microsoft / microsoft/winget-cli

Remove Visual C++ Redistributable (VCRedist) Dependency from `winget configure` for Non-Elevated Runs

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Issue-Feature
Dominant language
C++
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Description

Relevant area(s)

WinGet CLI

Description of the new feature / enhancement

Hello!
As documented at https://github.com/microsoft/WindowsDeveloperConfig#-pick-your-setup and confirmed by my own testing, winget configure requires the Visual C++ Redistributable be installed if you are running it non-elevated. I searched this repo several ways and I couldn't find this being discussed here, apologies if I just missed it.

I just wanted to officially request that this dependency be removed, if possible, as it would enable users in secured environments where they don't get admin access to still use Winget Configure.

The current state presents a real Catch-22: you can run winget configure non elevated, but only if you have the VCRedist installed, which requires elevation to install in the first place.

The main goal here is to just have winget configure be something that's usable directly on a plain Windows install without needed admin rights.

Thanks!

Proposed technical implementation details

No response

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start with the WinGet CLI area and trace the winget configure path for non-elevated runs, focusing on where the Visual C++ Redistributable dependency is introduced. Compare behavior on a plain Windows installation and verify that winget configure completes without administrator rights or requiring VCRedist.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
cpp
Domain
cli
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Quiet
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
45/100

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