How To Export Installed Programs List In Windows 11

Keeping a record of installed software can be useful for many reasons. Whether you’re preparing to reinstall Windows 11, migrating to a new computer, troubleshooting software issues, creating a system inventory, or simply documenting the applications installed on your PC, exporting a list of installed programs can save considerable time and effort.

Windows 11 offers several ways to generate a list of installed applications. Some methods use built-in tools such as PowerShell and Command Prompt, while others rely on Windows Package Manager (Winget) to create a portable software inventory. These methods allow you to save application information to a text file, CSV file, or JSON document for future reference.

This guide explains multiple ways to export an installed programs list in Windows 11, including PowerShell commands, Winget exports, Command Prompt methods, and practical tips for managing software inventories.

Why Export a List of Installed Programs?

Creating a software inventory can be beneficial in several situations.

Common reasons include:

• Preparing for a clean Windows installation
• Migrating to a new computer
• Creating a backup of installed applications
• Troubleshooting software conflicts
• Auditing installed software
• Tracking application versions
• Maintaining business or IT records

Instead of manually writing down installed programs, Windows allows you to generate detailed software lists automatically.

Method 1: Export Installed Programs Using Winget

Winget provides one of the easiest and most modern ways to export installed applications.

What Winget Export Does

Winget creates a JSON file containing information about installed packages, including package identifiers that can later be used to reinstall applications automatically.

Export Installed Applications

1. Open Windows Terminal or PowerShell.
2. Run:

winget export -o InstalledApps.json

3. Press Enter.

Winget scans installed applications and creates a file named:

InstalledApps.json

in the current directory.

Specify a Different Location

To save the file elsewhere:

winget export -o C:\Users\YourName\Documents\InstalledApps.json

Replace the path with your preferred location.

Benefits of Winget Export

The exported file can later be imported using:

winget import -i InstalledApps.json

This makes Winget particularly useful when setting up a new Windows 11 installation.

Method 2: Export Installed Programs Using PowerShell

PowerShell can generate a detailed list of installed software.

Create a Text File

1. Open PowerShell.
2. Run:

Get-Package | Select-Object Name, Version | Out-File "$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\InstalledPrograms.txt"

3. Press Enter.

A text file containing installed software names and versions is created on your desktop.

Example Output

Google Chrome          138.0.7204.158
Mozilla Firefox        139.0
VLC Media Player       3.0.21
7-Zip                  25.00

This method provides a straightforward inventory suitable for personal records.

Method 3: Export Installed Programs to a CSV File

CSV files are useful because they can be opened in spreadsheet applications.

Generate a CSV Inventory

Run:

Get-Package | Select-Object Name, Version | Export-Csv "$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\InstalledPrograms.csv" -NoTypeInformation

A CSV file appears on the desktop containing software details.

Benefits of CSV Export

CSV files can be opened with:

• Microsoft Excel
• Google Sheets
• LibreOffice Calc
• Other spreadsheet tools

This format is ideal for sorting, filtering, and reporting purposes.

Method 4: Use WMIC Through Command Prompt

Although WMIC is deprecated, it still works on many Windows 11 systems.

Export Program List

1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Run:

wmic product get name,version > "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\InstalledPrograms.txt"

3. Press Enter.

Windows generates a text file on the desktop containing installed program information.

Limitations

WMIC may not display all modern applications and can be slower than PowerShell-based methods.

For most users, PowerShell is the preferred option.

Method 5: Export Installed Applications from Settings

Windows Settings provides a visual list of installed software.

View Installed Apps

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to:

Apps > Installed Apps

3. Review the application list.

Although Windows does not provide a built-in export button, you can manually copy information if needed.

This approach is practical for quick reference but inefficient for large software inventories.

Method 6: Export Installed Programs Using Registry Queries

Windows stores software installation information within the Registry.

Export Program Names

Run the following PowerShell command:

Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* |
Select-Object DisplayName |
Out-File "$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\Programs.txt"

This generates a text file containing program names.

Include Versions

To export names and versions:

Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* |
Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion |
Out-File "$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\Programs.txt"

This method often captures software entries not visible through other tools.

Method 7: Export Installed Programs Using System Information

Windows System Information can provide software-related details.

Open System Information

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type:

msinfo32

3. Press Enter.

Save System Information

1. Click File.
2. Select Export.
3. Choose a save location.
4. Save the report.

The exported file contains comprehensive system details, including software information.

This method is useful when creating full system documentation.

Method 8: Generate a Detailed Software Inventory Report

For advanced users, PowerShell can create a formatted report.

Create a Detailed Inventory

Run:

Get-Package |
Sort-Object Name |
Select-Object Name, Version, ProviderName |
Export-Csv "$env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\SoftwareInventory.csv" -NoTypeInformation

This generates a detailed spreadsheet-ready report containing:

• Application name
• Version number
• Package provider

The resulting file is useful for audits and software management.

How to Open Exported Files

Depending on the format chosen:

TXT Files

Open with:

• Notepad
• Notepad++
• Microsoft Word

CSV Files

Open with:

• Microsoft Excel
• Google Sheets
• LibreOffice Calc

JSON Files

Open with:

• Notepad
• Visual Studio Code
• JSON viewers

Choose the format that best matches your intended use.

Which Export Method Should You Use?

Different methods serve different purposes.

Best for Reinstalling Software Later

Use:

winget export

because the file can be imported directly on another system.

Best for Software Inventory Reports

Use:

Export-Csv

through PowerShell.

Best for Quick Reference

Use:

Get-Package

with text file output.

Best for Comprehensive System Documentation

Use:

msinfo32

and export the system report.

Selecting the right method depends on how you plan to use the exported data.

Common Issues When Exporting Program Lists

Missing Applications

Some methods may not display Microsoft Store apps or portable applications.

Using multiple export methods often provides the most complete inventory.

Permission Errors

Run PowerShell or Windows Terminal as Administrator if access issues occur.

Empty Results

Ensure that the command syntax is correct and that the chosen output directory exists.

Incomplete Software Information

Registry-based and package-based methods may show slightly different results because they retrieve information from different sources.

Comparing exports can help create a more complete software inventory.

Benefits of Maintaining a Software Inventory

Keeping a record of installed programs can save time and reduce frustration during system maintenance.

Advantages include:

• Faster PC migration
• Easier software reinstallation
• Improved troubleshooting
• Better software license tracking
• More organized system management
• Simplified disaster recovery

A regularly updated software inventory can be extremely valuable when upgrading or rebuilding a computer.

Conclusion

Exporting a list of installed programs in Windows 11 is a simple but valuable task that can help with system maintenance, software management, and disaster recovery. Whether you choose Winget, PowerShell, Command Prompt, Registry queries, or System Information, Windows provides several effective ways to generate a software inventory.

For most users, PowerShell offers the easiest method for creating readable reports, while Winget provides the best solution for users planning to reinstall applications on another system. By maintaining an up-to-date list of installed software, you can streamline future upgrades, migrations, and troubleshooting tasks.

FAQ

What is the easiest way to export installed programs in Windows 11?

PowerShell is generally the easiest method. Running a simple Get-Package command can generate a list of installed applications in seconds.

Can I export installed programs to Excel?

Yes. Exporting the list as a CSV file allows it to be opened directly in Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet applications.

Does Winget export all installed applications?

Winget exports applications recognized by Windows Package Manager. Some manually installed or unsupported programs may not appear.

Can I reinstall applications using an exported Winget file?

Yes. After exporting with Winget, you can use the winget import command to install supported applications on another Windows 11 computer.