PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit: Your Guide to Win32 Intunewin Conversion

Key insights

• PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit (PSADT) is a free, open-source framework that helps package and deploy Windows applications using PowerShell scripts. It offers a consistent installation and uninstallation experience, detailed logging, error handling, and user interaction during deployments.
  
• PSADT version 4 introduces a digitally signed PowerShell module format, improving security and making it compatible with PowerShell 7 and ARM devices. This update maintains backward compatibility with older deployment scripts.
  
• The new workflow allows you to wrap your PSADT app into an .intunewin file for Microsoft Intune deployment. You can easily create packages, set up silent install/uninstall commands, and test them before rolling out to users.
  
• Configuration files have shifted from XML to .psd1 PowerShell data files. Switches now replace booleans for easier setup, and functions use an "ADT" prefix for better clarity.
  
• The step-by-step process includes installing the PSADT module, preparing application files (like FileZilla), customizing deployment scripts, testing locally, packaging as Intunewin, and deploying through Intune’s Win32 app features.
  
• Key advantages: Modern architecture supports future hardware and software; enhanced security through signed code; robust features handle complex scenarios; open-source nature ensures active updates; streamlines enterprise-scale deployments using Microsoft Intune.

Introduction: Evolving Windows App Deployment with PSADT v4

The latest video from Dean Ellerby [MVP] explores the process of deploying Windows applications using the PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit (PSADT) version 4 in combination with Microsoft Intune’s Win32 (Intunewin) app model. This step-by-step tutorial focuses on packaging a PSADT-built application and deploying it through Intune, using FileZilla as a practical example. As organizations increasingly rely on streamlined, automated deployment solutions, Dean’s walkthrough highlights both advances and practical tradeoffs in modern app management for Windows environments.

By guiding viewers through wrapping applications, selecting setup files, configuring Intune, and troubleshooting common issues, the video addresses key challenges IT professionals face. This news story summarizes the main points and insights, emphasizing how PSADT v4 simplifies and secures enterprise software deployment.

Key Features of PSADT v4 and Its Integration with Intune

PSADT has long been valued for its open-source, community-driven approach to Windows application deployment. In version 4, the toolkit adopts a digitally signed PowerShell module format, marking a significant shift from previous script-only releases. This change not only strengthens security but also enhances compatibility with PowerShell 7 and ARM-based hardware, ensuring future-proof deployments.

Another important improvement is backward compatibility. Organizations with existing PSADT v3 deployment scripts can migrate to v4 without reworking their packages. This smooth transition is crucial for minimizing disruption and maintaining consistent deployment experiences across devices. Additionally, PSADT v4 introduces expanded features, such as support for WIM image files and improved uninstall capabilities for EXE-based applications.

Step-by-Step Deployment Process: From Packaging to Intune

Dean Ellerby’s video takes viewers through the full lifecycle of deploying a Win32 app with PSADT and Intune. The process begins by installing the PSADT v4 module via the PowerShell Gallery, followed by preparing the application files, such as downloading the FileZilla installer. Next, IT admins modify the Invoke-AppDeployToolkit.ps1 script to set silent install and uninstall parameters tailored to their needs.

Testing installations locally is emphasized to catch issues early, which is especially important when balancing reliability with deployment speed. Once validated, the application is packaged into the Intunewin format using Microsoft’s Win32 Content Prep Tool. The final steps involve uploading the package to Intune, configuring installation commands, specifying detection rules, and troubleshooting any UI prompt issues using tools like ServiceUI.exe from MDT.

Advantages and Tradeoffs in Enterprise Deployment

One of the biggest advantages PSADT v4 brings is its enhanced security and maintainability. Signed code and strict coding standards help prevent tampering and reduce the risk of deployment failures. The switch from XML to .psd1 PowerShell data files for configuration simplifies script management and improves clarity. These changes, however, may require some adaptation for teams used to older formats.

While the toolkit’s robust error handling and support for complex deployment scenarios are beneficial, they can introduce a learning curve for administrators new to PowerShell scripting or Intune’s Win32 app model. Nevertheless, the open-source nature and active maintenance of PSADT ensure that new features and community-driven improvements continue to address emerging enterprise needs.

Troubleshooting and Practical Tips

A standout section of the video covers troubleshooting UI prompt issues that often arise when scripts run in the system context during deployments. Dean demonstrates how to resolve these using ServiceUI.exe from the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, enabling user interaction when necessary. This approach balances automation with necessary user prompts, a common challenge in enterprise environments.

Moreover, the guidance to test packages locally before broad deployment helps catch configuration errors, reducing the risk of failed installations on end-user devices. The video also addresses common “gotchas,” such as selecting the correct setup file and defining accurate detection rules in Intune, which are critical for ensuring deployment success.

Conclusion: A Modern, Flexible Deployment Framework

In summary, Dean Ellerby’s detailed walkthrough of deploying applications with PSADT v4 and Intune’s Win32 app model provides a valuable resource for IT professionals. The toolkit’s modern architecture, enhanced security, and support for new hardware platforms represent a significant leap forward in Windows app deployment. While there are some tradeoffs—such as the need to adapt to new module formats—the benefits in scalability, maintainability, and reliability are clear.

For organizations seeking to streamline and future-proof their application deployment processes, PSADT v4 combined with Intune’s Win32 app management offers a compelling solution. As Dean’s tutorial demonstrates, careful planning and a methodical approach can help teams navigate the complexities of enterprise app deployment in 2025 and beyond.

Keywords

PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit PSADT Win32 Intunewin app deployment step by step Intune Win32 app packaging PowerShell deployment toolkit tutorial Win32 app conversion to Intunewin