How to Deploy Install Software via Group Policy

Installation of software can be easy if we have to install the software on one or two PC’s but it will hassle to install the software one by one in an organization which have got hundreds of systems so in this article we will learn how to install the software through Group Policy on all the systems which are on the same domain.

In this case, we will use Assign software method of group policy and a software can be assigned as per user login (when user login it will install software) or as per machine (software will be installed when a machine is turned on).

First, log into the Windows server, create a shared network folder and click on its properties.

Select the sharing tab and click on advanced sharing.

Click on share this folder as it will display the name of the folder and put a dollar sign $ at the end of the name so that it will create a hidden share.

Click apply permission and check that everyone has the read permission on this folder.

Apply the settings and close the windows. Open the Active directory and create the group policy object for OU as in this case our OU is office users.

We will be deploying the software on the OU “First Floor Computers”. Open the Group Policy Management to create the policy and right click on the required OU.

Rename the new GPO as “Software Deployment “and select Ok.

It will create a group policy object under our OU and right-click on it and select edit.

Open Policies then click on software settings and right click on software installation to select new and click on the package.

It will open a window so enter the path in “file name” where you MSI file is located.

Click Ok and select the setup file it will bring up with another window select “Assigned” option.

Our package is now placed in Group Policy Management Editor.

Now log into any of the computers where we have deployed the software. Open the command prompt and update the group policy. It will ask to reboot the computer.

Press Y to reboot the computer and after the reboot, the software is installed on the computer.

Muhammad Imran Habib

Imran is a technology evangelist with 8 years of experience working with some of the Industry leading companies. Imran's expertise includes On-Prem/Virtual Infrastructure deployments, IT Solutions for SMEs, End User Computing Support.

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