[SUGGESTION] Feature Request: Option to toggle Application Installation Scope (System-wide vs. Per-User)
Please confirm these before moving forward
- I have searched for similar suggestions and have not found a duplicate.
- This is an improvement to an existing feature (not a new feature request).
Describe your suggestion
Currently, Winhance defaults to installing applications in User scope (per-user). On multi-user machines, this requires reinstalling software - such as web browsers - separately for each individual user profile.
Requested Change:
Set System-wide (All Users) as the default installation scope so installed applications are immediately accessible across all user accounts on the machine.
Provide an option/toggle to switch back to User-only scope for users who specifically prefer isolated, per-user installations.
Current behavior
Winhance defaults to installing applications in User-only scope. On multi-user PCs, applications (like web browsers) are only available to the active user profile, requiring duplicate installations for every other user account on the machine.
Proposed behavior
Winhance should default to System-wide scope (All Users) so installed applications are immediately accessible to all user profiles on the machine. Additionally, provide a setting or toggle to switch the scope to User-only when per-user isolation is needed.
Benefit
Why is this change needed?
Saves Disk Space & Admin Effort: System-wide installation ensures applications (like web browsers) only need to be installed once per PC rather than duplicated across every user profile.
Better Multi-User Machine Support: On shared computers, all users gain immediate access to installed software without needing individual installs or separate administrative permissions.
Flexibility: Retaining an optional User-scope toggle allows users to isolate software to a single profile when necessary.
Additional context
Use Case: On multi-user systems or enterprise environments where multiple profiles exist on a single machine, per-user software installs create unnecessary administrative overhead, as software like web browsers must be reinstalled for every profile.
Technical Reference: Under the hood (e.g., using WinGet or Chocolatey), this could be implemented by passing the --scope machine parameter as the default behavior, while keeping --scope user as an optional fallback or toggle setting.
Source: memstechtips/Winhance