OVERVIEW: Group Policy Deployment (Startup Script EXE, Automated Installs via Group Policy – Best for Active Directory Domain Environments) #
- Begin by downloading the custom agent (Agent_Install.exe)
- Then create a Startup script
- Deploy the Startup script by creating a Group Policy
- Link the Startup script to the group policy
- Confirm Deployment
Pro Tip: You may need to run “gpupdate” or “gpupdate /force” to update the local group policy. As this is a startup script, you may need to reboot the device to complete installation.
Step 1: Download the install file #
- You will receive an email with the downloadable link for your company’s assessment. If you do not see it in your normal inbox please make sure to check your junk mail!
- Click the link provided in the email. If you get a warning, you will need to keep it or mark it as safe to proceed.
- Save as Agent_Install.exe.
Step 2: Create the Startup Script #
After you have downloaded the agent installer file, create a Startup script to use to deploy the agent.
To create the Startup script:
- Create a new file on your desktop and name it AutomateDeployment.bat.
- Open the file and paste the following:
@echo off
REM
If EXIST c:\windows\ltsvc\ltsvc.exe GOTO EXIT
GOTO INSTALL
:INSTALL
copy \\[[domainname]]\netlogon\Agent_Install.exe %windir%\temp
call %windir%\temp\Agent_Install.exe /s
GOTO EXIT
:EXIT
Exit
- Replace
[[domainname]]with your domain name.
Note: If you choose to place the Agent_Install.exe file in a directory other than Netlogon, ensure the alternative network share has at minimum read-only permissions. For additional information on the Netlogon directory, please refer to the
Microsoft site.
- Save. Take note of the location where the file was saved.
Step 3: Create a Group Policy Object (GPO) #
To create a GPO:
- Open the Group Policy Management Console window.
- Right-click on Group Policy Objects and select New.
- Enter a name for the GPO policy in the Name field.
- Click OK.
- Right-click on the newly created GPO and select Edit.
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Scripts (Startup/Shutdown).
- Double-click Startup. The Startup Properties window displays.
- Click Add > Browse.
- In your File Explorer, locate the AutomateDeployment.bat file and copy it to the Startup Folder in the Group Policy Management window.
- Click Open > OK > Apply > OK.
- Close the Group Policy Management Editor window. The group policy has been created.
Step 4: Link the GPO #
After the GPO has been created, it must be linked to the relevant Organizational Unit(s) (OUs) for the policy to take effect. Once servers or workstations have been rebooted the agent is deployed on startup.
To link the policy:
- Right-click on the relevant OUs and select Link an Existing GPO.
- Select the newly created GPO and click OK. The agent is deployed when the server or workstation is rebooted next.
Step 5: Confirm Deployment #
When successful completed, you will see these two new icons in your taskbar! CONGRATULATIONS!
