The recently released PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit (PSADT) version 4.0 marks a significant milestone for Windows application deployment. In a detailed video walkthrough, Dean Ellerby [MVP] demonstrates how this major update, now supported by Patch My PC, brings a host of new features while maintaining its core strengths. As organizations continue to upgrade their deployment strategies, understanding the changes and improvements in PSADT v4 becomes essential for IT professionals and system administrators.
With PSADT v4, the project remains completely free and open source, and it continues to be one of the most reliable solutions for packaging and deploying applications across Windows environments. The video not only introduces newcomers to the toolkit but also provides valuable insights for those transitioning from earlier versions.
One of the standout features of PSADT v4 is its commitment to backwards compatibility. Existing deployment scripts written for version 3 remain fully functional, allowing organizations to migrate at their own pace without risking current workflows. This transition is further eased by new migration tools and comprehensive documentation.
Additionally, PSADT v4 offers full support for PowerShell 7, unlocking modern scripting capabilities and performance improvements. The toolkit also expands its reach to ARM-based devices, a crucial step as more businesses adopt newer hardware platforms. Another important change is that the toolkit is now delivered as a code-signed PowerShell module, enhancing both security and trust for enterprise users.
A major area of improvement in PSADT v4 is its approach to configuration and usability. Configuration files have shifted from XML to PowerShell Data Files (*.psd1), making script maintenance simpler and more intuitive for administrators. Furthermore, flag settings have transitioned from traditional booleans to PowerShell switches, streamlining deployment scripts and reducing potential errors.
Function naming conventions have also been updated, with all toolkit functions now using an ADT prefix. For example, Copy-File is now Copy-ADTFile. This change enhances discoverability and minimizes conflicts with other PowerShell modules, contributing to a smoother scripting experience.
PSADT v4 introduces several new features that make deployments more flexible and powerful. The toolkit now supports application uninstallation for EXE-based installers, extending beyond its traditional MSI focus. Enhanced filtering options allow for more precise targeting during deployment or removal operations, which is especially useful in large or complex environments.
Another highlight is the added support for WIM image deployment. This feature enables the efficient distribution of large applications or system images using compressed Windows Image files. The user interface has also been refreshed, now offering dark mode and localization to match the end user’s operating system, which improves the experience for users worldwide.
In his video, Dean Ellerby walks viewers through the practical steps of installing the PSADT module, creating and configuring a deployment package for FileZilla, and testing both installation and uninstallation processes. He emphasizes the importance of reading official documentation before starting, and demonstrates how to adapt to the new workflow in version 4.
Ellerby also addresses some of the tradeoffs IT teams may face. While the modernization brings many benefits, such as improved security and future-proofing, it also requires teams to adapt to new scripting paradigms and invest time in learning updated processes. However, tools and resources, including migration aids and detailed tutorials, are available to ease this transition.
Balancing innovation with stability is a recurring theme in Dean Ellerby's overview. While PSADT v4 aligns with the latest Windows and PowerShell developments, organizations must ensure that their deployment scripts, tools, and team skills evolve in tandem. Migrating configuration files and updating function calls present challenges, but the backward compatibility and support tools provided help mitigate these hurdles.
Looking ahead, the toolkit’s maintainers plan further integrations, such as streamlined deployment via Microsoft 365, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of modern enterprise environments. As PSADT continues to evolve, its blend of new features and preservation of familiar workflows makes it a compelling choice for IT professionals managing Windows deployments at scale.
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