Add a way to provide the executables locally instead of downloading them

[signed-log]

Description of the new feature / enhancement

Some sources, like sourceforge, do automatic mirror redirection. But, sometimes this redirection sends you to a very slow mirror, although a better mirror is available, and due to the non-interactive nature of that process, it is impossible to choose the appropriate mirror

Adding a way to bypass downloads by provding our own executables may help speed some environnements like the example above. It could also where executables are stored in a central location, without having to remake manifests to specify source for every used file.

Proposed technical implementation details

Add a --file command switch, that would take a Path as a argument, if passed, such switch would :

• prevent the Download routine from starting
• copy the file to the winget download folder
• check the integrity and continue the install as usual (keeping the security aspect, custom manifests will still be the preferred way to ship custom executables).

[Trenly]

I’m not sure I understand the value this feature would provide. If you already have the file downloaded, why not run the executable directly?

[signed-log]

You can do that, but having winget doing that would mean likely easier bulk install (for non-corporate environnments) and the premade automation scripts can be used, even in slow network conditions because you would have the executable ready

Sure, for MSIs that would likely be a useless feature, but take some exes that are hard to script, that can be really useful

[Trenly]

Sure, for MSIs that would likely be a useless feature, but take some exes that are hard to script, that can be really useful

I’m still not understanding the benefit, since all winget does is run the executables with the appropriate installer switches set in the manifest. If they are hard to script normally, I don’t see how putting them through winget would make it any easier

[signed-log]

Yeah, you're likely right that it would not serve anything, thanks, closing !

[justhx0r]

Since winget.exe is AutoElevate, allowing the user to install local files might not be the best idea though

[justhx0r]

But, according to the documentation:

winget install --manifest \<path>

To provide a local .yaml file for installation