How do I install multiple applications during deployment in MDT?

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

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Problem

You want to install more than one application as part of your MDT deployment—either by grouping them into a bundle or automating multiple installs through the Task Sequence.

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Solution

There are two primary ways to install multiple applications in MDT:

1. Using the built-in “Install Applications” step in a Task Sequence
2. Creating an Application Bundle to group applications together

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Option 1: Add Multiple Applications to a Task Sequence

Step 1: Open the Task Sequence

• In Deployment Workbench > Task Sequences
• Right-click the desired Task Sequence > Properties
• Go to the Task Sequence tab

Step 2: Locate or Add the “Install Applications” Step

• Under the State Restore phase, click on Install Applications
• Choose:
  • Install more than one application
  • Then either:
    • Manually select applications from a list (if prompting the user)
    • Use an Application Bundle (see Option 2 below)

If SkipApplications=YES is set in CustomSettings.ini, this step will run silently without user interaction.

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Option 2: Create an Application Bundle

Step 1: Open Applications

• Go to Deployment Workbench > Applications
• Right-click > New Application
• Choose Application Bundle > Click Next

Step 2: Provide Info

• Name it something clear, like “Standard Software Bundle”
• Click Next

Step 3: Add Included Applications

• On the “Included Applications” page, click Add and select each application you want to include
• Click Next, then Finish

Step 4: Use the Bundle in Your Task Sequence

• In the Task Sequence > Install Applications step
• Choose “Install a single application”
• Browse and select the bundle you just created

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Automate Multiple App Installs Using CustomSettings.ini

You can also silently install multiple apps by using this setting:

[Default]
SkipApplications=YES
Applications001={AppGUID1}
Applications002={AppGUID2}
Applications003={AppGUID3}

You can find each app’s GUID by opening the app properties in Deployment Workbench.

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Notes

• Installing multiple apps back-to-back will increase deployment time—test thoroughly.
• Use logs in C:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS to track install success or failure.
• Always test bundles on clean images to validate silent installs.