How to use Group Policy Objects to Distribute Software.

Select the Domain or Organizational Unit you wish to install the software on, right-click it and choose properties. Click on the Group Policy tab. If you wish to add this to an existing policy, click Edit. If you wish to create a new policy, click New, name it and then click Edit.

You can install the software on a machine-by-machine basis, or a user-by-user basis.

Select either Computer Configuration or User Configuration, expand Software settings, and click on Software Installation. Right-click in the window on the right and select New -> Package.

Notes on valid packages:
Must be in .MSI format. FAQ to follow on creating .MSI files.
Must be in a share that is accessible by the computer (give read access to the domain computers group).
All files required for setup must be present in whatever directory structure normal installation uses.

Once youÆve chosen your .MSI file, you must decide if you are going to Publish the application or assign it. Publish means it will be available for installation if the user opens the Add/Remove Programs icon in the Control Panel and selects Add. Assigning a package means that the application will be installed automatically the next time the computer is started. Choose advanced to configure additional options (these can be changed later by right-clicking the package and choosing properties).

Close your Group Policy editor window, reboot your workstations, and when the computer starts up, if the package is assigned, installation of managed packages will run during start up.