How To Install Software Using Command Prompt In Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Install Software Using Command Prompt in Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing software on Windows 10 can be a straightforward task, but it can also be a bit daunting for those who are not familiar with the command prompt. However, using the command prompt to install software offers several advantages, including the ability to automate the installation process, install software remotely, and troubleshoot installation issues more easily.

In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to install software using the command prompt in Windows 10. We will cover everything from the basics of using the command prompt to more advanced techniques, such as using unattended installation scripts.

How to Install Software Using Command Prompt Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prerequisites

Before you begin, you will need to make sure that you have the following:

• A Windows 10 computer
• An administrator account
• The software installation package (MSI or EXE file)

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt

The first step is to open the command prompt. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "cmd" into the Run dialog box, and then clicking OK.

Step 2: Navigate to the Software Installation Directory

Once the command prompt is open, you will need to navigate to the directory where the software installation package is located. You can do this by using the "cd" command. For example, if the installation package is located in the "Downloads" folder, you would type the following command:

cd Downloads

Step 3: Install the Software

Once you are in the correct directory, you can install the software using the following command:

msiexec /i <installation_package_name.msi>

For example, if the installation package is named "my_software.msi", you would type the following command:

msiexec /i my_software.msi

Step 4: Wait for the Installation to Complete

The software installation process will now begin. The amount of time it takes to complete will vary depending on the size of the software package and the speed of your computer.

Step 5: Verify the Installation

Once the installation is complete, you can verify that the software was installed successfully by opening the Start menu and searching for the software. If the software is installed, it will appear in the search results.

Advanced Techniques

Using Unattended Installation Scripts

Unattended installation scripts can be used to automate the software installation process. This can be useful for installing software on multiple computers or for installing software remotely.

To create an unattended installation script, you will need to use the "msiexec" command with the "/qn" switch. The "/qn" switch tells msiexec to install the software without displaying any user interface.

For example, the following command would create an unattended installation script for the "my_software.msi" installation package:

msiexec /i my_software.msi /qn

You can then save this script to a file and run it on any computer that you want to install the software on.

Installing Software Remotely

The command prompt can also be used to install software remotely. This can be useful for installing software on computers that are not connected to the local network.

To install software remotely, you will need to use the "psexec" command. The "psexec" command allows you to execute commands on remote computers.

For example, the following command would install the "my_software.msi" installation package on the remote computer named "remote_computer":

psexec \remote_computer msiexec /i my_software.msi

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

The command prompt can also be used to troubleshoot software installation issues. If you are having trouble installing a software package, you can use the "msiexec" command with the "/lv" switch to view the installation log.

The installation log will contain information about any errors that occurred during the installation process. You can then use this information to troubleshoot the installation issue.

Conclusion

Installing software using the command prompt in Windows 10 is a powerful technique that can be used to automate the installation process, install software remotely, and troubleshoot installation issues. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily install software using the command prompt.