Tools

Deploy the SolarWinds Discovery Agent using a domain logon script in Service Desk

This article provides step-by-step instructions for deploying the SolarWinds Discovery Agent across multiple Windows computers using a domain logon script. The goal is to automate installation so the agent runs when users log into their domain-connected machines.

First published date

7/10/2025 2:38 PM

Last published date

7/10/2025 3:31 PM

Overview

Deploying the SolarWinds Discovery Agent using a domain logon script allows organizations to automate agent installation across multiple Windows machines. This method ensures that the agent is silently installed whenever a user logs in to a domain-joined computer, eliminating the need for manual setup.

Key Steps:

  • Download the Discovery Agent installer from the SolarWinds Service Desk.
  • Place the installer in a shared network folder
  • Create a batch script that installs the agent silently.
  • Assign the script as a logon script via Group Policy in Active Directory.
  • Test and validate installation on target machines.

Product section

Service Desk

Resolution

Before proceeding, please review the official documentation: Agent installation for mass deployment

 

Step 1: Download the SolarWinds Discovery Agent Installer

  • Navigate to Setup → Discovery & Assets → Installation
  • Download the SolarWinds Discovery Agent for Windows (EXE file)
  • The file name should be: Solarwinds_Discovery_Agent_{version}_installer.exe


Step 2: Move the Installer to a Shared Network Folder (Recommended: NETLOGON)


NETLOGON folder is a special shared directory on a domain controller used for storing logon scripts and policies for domain users.

 

Shared network path (UNC):
\\YourDomainController\NETLOGON\

Example:
\\DC01\NETLOGON


Important Note: Make sure this folder is accessible to all domain users with read permissions.

 


Step 3: Create the Batch Script

 

Create a .bat file (e.g., install_solarwinds_agent.bat) with the following code:

@echo off
REM === Agent already deployed on the computer?
if exist "C:\Program Files\Solarwinds Discovery Agent\agent\src\mini_kernel\service.*" goto END
if exist "C:\Program Files (x86)\Solarwinds Discovery Agent\agent\src\mini_kernel\service.*" goto END

REM === Deploying agent in silent mode
"\\YourServer\Software\Solarwinds\Solarwinds_Discovery_Agent_{version}_installer.exe" --mode unattended

REM === Script done
:END

Replace \\YourServer\Software\Solarwinds\ with the actual UNC path to your installer.

 


Step 4: Store the Script in NETLOGON


Copy your .bat file to:

\\YourDomainController\NETLOGON\



Step 5: Assign the Logon Script via Group Policy

  1. Open the Group Policy Management Console on your domain controller.
  2. Right-click on your target OU (where your users are), and choose Create a GPO (or use an existing one).
  3. Name it something like: Deploy SolarWinds Discovery Agent
  4. Right-click the GPO → Edit
  5. Go to: User Configuration → Policies → Windows Settings → Scripts (Logon)
  6. Double-click Logon → Click Add
  7. Browse and select the script file from \\YourDomainController\NETLOGON\

 

Step 6: Update and Test

On a test machine:

  • Run gpupdate /force
  • Log off and log back in (or restart)
  • The script should install the agent silently

If you’ve completed all the steps and are still experiencing issues, please reach out to the Technical Support Team at technicalsupport@solarwinds.com.