How to Deploy Software Using Group Policy?

Software deployment is the most important task for System Administrator on the network. Here we just show you an easy way to deploy software using Group Policy on network client computers. It’s not difficult but needs some basic networking and Windows Server knowledge.

Deploy Software using Group Policy

Let’s start with installing some software in Windows 10 through group policy. I’m using Windows 10 as a client and Windows Server 2012 R2 for Server. It works the same for Windows server 2016 as well.
1. Create a folder in Server and share it with appropriate permission for domain users to execute MSI files.

Share the folder for App Deployment

Here I have created an AppDeployment folder. The folder contains all software we need to install them through group policy.
2. Now go to Server Manager Dashboard and open the Group Policy Management or simply type “Gpmc.msc” in Windows Run.

How to Deploy Software Using Group Policy in Windows server 2016 – Technig

3. In Group Policy Management console, create a new GPO and link it to your domain. I have created App Deployment for Technig.local domain.

Link a GPO to domain for Deploying Software using Group Policy – Technig

4. Right-click the App Deployment and click edit, in order to edit the policy. In the opened Group Policy Management Editor, go to the Software installation through Computer Configuration > Policies > Software Settings > Software Installation.

Software Installation Using Group Policy Windows Server 2016

5. To create a new software package, right-click the Software installation > New then click Package.

Software Deployment Directory

6. In the opened window, using the UNC path of the software select the software MSI file you want to deploy. Here I want to install 7zip software for Technig.local clients.

Deploy Software using GPO

7. On the Deploy Software window select Assigned then click OK.

Install Software at Logon – Deploy Software with Group Policy in Windows Server 2016

8. Now, Navigate to Properties of software MSI file on the Deployment tab, check the Install this application at logon then click OK. Finally, close all opened windows and update the Windows Policy by typing “Gpupdate /force /logoff” command on Command Prompt. You might need to restart your PC after executing the group policy update command.

Testing Software Deployment on Network Computers

Now you can test the software deployment with group policy on one of your client computer. Here I test it on a Windows 10 PC. I have just updated the group policy and restart my computer. Now the 7zip has been installed successfully.

App Deployment in Windows 10 Using Group Policy

You can see the 7zip has been installed successfully on Windows 10 at login through group policy. Try to apply this article to deploy software using group policy on your network environment. Please comment us if you have any issue with deploying software with group policy in Windows server.

source:www.technig.com