What Chocolatey is and why you'd install it

Chocolatey is a command-line package manager for Windows that lets you install, update, and remove software from your terminal instead of downloading installers one at a time. It works similarly to package managers on Linux or macOS — you type a single command and Chocolatey handles downloading the correct version, running the installer, and setting up the program.

Most developers use Chocolatey to set up a new Windows machine faster, keep multiple programs updated from one place, and automate software installation in scripts. If you regularly install development tools, utilities, or open-source software, Chocolatey saves time and reduces manual steps. Once installed, you can manage dozens of programs without visiting websites or clicking through installer dialogs.

Key Takeaways

  • Chocolatey requires PowerShell 2.0 or newer and administrator access to install and run.
  • The installation command is a single line you paste into PowerShell running as administrator, and it takes two to five minutes to complete.
  • After installation, you verify Chocolatey works by typing choco --version in PowerShell.
  • Once installed, you can install programs by typing choco install programname instead of visiting websites and running installers manually.
  • You can update all installed programs at once with choco upgrade all or remove them with choco uninstall programname.

Check your Windows version and PowerShell setup

Chocolatey runs on Windows 7 and newer, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server editions. You need PowerShell 2.0 or newer, which comes built into Windows 7 and all newer versions, so most machines already have what you need.

To check your PowerShell version, open PowerShell and type $PSVersionTable.PSVersion. If the number shown is 2.0 or higher, you're ready to proceed. If you see an error or a version below 2.0, you'll need to update PowerShell before installing Chocolatey. Windows Update can provide the newer version if your system is out of date.

Open PowerShell as administrator

Chocolatey installation requires administrator permissions. On Windows 10 and Windows 11, right-click the Start button, select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" or "Terminal (Admin)". On Windows 7, search for PowerShell, right-click it, and choose "Run as administrator".

You'll see a prompt asking whether you want to allow the app to make changes to your device — click "Yes". The PowerShell window title should show "Administrator" to confirm you have the right permissions before you proceed with the installation command.

Run the Chocolatey installation command

In the administrator PowerShell window, paste this entire command and press Enter:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser -Force; [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol -bor 3072; iex ((New-Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString('https://community.chocolatey.org/install.ps1'))

The installation will take two to five minutes. You'll see text scrolling in the window as Chocolatey downloads and sets itself up. Do not close PowerShell while this is running. When the command finishes, you'll return to the normal PowerShell prompt with no error messages.

Verify the installation worked

After the installation completes, type choco --version and press Enter. If Chocolatey installed correctly, you'll see a version number like "2.2.2" or similar. If you see "choco is not recognized", close PowerShell completely and open a new administrator PowerShell window, then try the command again.

You can also type choco list --local-only to see a list of programs Chocolatey knows about on your machine. This confirms that Chocolatey can read your system and is ready to use for installing new software.

Install your first program with Chocolatey

Now that Chocolatey is installed, you can install programs from the command line. For example, to install Git, type choco install git and press Enter. Chocolatey will download Git, run its installer, and configure it — all without you clicking through dialog boxes or visiting a website.

To see what programs are available, visit the Chocolatey package repository at chocolatey.org/packages. Search for the program you want, and the page will show you the exact command to type. Common packages include nodejs, python, vscode, 7zip, vlc, and notepadplusplus. Each package page also lists what version will be installed and any dependencies.

Update and remove programs

To update a program you installed with Chocolatey, type choco upgrade programname. To update all programs at once, type choco upgrade all. Chocolatey will check for newer versions and install them if available, keeping your tools current without manual work.

To remove a program, type choco uninstall programname. Chocolatey will run the program's uninstaller and clean up. You can also type choco list to see all programs you've installed through Chocolatey, which helps you remember what you have and what you can update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to run PowerShell as administrator every time I use Chocolatey?

Yes. Installing, updating, or removing programs requires administrator access. You can create a shortcut to PowerShell that always opens as administrator if you use Chocolatey frequently, which saves a step each time you need to manage software.

What if the installation command doesn't work?

The most common cause is that PowerShell's execution policy is blocking the script. If you see an error about execution policy, try running Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser first, then paste the full installation command again.

Can I use Chocolatey to install programs that aren't free?

Chocolatey can install paid software if you already own a license, but the package repository focuses on free and open-source programs. Some commercial software vendors provide their own Chocolatey packages, but you'll need to check their documentation.

Is Chocolatey safe to use?

Chocolatey is maintained by the community and widely used by developers. The packages come from the original software publishers or trusted community members. Always check the package page on chocolatey.org before installing something unfamiliar, just as you would before downloading from any website.

What's the difference between Chocolatey and Windows Package Manager?

Windows Package Manager (winget) is Microsoft's official package manager, built into Windows 11. Chocolatey has been around longer and has more packages available. Both work similarly — you can use whichever you prefer, or both on the same machine.