Keeping track of all the software installed on your Windows PC can be tricky. Whether you’re an IT admin preparing an audit, a home user planning to reinstall Windows, or just someone who wants a clean inventory of installed software, having a detailed list of your applications is invaluable.
The Installed Programs List Generator is a free and lightweight tool that automatically scans your system and creates a complete report of all installed programs. It exports the data into multiple formats, making it easy to save, print, or share.
Why You Need an Installed Programs List
Windows does provide a basic list of apps through Settings → Apps & Features or Control Panel → Programs and Features. However, these lists are limited, slow to browse, and cannot be exported directly. For serious tasks such as system audits, license management, or reinstallations, you need something more powerful.
With this tool, you can:
- Generate a clean inventory of installed software within seconds
- Export reports in TXT, CSV, JSON, and HTML
- Filter out blank/hidden entries for cleaner output
- Automatically open the results folder after scanning
- Run completely offline (no data is sent anywhere)
Key Features Explained
- Multi-format Reports – Whether you need a quick TXT list, a spreadsheet-ready CSV, a JSON object for automation, or a polished HTML table, the tool provides all formats in one run.
- Clean HTML Report – The HTML file opens in your browser and shows a neat, sortable table with program names, publishers, versions, and install dates.
- Offline & Secure – Everything runs locally on your machine. No data leaves your PC, so you don’t have to worry about privacy leaks.
- Auto-Close Convenience – The included batch launcher runs the scan and closes the console automatically, leaving only the reports folder open for easy access.
- Filter Option – By default, entries with no DisplayName are filtered out. If you want to see absolutely everything, you can edit the script and set
$IncludeEmpty = $true.
How to Use the Installed Programs List Generator
- Download the Installed Programs List Generator (ZIP).
- Extract the ZIP file to a folder on your PC.
- Right-click
run_as_admin.bat→ choose Run as administrator. - Approve the UAC prompt.
- The scan will run automatically. When complete, a folder named:
installed-programs-output_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS
will open in Explorer. - Inside, you’ll find reports in TXT, CSV, JSON, and HTML formats.
Tip: If you only need a quick view, open the HTML file in your browser for a clean, tabular report.
Comparing with Native Windows Options
You might wonder: why not just use the built-in Windows tools? Here’s the difference:
- Apps & Features (Settings) – Shows apps, but cannot export lists or filter results.
- Programs and Features (Control Panel) – Older UI, limited sorting, no export option.
- PowerShell
Get-WmiObjectorGet-Package– Works, but requires technical knowledge and scripting skills. - Installed Programs List Generator – One click, clean reports, multiple export formats.
Use Cases
- System Audits – IT departments can maintain detailed records of installed software.
- Windows Reinstallation – Quickly rebuild your environment after a fresh OS install by referencing your saved list.
- License Tracking – Keep track of commercial software versions for compliance.
- Troubleshooting – Share a report with tech support to diagnose issues faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does this tool work offline?
Yes. The Installed Programs List Generator runs entirely offline. It only scans your Windows registry for installed program entries.
What formats are supported?
You get TXT, CSV, JSON, and HTML reports in a single run.
Can I run it on Windows 10 and 11?
Yes. The tool is tested on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 (64-bit). It should also work on older versions, though support is focused on modern systems.
How is this different from Control Panel’s Programs and Features?
Control Panel can only display apps. This tool exports them into multiple formats, making it easier to save, share, or analyze.
Can IT admins use it for audits?
Yes. The CSV and JSON formats are perfect for importing into inventory or asset management systems.