
Learn about the best package managers for Windows—PowerShellGet, Chocolatey, GitLab, Scoop, and PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit—and compare their features and benefits for automating application installation.
Scoop is a lightweight and convenient command-line application installer for Windows, focused on simplicity and speed. It uses plain JSON manifests to install applications without administrative rights. Scoop is ideal for developers who value a clean environment without third-party dependencies. It also supports creating your own “sides” – repositories with custom software.
GitLab allows you to use a built-in package management system that supports multiple formats, including NuGet, npm, Maven, and more. With the GitLab Package Registry, you can store private or public packages directly in the GitLab repository, which simplifies the secure sharing of code and dependencies within the team. This solution integrates well with CI/CD, especially when the entire infrastructure is built on GitLab.
Official package manager for PowerShell that allows you to easily install, update, and manage modules directly from the PowerShell Gallery. With support for cmdlets such as Install-Module or Find-Module, this tool has become indispensable in script automation and administration of Windows environments. It is especially appreciated for its easy integration with CI/CD pipelines and the ability to centrally manage scripts.
PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit (PSADT) is a set of PowerShell functions designed for flexible application deployment in enterprise environments. The tool provides user interaction, logging of actions, and supports pre-installation condition checking. It is actively used by system administrators who are engaged in automated software deployment via SCCM, Intune, or manually.
Chocolatey is one of the most famous package managers for Windows that works via the command line. It allows you to install thousands of programs with a single command without a graphical interface. Chocolatey is actively used in corporate IT for mass software deployment, as it supports custom repositories, PowerShell integration, and automatic updates. It is ideal for DevOps processes and PC management.