EXE Software Installation (System Wide-All Users)

What the EXE Software Installer does

This Automox Worklet™ deploys executable software packages to Windows endpoints with system-wide installation scope. The Worklet handles both evaluation and remediation phases, automating what would otherwise require manual software deployment processes.

The evaluation phase scans the Windows registry to detect installed applications by matching display names and versions. When the desired application is not found, the Worklet flags the endpoint for remediation. The remediation phase silently installs the EXE file you provide, then verifies installation success by checking both the 32-bit and 64-bit registry hives in HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall.

The Worklet works across Windows 7 and newer versions, supporting both workstations and servers. Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications are not supported, and display names must match exactly as they appear in Programs and Features or Apps and Features, with wildcard matching available when needed.

Why deploy software system-wide through Automox

System-wide software deployment eliminates inconsistent application states across your endpoints. When you manually install applications on individual systems, some endpoints may have older versions, lack critical updates, or miss installations entirely. This fragmentation increases support costs and security risks.

Using this Worklet maintains every endpoint in scope receives the exact same application version with identical configuration. This standardization is critical for compliance, performance optimization, and security. You avoid the complexity of understanding installer arguments, 32-bit versus 64-bit versions, or silent installation flags. The Worklet handles these technical details automatically.

Built-in registry validation means you get immediate confirmation that installation succeeded before moving to the next endpoint. This reduces failed deployments, minimizes rework, and saves IT operations teams hours of troubleshooting.

How EXE software installation works

1. Evaluation phase: The Worklet queries HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall in both registry views (64-bit and 32-bit) to locate your application. It compares the DisplayName and DisplayVersion values against your configured parameters. If found with the specified version or higher, exit code 0 indicates success. If not found, exit code 1 flags remediation.

2. Remediation phase: The Worklet executes your provided EXE file with specified arguments in silent mode. It then performs the same registry verification as the evaluation phase to confirm installation success. If the application appears in the registry with the correct version, installation succeeded. If not found after installation, the Worklet reports failure for investigation.

EXE software deployment requirements

• Windows 7 or later (supports workstations and servers)

• Administrator privileges on target endpoints

• EXE installer file uploaded to Automox (filename and location configured in Worklet parameters)

• Display name exactly matching Programs and Features entry (use wildcards if necessary for partial matches)

• Display version matching or exceeding your minimum version requirement

• Installation command-line arguments documented from the software vendor

• Sufficient disk space and network connectivity during installation window

Expected software deployment state

After successful remediation, your specified application version appears in Programs and Features (Windows 10/11) or Add or Remove Programs (Windows 7/8.1) on every targeted endpoint. Registry verification confirms the application is registered in both 32-bit and 64-bit hives when applicable. All users on the endpoint can access and run the installed application.

You can verify successful deployment by launching the application, checking installed version through the application's help menu or settings, reviewing installation logs captured during remediation, and confirming the application appears in the Add or Remove Programs list. If deployment fails, investigate installation logs for error messages related to prerequisites, licensing, or installer corruption.