A WinGet export can help document the applications on a Windows PC before a rebuild. Its output is a package list, so treat it as one part of the handover alongside application data, account access and any licences you need to retain.

Choose a folder you can write to and a new filename. Open a normal Windows Terminal or Command Prompt in that folder. With WinGet available, run:

winget export --output "app-list-before-rebuild.json" --include-versions

Reconcile the export while the old PC still works

Microsoft documents that WinGet tries to match installed applications with packages in its configured sources. A program it cannot match produces a warning. Keep those warnings visible and record the missing programs; do not suppress them merely to obtain a cleaner-looking result.

Open the JSON file in a text editor. It should contain sources, package identifiers and, with this option, installed versions. Compare it with your actual working applications, including specialist software, browser-dependent tools and anything installed by an employer.

For each unmatched essential program, record its official installer or approved deployment route separately. Include who controls its licence and where its working files are kept, without putting passwords or licence secrets into a shared checklist.

Keep the package list’s purpose clear

An included version is an inventory detail, not proof that the same installer will remain available later. Microsoft says imports normally use the latest version unless a specific version is supplied. Decide how versions will be handled before using the file to install anything on a replacement computer.

Preserve the original export and make any edits in a separate working copy. Remove an unwanted package only after identifying it, rather than deleting a line because its identifier is unfamiliar.

The completion check is a reconciled application inventory: essential packages are represented or have a documented alternative, and their data has its own protection plan. Keep the old PC available until the rebuilt applications can open representative work. A JSON file alone does not demonstrate a usable replacement environment.

Sources: Microsoft WinGet export.