And our next make-your-life-easier computer tool goes to Ninite. Ever wanted to install your favorite browser, mail client, music player, text editor, anti-virus, and other software in one click? Well, I have on numerous occasions. Ninite makes it painfully simple to install a handful of common programs in literally a single click. I use Ninite to configure new Windows installations and to update software already installed on customer computers.
What software is supported by Ninite?
Ninite does not publish a full list of supported software for free users, but you can always go check out their website to see if your favorite application is listed.
Sounds too good to be true, what are the downsides?
Like all things in life, Ninite is not perfect. But for most situations, I’ve found the good features to outweigh the bad. I’ll list some of the downfalls below.
- Only supports Windows
- Applications are great, but not everything I like is available for download
- You must be on the internet to install an application
- Sometimes downloads are slow (no idea why)
What about the adware / toolbars some software comes with?
Ninite will automatically not install any adware for the software listed on its website. You never have to worry about unchecking cryptic boxes again. Ninite will just install the software you choose. It never adds extra toolbars or other junk software.
How do you install / update software using Ninite?
Here’s the fun part of the post. Let’s talk about using Ninite to simplify your application installation / update process!
- Navigate on over to https://ninite.com/
- Check the boxes for the apps you want to install / update
- Scroll down, click on Get Your Ninite
- Wait for your download to begin, then open the Ninite software that downloads
- You will get a UAC warning, choose Yes / Continue depending on your version of Windows
- Ninite will begin installing your applications
- Ninite will let you know when it finishes
- Note: Already installed applications will either note that they are already up to date or will install the latest version.
That wraps up this quick post on using Ninite to install / update your Windows programs. As always, if you have any follow-on questions, feel free to post below. Thanks!