How do I customize a Task Sequence to install applications?

by Drew Alison · Published 20/05/2025 · Updated 21/05/2025

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

Problem

You’ve created a Task Sequence in MDT, but now need to include application installations as part of the deployment process.

Solution

You can customize any Task Sequence in MDT to install one or more applications automatically. Applications must be imported into MDT first and can be installed as mandatory or optional selections during deployment.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Import Applications into MDT

If you haven’t done so already:

In Deployment Workbench, right-click Applications > New Application.
Follow the wizard to import:
- Application Name
- Command line for silent install (e.g., setup.exe /quiet)
- Source directory with install files

Repeat for each application you want to make available in the Task Sequence.

2. Open Your Task Sequence

Go to Deployment Workbench > Task Sequences.
Right-click your Task Sequence > Properties.
Click the Task Sequence tab.

3. Add Install Application Step(s)

Option A: Install a Single Application

Scroll to the State Restore phase.
Click Install Applications.
In the right pane, choose Install a single application.
Click Browse and select the application.

Option B: Install Multiple Applications

Choose Install more than one application.
MDT will display a list of apps during deployment (if not suppressed via rules).
Select “Install all applications with this name:” and specify a pre-defined Application Bundle name.

4. Use Conditions (Optional)

You can add WMI or task sequence variable conditions to install apps only on certain models or environments.

Example: Install Office only on Dell laptops.

Right-click the install step > Options tab.
Click Add Condition > Query WMI.
- Namespace: root\cimv2
- Query: SELECT * FROM Win32_ComputerSystem WHERE Model LIKE "%Latitude%"

5. Save and Update Deployment Share

Click OK to save changes.
Right-click the Deployment Share > Update Deployment Share to regenerate boot media (not always required, but good practice after app or script changes).

Notes

Use silent install switches to avoid user prompts.
You can organize applications into folders or bundles for cleaner structure.
Application install logs are written to the MDT log folder (e.g., C:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS\ or C:\Windows\Temp\DeploymentLogs).