instead.
Windows Package Manager? What on earth is that?
I’ve written a full guide on using the Windows Package Manager if you want to know more detail, but the short version is this. It’s a terminal-based tool that allows you to install software from all over the web, and even from the Microsoft Store. The advantage to using it is efficiency. You can use a single command to install a multitude of apps all in one go, and you don’t have to go off in your browser to a bunch of different websites to get what you want. Windows Package Manager doesn’t host anything itself, instead using manifests that direct it to the download location you’d be going to anyway.
For a more convenient and newbie-friendly experience, consider third-party services such as winstall.app. They offer an app store-like approach, providing the necessary installation commands for multiple software applications. This can be incredibly helpful, not only guiding you in finding what you need, but also teaching the correct syntax to use in your terminal, making life easier for beginners.
As a researcher accustomed to Linux, you might find yourself immediately comfortable due to the familiarity of its command-line interface. You’ll likely have already mastered the art of installing various components through the terminal. The primary distinction lies in the format of package names, but the overall experience should still feel remarkably similar, making you feel right at home.
Using Windows Package Manager to install Google Chrome instead of Edge
To get Chrome on Edge nowadays, simply visit the Google Chrome download page, choose your preferred version, and follow the installation instructions provided. The old method of opening Edge, signing in or skipping sign-in, visiting Google’s website to download the installer, and then launching it is no longer necessary.
Open up the Terminal app on Windows 11, and enter a single command.
winget install google.chromeAllow some time for the installer to finish processing and download automatically without needing Edge to be opened. This method is quicker, easier, and more straightforward compared to the previous one. If you desire additional Chrome channels like beta, canary, or dev, just append .beta, .canary, or .dev respectively at the end of the given command. Please note that while it usually takes less than a minute for completion, users on slower internet connections may experience slightly longer wait times.
But this is a big reason I always advocate using Windows Package Manager. As the tool has grown, so has its reach for what you’re actually able to download with it. The manifest repository is now quite large, and if you happen upon something that isn’t in there, you can build your own and request it to be added. For keyboard-first workflows like my own, too, it’s just so much more convenient. With PowerToys Run (another tool you should really be using), launching Terminal takes nothing but a few swift key presses, I can use Windows Package Manager, and be back to what else I need to work on in seconds. Scrolling around with a mouse breaks things up too much.
So, next time you think about opening Microsoft Edge to download Google Chrome, or Firefox, or whatever, maybe think about how much better you could make your workflow by doing things this way instead. You won’t regret it.
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2024-10-25 14:39