Silent Un/Install GitHub Desktop windows command line

[dangerguest]

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Hello.
Does anyone knows how to silent install GitHub Desktop for Windows for All Users?

And what about Silent Uninstall
any solution ?
Thks in Adv.

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[AkibHossainOmi]

Hi there!

Yes, you can perform a silent installation and silent uninstallation of GitHub Desktop for Windows. Here’s how you can do it:

---

Silent Installation for All Users

1. Download the GitHub Desktop installer (GitHubDesktopSetup.exe) from the [official website](https://desktop.github.com/).

2. Run the following command in a Command Prompt with administrative privileges from the installer location C:\Users\User\Downloads:

   GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.exe /allusers /silent /norestart

   Explanation:

   • /allusers: Installs GitHub Desktop for all users on the machine.
   • /silent: Installs the program without showing the GUI.
   • /norestart: Ensures the system doesn't restart automatically after installation.

---

Silent Uninstallation

1. Locate the uninstaller file. By default, it is located in:

   C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\GitHubDesktop\Update.exe
   

2. Run the following command to silently uninstall GitHub Desktop:

   "C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\GitHubDesktop\Update.exe" --uninstall --silent

---

Hope this helps! Let me know if you run into any issues. 😊

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[2PintChristianN]

/allusers /silent /norestart doesn't work, still only installs in AppData\Local
There is an MSI that you can use to install "on the machine" but in the end that only installs the installer on the machine, which then in turns runs on every user and creating a install in AppData\Local

desktop/desktop#13091 (comment)

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[2PintChristianN]

To the author of the action that is trying to label things as dormant, Simply don't be that rude, thanks!

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[AyGemuy]

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Hello. Does anyone knows how to silent install GitHub Desktop for Windows for All Users?

And what about Silent Uninstall any solution ? Thks in Adv.

Deploying GitHub Desktop silently for all users on Windows can be a bit tricky because of how GitHub Desktop is designed to install. By default, it often installs to the user's AppData\Local directory. However, there are solutions, especially if you're using a deployment tool like Group Policy or Microsoft Intune, which leverage a "Machine-Wide Installer" or MSI.

Here's a breakdown of the typical approaches for silent installation and uninstallation for all users:

Silent Install GitHub Desktop for All Users

GitHub provides an MSI (Windows Installer) package that is designed for machine-wide installations. This MSI typically installs a "deployment tool" in Program Files (x86), and then this tool ensures GitHub Desktop is installed for each user when they log in.

1. Download the MSI Installer:
The key is to use the MSI installer, not the standard GitHubDesktopSetup.exe.
You can usually find the latest MSI version directly from GitHub's central deployment server. A common pattern for the URL is:
https://central.github.com/deployments/desktop/desktop/latest/win32?format=msi

2. Silent Installation Command (using MSI):

Once you have the MSI file (e.g., GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.msi), you can use msiexec for a silent installation.

msiexec.exe /i "GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.msi" /qn /norestart

• /i: Installs the product.
• /qn: Quiet mode, no user interface.
• /norestart: Prevents the system from restarting after installation (useful for scripting).

Explanation of the MSI Behavior for All Users:

The MSI for GitHub Desktop typically installs a GitHubDesktopDeploymentTool.exe in C:\Program Files (x86)\GitHub Desktop Deployment\. This tool is then configured to run for each user when they log in, installing the actual GitHub Desktop application into their AppData\Local directory.

Important Considerations for "All Users":

• User Permissions: Users must have permissions to install applications in their user directory (%LocalAppData%). This is generally the case for standard users.
• Initial Login: The actual GitHub Desktop application will install and launch when a user first logs into their workstation after the MSI has been deployed. It's not immediately present in Program Files as a traditional "all users" application.
• Updates: Updates for GitHub Desktop are often handled by the application itself (Squirrel.Windows framework), which can sometimes lead to multiple copies or versions in user profiles. This is a common challenge with Electron-based applications like GitHub Desktop.
• Deployment Tools: For large-scale deployments, you would typically use tools like:
  • Group Policy (GPO): Publish or assign the MSI package via GPO.
  • Microsoft Intune: Deploy the MSI as a "Line-of-business app" or package the .exe with the /allusers /silent /norestart switches as a Win32 app.

Alternative (using the EXE installer, less recommended for true "All Users" but often works for scripting):

While the MSI is preferred for enterprise deployments, some sources mention using the GitHubDesktopSetup.exe with specific switches:

GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.exe /allusers /silent /norestart

• /allusers: Attempts to install for all users (though the actual installation location might still be user-specific).
• /silent: Silent installation.
• /norestart: No restart.

This method might still lead to the application being installed in AppData\Local for each user.

Silent Uninstall GitHub Desktop

Silent uninstallation can be a bit more complex, as GitHub Desktop's update mechanism (Squirrel.Windows) often manages its own uninstallation.

1. Locate the Update.exe:

The uninstaller for GitHub Desktop is typically located within the user's local application data, specifically in the GitHub Desktop update directory.

The common path is:
%LocalAppData%\GitHubDesktop\Update.exe

2. Silent Uninstallation Command:

"%LocalAppData%\GitHubDesktop\Update.exe" --uninstall --silent

• --uninstall: Initiates the uninstall process.
• --silent: Performs the uninstallation silently.

Important Notes for Uninstall:

• Per-User Installation: Since GitHub Desktop often installs per-user, this uninstall command usually needs to be run for each user profile that has GitHub Desktop installed. This can be challenging in a multi-user environment.
• MSI-based Uninstall (if applicable): If you initially installed using the MSI, there might also be an MSI uninstall string. You can sometimes find this in the registry under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall (look for entries related to "GitHub Desktop" or the specific MSI Product Code). However, the Update.exe --uninstall method is more commonly cited for GitHub Desktop.
• Scripting for All Users: To truly uninstall for all users, you would need a script that enumerates all user profiles on the machine and runs the Update.exe --uninstall --silent command within each user's context. This often requires elevated privileges and careful scripting.

Example (Conceptual PowerShell for multi-user uninstall, requires administrative privileges):

# This is a conceptual script and might need adjustments based on your environment
$Users = Get-ChildItem "C:\Users" -Exclude "Public", "Default", "Default User", "All Users"

foreach ($User in $Users) {
    $UserProfilePath = $User.FullName
    $GitHubDesktopUpdateExe = Join-Path $UserProfilePath "AppData\Local\GitHubDesktop\Update.exe"

    if (Test-Path $GitHubDesktopUpdateExe) {
        Write-Host "Attempting silent uninstall for user: $($User.Name)"
        Start-Process -FilePath $GitHubDesktopUpdateExe -ArgumentList "--uninstall --silent" -Wait -NoNewWindow
    } else {
        Write-Host "GitHub Desktop not found for user: $($User.Name)"
    }
}

# If you used the MSI to deploy, you might also need to uninstall the machine-wide installer:
# You'd need to find the specific ProductCode for the installed MSI.
# Example: msiexec.exe /x "{YOUR_PRODUCT_CODE}" /qn

In summary:

For silent installation for all users, leverage the MSI installer (GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.msi) with msiexec.exe /i "GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.msi" /qn /norestart. This MSI sets up a mechanism for per-user installation upon login.

For silent uninstallation, the most common method is to run "%LocalAppData%\GitHubDesktop\Update.exe" --uninstall --silent. For an "all users" uninstall, you'll likely need to script this command to run within each user's context, or use a robust deployment solution that handles per-user application removal.

[2PintChristianN]

Last I checked, what the MSI installer do, is to install the User installer on the machine so that it can be installed by users desktop/desktop#13091 (comment).
Installing into AppData\Local is a bug in the first place.

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[2PintChristianN]

This bot has been labeled as rude, and will continue to be reported.

[Omprakash3104]

Of course! This is a common requirement for IT administrators deploying software in an enterprise environment.

Here’s how to silently install and uninstall GitHub Desktop for Windows for all users.

Silent Install for All Users

The key is to use the official GitHub Desktop installer with the right command-line flags.

1. Download the installer: Get the latest GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.exe from the official GitHub Desktop website.

2. Run the installer from an elevated command prompt (Run as Administrator). This is crucial for the "All Users" part to work.

3. Use the following command:

   cmd

   GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.exe /S /AllUsers

   • /S is the standard switch for a silent installation (no user interaction).

   • /AllUsers instructs the installer to place the application in C:\Program Files\GitHub Desktop\ and make it available to everyone on the machine.

Full example from a deployment script:

cmd

# Change to the directory containing the downloaded installer
cd C:\Path\To\Installer\
Run the silent, all-users installation
GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.exe /S /AllUsers

Silent Uninstall

Uninstalling silently is slightly more complex because it depends on finding the correct uninstall string registered in Windows.

Method 1: Using the Uninstall String (Most Reliable)

1. Find the uninstall string from the Windows Registry.

   • Open regedit.exe and navigate to:
     HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall</code>

   • Look for a key named GitHub Desktop.

   • Inside, find the QuietUninstallString value.

2. The command will look something like this (the GUID will be different):

   cmd

   "C:\Program Files\GitHub Desktop\GitHubDesktop.exe" --uninstall -s

   • The -s flag is for silent uninstall.

3. Run this command from an elevated command prompt.

Method 2: Using a Universal Uninstaller Tool (Easier for Scripting)

You can use wmic to get the uninstall string dynamically and execute it. This is useful for scripts where you don't want to hardcode the path.

cmd

wmic product where "name like 'GitHub Desktop'" call uninstall /nointeractive

• Note: The wmic method can be slower but is very effective for scripting across multiple machines.

Summary of Commands

Action	Command (Run in an Elevated Command Prompt)
Silent Install for All Users	GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.exe /S /AllUsers
Silent Uninstall (Method 1)	"C:\Program Files\GitHub Desktop\GitHubDesktop.exe" --uninstall -s
Silent Uninstall (Method 2)	wmic product where "name like 'GitHub Desktop'" call uninstall /nointeractive

Important Notes

• Always test these commands in a non-production environment first.

• The "All Users" installation requires administrator privileges both for install and uninstall.

• The exact uninstall string in Method 1 might vary slightly. Checking the registry is the safest way to be sure.

These methods should allow you to seamlessly deploy and manage GitHub Desktop in your organization.

Of course! This is a common requirement for IT administrators deploying software in an enterprise environment.

Here’s how to silently install and uninstall GitHub Desktop for Windows for all users.

Silent Install for All Users
The key is to use the official GitHub Desktop installer with the right command-line flags.

Download the installer: Get the latest GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.exe from the official GitHub Desktop website.

Run the installer from an elevated command prompt (Run as Administrator). This is crucial for the "All Users" part to work.

Use the following command:

cmd
GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.exe /S /AllUsers
/S is the standard switch for a silent installation (no user interaction).

/AllUsers instructs the installer to place the application in C:\Program Files\GitHub Desktop\ and make it available to everyone on the machine.

Full example from a deployment script:

cmd

Change to the directory containing the downloaded installer

cd C:\Path\To\Installer\

Run the silent, all-users installation

GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.exe /S /AllUsers
Silent Uninstall
Uninstalling silently is slightly more complex because it depends on finding the correct uninstall string registered in Windows.

Method 1: Using the Uninstall String (Most Reliable)

Find the uninstall string from the Windows Registry.

Open regedit.exe and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\

Look for a key named GitHub Desktop.

Inside, find the QuietUninstallString value.

The command will look something like this (the GUID will be different):

cmd
"C:\Program Files\GitHub Desktop\GitHubDesktop.exe" --uninstall -s
The -s flag is for silent uninstall.

Run this command from an elevated command prompt.

Method 2: Using a Universal Uninstaller Tool (Easier for Scripting)

You can use wmic to get the uninstall string dynamically and execute it. This is useful for scripts where you don't want to hardcode the path.

cmd
wmic product where "name like 'GitHub Desktop'" call uninstall /nointeractive
Note: The wmic method can be slower but is very effective for scripting across multiple machines.

Summary of Commands
Action Command (Run in an Elevated Command Prompt)
Silent Install for All Users GitHubDesktopSetup-x64.exe /S /AllUsers
Silent Uninstall (Method 1) "C:\Program Files\GitHub Desktop\GitHubDesktop.exe" --uninstall -s
Silent Uninstall (Method 2) wmic product where "name like 'GitHub Desktop'" call uninstall /nointeractive
Important Notes
Always test these commands in a non-production environment first.

The "All Users" installation requires administrator privileges both for install and uninstall.

The exact uninstall string in Method 1 might vary slightly. Checking the registry is the safest way to be sure.

These methods should allow you to seamlessly deploy and manage GitHub Desktop in your organization.

[2PintChristianN]

AI generater response, essential identical to what already is posted and still ignoring the brokenness.
https://github.com/orgs/community/discussions/144212#discussioncomment-13906334

[ghostinhershell]

Hi @Omprakash3104 ,

We’ve clarified our stance on using generative AI tools like ChatGPT within our Community via this announcement. Please review the guidelines to ensure your post meets them as failure to adhere to those rules can result in action taken by our moderator team.  You can read our updated Code of Conduct and the announcement for more details. Thank you for helping us maintain an authentic and beneficial space for everyone.

[ggauravky]

Silent Install / Uninstall GitHub Desktop on Windows

You can perform silent installation and silent uninstallation of GitHub Desktop on Windows using command-line options. This is useful for deploying across multiple machines or automated scripts.

---

1. Silent Install

1. Download the latest GitHub Desktop installer (GitHubDesktopSetup.exe) from the official site.
2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

GitHubDesktopSetup.exe /S

Notes:

/S triggers silent installation (no UI prompts).

By default, it installs for the current user.

For all users, GitHub Desktop does not officially provide a direct /ALLUSERS option, but you can use system-level deployment tools (like Intune, SCCM) to copy it into C:\Program Files and create shortcuts for all users.

2. Silent Uninstall

GitHub Desktop uses standard Windows uninstaller. To silently uninstall:

Find the uninstall string in Registry or using PowerShell:
Get-ItemProperty "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall*" |
Where-Object { $_.DisplayName -like "GitHub Desktop" } | Select-Object DisplayName, UninstallString

Run the uninstall string with silent flag /S:

"C:\Users<Username>\AppData\Local\GitHubDesktop\Update.exe" --uninstall --silent

Notes:

Replace with the actual user profile.

Silent uninstall removes the app without UI prompts.

[Peixotim]

Hi! 👋

Yes, GitHub Desktop for Windows supports silent install/uninstall with standard installer switches.

Silent Install for all users:

GitHubDesktopSetup.exe /S /allusers

Silent Uninstall:

"%LOCALAPPDATA%\GitHubDesktop\Update.exe" --uninstall -s

📌 Notes:

Use /allusers to install system-wide instead of per-user.

The Update.exe tool (included with GitHub Desktop) handles uninstalls silently with -s.

If you’re deploying via SCCM/Intune, these switches work fine in your deployment script.

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[2PintChristianN]

How about this bot stops spaming making the discussion unreadable?

[samus-aran]

Hey @caspChristian, reading the full thread it sounds like it isn't possible to provide what the OP asked for because of the said issue you have mention in the other discussion?

Would it be correct to suggest that rather this be a Question but more of a bug report or a product feedback request? As you seem to have a better understanding of the situation (and I don't see the OP returning) would you care to elaborate on the request so we can accurately update this discussion into a bug or feedback request.

[2PintChristianN]

Hey @caspChristian, reading the full thread it sounds like it isn't possible to provide what the OP asked for because of the said issue you have mention in the other discussion?

Would it be correct to suggest that rather this be a Question but more of a bug report or a product feedback request? As you seem to have a better understanding of the situation (and I don't see the OP returning) would you care to elaborate on the request so we can accurately update this discussion into a bug or feedback request.

desktop/desktop#10082
The issue is that the "machine wide" installer that exists does only install the installer.
Then each user needs to run the installer to have the application on the user. this works so far.
But now we have a vulnerability, how do we as responsible admins make sure we can update this application, the answer is WE CANT.
This is totally unacceptable.
Let's instead put it like this, anything below c:\Users should be set to non executable, that is if you put a .exe in \Users\myname\AppData\Local\Program\gh.exe that should fail to execute with a permission denied. You should not put programs here.

But especially, you should not have a "machine wide" installer that just installs an installer that runs in user mode. Who came up with this ideocracy?

[2PintChristianN]

@samus-aran is there any other clarification needed?

[SegMind25]

[2PintChristianN]

AI generated spam, especially ignoring the "all users" part.

[ghostinhershell]

Hi @iodx2004,

I'm sending a similar warning to the one I sent above here. We’ve clarified our stance on using generative AI tools like ChatGPT within our Community via this announcement. Please review the guidelines to ensure your post meets them as failure to adhere to those rules can result in action taken by our moderator team.  You can read our updated Code of Conduct and the announcement for more details. Thank you for helping us maintain an authentic and beneficial space for everyone.

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