How do I add applications to MDT?

Applies to: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 8456 and later
Last updated: May 2025

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Problem

You want to include third-party or custom applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Chrome, Zoom) in your MDT deployments so they’re installed automatically or optionally during OS installation.

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Solution

MDT allows you to import applications into the Deployment Workbench and then reference them in Task Sequences or allow users to select them during deployment.

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Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Application Files

• Download or gather the full installation package.
• Extract or organize files into a folder containing:
  • Setup executable or MSI file
  • Any required files or subfolders
• Make sure the installer supports silent installation (e.g., /quiet, /silent, /S).

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2. Open Deployment Workbench

• Launch Deployment Workbench.
• Expand your Deployment Share > Applications.

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3. Import the Application

• Right-click Applications > New Application.
• Choose:
  • Application with source files (most common)
  • Application without source files or elsewhere on the network
  • Application bundle (for grouping multiple apps)

Click Next.

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4. Provide Application Info

• Publisher: e.g., Google
• Application Name: e.g., Chrome
• Version: e.g., 123.0
• Optionally provide language and comments

Click Next.

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5. Select Source Directory

• Browse to the folder containing the setup files.

Click Next.

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6. Define Destination Directory Name

• MDT will copy files into DeploymentShare\Applications\YourAppName.

Click Next.

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7. Enter the Silent Installation Command

• Example commands:
  • MSI: msiexec.exe /i yourapp.msi /quiet /norestart
  • EXE: setup.exe /quiet or install.exe /S

Click Next, then Finish.

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8. Update Deployment Share

• After adding applications, right-click your Deployment Share > Update Deployment Share.
  • Not always necessary, but recommended if you’ve added apps that need to be included in boot media or scripts.

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Best Practices

• Test each application installation manually to confirm the silent switch works.
• Keep apps organized by vendor, type, or deployment role.
• Use application bundles to install multiple apps together.

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Notes

• Application install logs are available during deployment in:
  • C:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS
  • C:\Windows\Temp\DeploymentLogs
• Some applications may require prerequisites—add these first or use conditions to handle dependencies.
• You can reference applications later in Task Sequences or automate their selection via CustomSettings.ini.