The validate command validates package manifest files for syntax, schema compliance, and logical consistency.
Syntax
winget validate <manifest> [options]
Required Arguments
Path to manifest file or directory containing manifest files
Options
Manifest path (alternative to positional argument)
Treat warnings as non-fatal (validation still succeeds)
Examples
Validate single manifest:
winget validate manifest.yaml
winget validate ./manifests/
winget validate manifest.yaml --ignore-warnings
Validation Checks
The validate command checks:
- YAML Syntax - Valid YAML format
- Schema Compliance - Matches WinGet manifest schema
- Required Fields - All mandatory fields present
- Data Types - Correct types for all fields
- Field Formats - URLs, versions, etc. are well-formed
- Logical Consistency - Dependencies, installers, etc. are valid
- Hash Validation - Installer hashes match if provided
Valid Manifest
Validating manifest: Microsoft.PowerToys.yaml
✓ YAML syntax valid
✓ Schema version 1.5.0
✓ All required fields present
✓ All fields valid
✓ Dependencies valid
✓ Installer URLs accessible
✓ Hashes valid
Manifest is valid!
Invalid Manifest
Validating manifest: Invalid.yaml
✓ YAML syntax valid
✗ Schema validation failed
Errors:
Line 5: Missing required field 'PackageVersion'
Line 12: Invalid URL format for 'InstallerUrl'
Line 18: Installer hash mismatch
Line 25: Unknown field 'InvalidField'
Manifest is invalid.
Warnings
Validating manifest: Package.yaml
✓ All validations passed
Warnings:
Line 10: Recommended field 'Publisher' is missing
Line 15: Installer size not specified
Manifest is valid with warnings.
Manifest Structure
Valid WinGet manifests follow this structure:
PackageIdentifier: Publisher.PackageName
PackageVersion: 1.0.0
PackageLocale: en-US
Publisher: Publisher Name
PackageName: Package Name
License: MIT
ShortDescription: Brief description
Installers:
- Architecture: x64
InstallerType: exe
InstallerUrl: https://example.com/installer.exe
InstallerSha256: abc123...
ManifestType: singleton
ManifestVersion: 1.5.0
Multi-File Manifests
For multi-file manifests (version, installer, locale, defaultLocale):
winget validate ./manifests/microsoft/powertoys/0.71.0/
Common Errors
Missing Required Field
Error: Missing required field 'PackageVersion'
Error: Invalid URL format for 'InstallerUrl'
Expected: https://example.com/installer.exe
Found: not-a-url
Hash Mismatch
Error: Installer hash mismatch
Expected: abc123...
Actual: def456...
Exit Codes
0 - Manifest is valid0x8A15003E - Manifest syntax error0x8A15003F - Manifest validation error0x8A150040 - Manifest has warnings (without —ignore-warnings)
The validate command is primarily used by manifest contributors to verify manifests before submitting to the WinGet repository.
Manifest validation includes downloading and checking installer hashes, which may take time for large installers.