Step 1: Prepare the Software Package
- Obtain the MSI (Microsoft Installer) file for the software.
- If the software provides only an EXE, check if there’s an MSI version available.
- You can convert EXE to MSI using third-party tools like Advanced Installer or EMCO MSI Package Builder.
- Place the MSI file in a shared network folder accessible to all target computers.
- Example:
\\ServerName\SharedFolder\Software.msi - Ensure the folder has Read & Execute permissions for “Domain Computers.”
- Example:
Step 2: Create a GPO for Software Deployment
- Open Group Policy Management
- Press
Win + R, typegpmc.msc, and pressEnter.
- Press
- Create a New GPO
- Right-click Group Policy Objects → New → Give it a name (e.g., “Software Deployment”).
- Edit the GPO
- Right-click the new GPO → Edit.
- Navigate to Software Installation
- Go to Computer Configuration → Policies → Software Settings → Software Installation.
- Add a New Package
- Right-click Software Installation → New → Package.
- Browse to the network share (
\\ServerName\SharedFolder\Software.msi). - Select Assigned (for automatic installation).
- Close the Group Policy Editor.
Step 3: Link the GPO to an OU
- In Group Policy Management, find the Organizational Unit (OU) where your computers are located.
- Right-click the OU → Link an Existing GPO.
- Select the Software Deployment GPO you just created.
Step 4: Force Group Policy Update
- Open Command Prompt on a target computer and run: powershellCopyEdit
gpupdate /force - Restart the computer to apply the policy.
Step 5: Verify Installation
- Check if the software installs automatically after reboot.
- If not, check the Event Viewer (
eventvwr.msc) under Application Log for any errors.
Troubleshooting Tips
- GPO Not Applying? Run
gpresult /ron a client PC to check if the GPO is listed. - Network Share Issues? Ensure “Domain Computers” have Read access to the shared folder.
- EXE Files? Use MSI alternatives or deploy via startup scripts.