Chocolatey is a command-line package manager for Windows. It lets you install, upgrade, and manage software like Git, Python, Node.js, and VS Code, all from your terminal. If you’re a developer or power user, it’s an essential tool for fast and repeatable setups.
What is Chocolatey?
Chocolatey works just like apt on Linux or brew on macOS, but for Windows. It automates software installation using simple CLI commands. No more clicking through installers!
Install Chocolatey on Windows 11
- Press
Win + S, type PowerShell - Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator
- Copy and paste the following command into PowerShell:
Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force; [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol -bor 3072; iex ((New-Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString('https://community.chocolatey.org/install.ps1'))
This will download and install Chocolatey.
Confirm Chocolatey is Installed
After installation, close and reopen PowerShell. Then run:
choco --version
You should see something like:
Chocolatey v2.4.3
Install a Package
choco install <package-name> -y
Examples:
choco install git -y
choco install vscode -y
choco install python -y
The -y flag automatically confirms the installation prompts.
Upgrade All Installed Packages
choco upgrade all -y
This updates all Chocolatey-installed packages to their latest versions.
Uninstall a Package
choco uninstall <package-name> -y
Example:
choco uninstall git -y
List Installed Packages
choco list
This will show you all currently installed Chocolatey packages.