Desktop silent install using .exe (as .msi is being retired)

[Cymbolz]

MS announced the retirement of the MSI installer from 1st Sep 2019.  That leaves the EXE.

Currently we're using the MSI to silently install the latest Desktop. 

Start-Process msiexec.exe -ArgumentList "/i `"$Save_full`" /passive /log `"$Log_full`" ACCEPT_EULA=1" -verb runAs -Wait

Has anyone figured out how to silently install with the exe?  I can't get command line switches working and am unable to tell if and which method has been used to package this.  

• MS announcing retirement of MSI
• A useful overview of installers

[Cymbolz · Accepted solution]

I have created an idea https://ideas.powerbi.com/forums/265200-power-bi-ideas/suggestions/38312317-desktop-installer-comman...

It feels strange creating a suggestion for a feature that currently exists.  I am assuming / hoping I'm not the only one using this feature but we'll see how popular the idea is soon...

[ericjohnson602]

Old topic but here you go:

[v-frfei-msft]

Hi @Cymbolz ,

Based on my research, it is not supported yet currently. You can come up a new idea and add your comments there to make this feature coming sooner.
https://ideas.powerbi.com/forums/265200-power-bi-ideas

[Cymbolz · Accepted solution]

I have created an idea https://ideas.powerbi.com/forums/265200-power-bi-ideas/suggestions/38312317-desktop-installer-comman...

It feels strange creating a suggestion for a feature that currently exists.  I am assuming / hoping I'm not the only one using this feature but we'll see how popular the idea is soon...

[StephanG · Accepted solution]

Instructions are here:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/desktop-get-the-desktop#using-command-line-options-during-...

Do not forget the accept_eula=1

If you want to change the language to english on install - add these reg items per user:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Microsoft Power BI Desktop

ModelCulture - REG_SZ - en-US

UICulture - REG_SZ - en-US

[Cymbolz]

Worked as expected including adding ACCEPT_EULA=1 to the arguments.  Thank you.

I did get an error about not being able to create a shortcut, will try on some other PCs soon to see if the same occurs. 

MSI (s) (30:E0) [10:41:39:102]: Note: 1: 2105 2: -2147024894 3: Power BI Desktop.lnk
Warning 1909. Could not create Shortcut Power BI Desktop.lnk. Verify that the destination folder exists and that you can access it.

[StephanG]

Try to add INSTALLDESKTOPSHORTCUT=0 to your installation.

If you want to fix it look in your registry if the public desktop is set and if this location is available.

Don't know the path atm but should be easy to google it.

[Cymbolz]

I'll add the parameter, thanks Stephan.

I do have and make use of my public desktop, so will follow up on your suggestion of checking the registery and also see how the install (without this desktop shortcut parameter) behaves on other PCs.