microsoft / microsoft/winget-cli
Uninstall while keeping data for all apps
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- Dominant language
- C++
- Stars
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- Forks
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- Avg merge
- 1d 11h
- Merged PRs (30d)
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Description
Description of the new feature / enhancement
Hello, can you please create a method to use a flag in winget uninstall to uninstall but keep data of the app, I know an option exists for portable apps to delete all program files, but not the files generated by the app itself. For packaged, installed, and eventually PWA and Android apps.
Proposed technical implementation details
For packaged apps its straightforeward, just deletes the program files directory while keeping the data directory, however for installers, either could be used:
use the installer's flag, if it has one
or protect the AppData and ProgramData folders from deletion by either disallowing the access of the folders, or making it think that it deleted it via a virtual filesystem of sorts.
Contributor guide
First steps
- Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
- Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
- Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
- Open a pull request that references the issue number.
Research direction
No specific files or tests are named. Start by reviewing the existing winget uninstall command and how packaged and installer apps are handled, then define the supported app types and data-preservation behavior. Done means the scope and expected behavior are agreed before implementation.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- cpp
- Domain
- cli
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 5/5
- Estimated time
- Over a week
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Needs clarification
- Newbie friendliness
- 25/100