MEM_AppWin32_InstallChrome

Overview

The MEM_AppWin32_InstallChrome repository offers scripts designed to ensure a consistently up-to-date installation of Google Chrome. These can be deployed as a Win32 package, can be installed as SYSTEM.

While some apps, such as Google Chrome, are not yet available via the "New" Microsoft Store method, this repository provides a solution. By harnessing the capabilities of winget, Microsoft's package manager for Windows, these scripts guarantee that upon deployment, devices always receive the latest version of Google Chrome. This approach not only streamlines the deployment process but also ensures devices are protected from potential vulnerabilities present in outdated software versions.

By employing winget, devices are set to fetch the latest Google Chrome version directly, eliminating the need for manual update packaging.

A special thanks to John Bryntze! His videos, referenced here and here, provide a comprehensive understanding of creating a Win32 package to distribute software installations using PowerShell and winget. They explain packaging, setting detection rules, and addressing challenges.

Scripts in this Repository

• Detect_Chrome.ps1: This script checks if Google Chrome is already installed on the device.

• Install_Chrome.ps1: Using winget, this script facilitates the installation of the most recent Google Chrome version.

Usage

1. Preparation: Before deploying the scripts, ensure you have the IntuneWinAppUtil tool. This utility is essential for packaging the scripts into a format suitable for Intune.

2. Packaging for Intune:

   • Navigate to the directory containing the scripts and the IntuneWinAppUtil tool.
   • Run the IntuneWinAppUtil tool.
   • When prompted, provide the source folder, the setup file (script), and the output folder.
   • The tool will generate an .intunewin file, which is suitable for uploading to Intune.

3. Uploading to Intune:

   • Go to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.
   • Navigate to Apps > All apps > Add.
   • Select Windows app (Win32) from the list.
   • Upload the .intunewin file generated in the previous step.
   • Configure the app information, settings, and assignments as needed.
     • Install command: powershell.exe -executionpolicy ByPass -file .\Install_Chrome.ps1
     • Uninstall command: powershell.exe -executionpolicy ByPass -file .\Uninstall_Chrome.ps1
     • Install behavior: System
     • Detection rules: Use custom script Detect_Chrome.ps1
   • Save and assign the app to desired group(s).

4. Setting Detection Rules:

   • For detection, utilize the Detect_Chrome.ps1 script. This script verifies if Google Chrome is already installed on the device, ensuring the installation process is initiated only when necessary.

5. Deployment:

   • Once the app is assigned, devices in the target group(s) will receive the latest version of Google Chrome upon their next check-in with Intune.

Credits

A special acknowledgment to John Bryntze, creator of the referenced YouTube videos, for his tutorials on packaging applications for Intune using winget:

• Packaging Zoom with Winget and Intune - Part 1
• Packaging Zoom with Winget and Intune - Part 2