How to deploy apps with .exe file extension via Intune? Is there way to directly deploy .exe or we always need to wrap it to .intunewin or use .MSI and then deploy?

Question

How to deploy apps with .exe file extension via Intune? Is there way to directly deploy .exe or we always need to wrap it to .intunewin or use .MSI and then deploy?

Answer 1

Hello Vinod

In Microsoft Intune, there isn't a direct way to deploy .exe files. Instead, you need to package the .exe file using one of the supported formats, such as .intunewin or .msi, before deploying it. Here are two common methods to deploy .exe files via Intune:

Wrap the .exe file in a .intunewin package:

• Create an application package by using the Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool (IntuneWinAppUtil.exe). This tool allows you to convert a .exe file into a .intunewin package.
• Download the IntuneWinAppUtil.exe tool from the Microsoft Download Center.
• Open a command prompt and run the following command to convert the .exe file into a .intunewin package:

phpCopy code
IntuneWinAppUtil.exe -c <path_to_exe_file> -s <path_to_setup_file> -o <output_path>

Replace <path_to_exe_file> with the path to the .exe file, <path_to_setup_file> with the path to the setup file or installation script, and <output_path> with the desired output folder for the .intunewin package.

• Once the package is created, you can upload it to Intune and deploy it to the targeted devices or users.

Convert the .exe file into an .msi package:

• If the .exe file supports silent installation or has an accompanying .msi installer, you can convert the .exe into an .msi package.
• Use a third-party tool like Advanced Installer or the Microsoft App-V Sequencer to convert the .exe file into an .msi package.
• Once you have the .msi package, you can upload it to Intune and deploy it like any other MSI application.

It's important to note that .intunewin packages provide more flexibility compared to .msi packages, as they can be used to deploy complex applications or scenarios that are not easily packaged as .msi. However, if you have an .msi installer available, it may be simpler to use that format for deployment.

Before deploying any applications, ensure that you have the appropriate administrative permissions and licenses within your Intune environment. Additionally, test the deployment thoroughly in a non-production environment before deploying to your entire user base.