How do I make application installation optional in the deployment wizard (MDT)?

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

Problem

You want users (or technicians) to choose which applications to install during the deployment process—rather than forcing all applications to install every time.

Solution

MDT allows you to configure the deployment wizard to display a list of applications for optional installation. You simply need to enable the application selection page and assign applications to appear there.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Import Applications Normally

Ensure all desired applications are already imported into:

  • Deployment Workbench > Deployment Share > Applications

Each application should have a proper silent install command.

2. Enable the Application Selection Page

Open your CustomSettings.ini file:

  • Located at <DeploymentShare>\Control\CustomSettings.ini

Add or update the following lines:

[Settings]
Priority=Default

[Default]
SkipApplications=NO

Setting SkipApplications=NO tells MDT to show the application selection page during deployment.

3. Customize Display Names and Order (Optional)

You can modify how apps appear in the wizard:

  • Go to each application’s properties in Deployment Workbench.
  • Use the “Command line”, “Name”, and “Comments” fields to add useful details.

Applications are listed in alphabetical order by default.

4. Assign Applications to the Wizard Page

When importing or editing an application:

  • In the Application Properties, go to the General tab
  • Make sure “Hide this application in the Deployment Wizard” is unchecked
  • This ensures it appears as a selectable item in the wizard

5. (Optional) Preselect Applications

If you want certain apps to be preselected by default:

  • Use Applications001={GUID} in CustomSettings.ini

You can find the app’s GUID by opening its properties in Deployment Workbench and viewing the ID.

Example CustomSettings.ini

[Settings]
Priority=Default

[Default]
SkipApplications=NO
Applications001={a1b2c3d4-5678-90ab-cdef-1234567890ab}

This will show the app selection screen and pre-check one application by default.

Notes

  • The application selection page only appears after the OS selection, so be sure to test in full deployment context.
  • You can combine this with other skip options to tailor how interactive your deployment is.
  • Application installation logs are found in:
    • C:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS\
    • C:\Windows\Temp\DeploymentLogs

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