AutoHotkey is a free, open-source custom scripting language for Microsoft Windows that allows users to automate repetitive tasks in any Windows application. This article will serve as an informative guide and give you a clear understanding of how to perform a silent installation of AutoHotkey from the command line using the EXE installer.
How to Install AutoHotkey Silently
AutoHotkey Silent Install (EXE) – (Versions 2.0.0 & Newer)
- Navigate to: https://github.com/AutoHotkey/AutoHotkey/releases/latest
- Download the AutoHotkey_2.x.y.z_setup.exe to a folder created at (C:\Downloads)
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt by Right-Clicking on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator
- Navigate to the C:\Downloads folder
- Enter the following command: AutoHotkey_2.x.y.z_setup.exe /silent
- Press Enter
After a few moments you should see the AutoHotkey shortcuts in the Start Menu, Installation Directory, and Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
| Software Title: | AutoHotkey |
| Vendor: | AutoHotKey Foundation LLC |
| Version: | 2.0.0 & Newer |
| Architecture: | x86_x64 |
| Installer Type: | EXE |
| Silent Install Switch: | AutoHotkey_2.x.y.z_setup.exe /silent |
| Silent Uninstall Switch: | "%USERPROFILE%\UX\AutoHotkeyUX.exe" "%USERPROFILE%\UX\install.ahk" /uninstall /silent |
| Download Link: | https://github.com/AutoHotkey/AutoHotkey/releases/latest |
| PowerShell Script: | https://silentinstallhq.com/autohotkey-install-and-uninstall-powershell/ |
| Detection Script: | https://silentinstallhq.com/create-a-custom-detection-script-for-autohotkey-powershell/ |
AutoHotkey Silent Install (EXE) – (Versions 1.1.36.02 & Older)
- Navigate to: https://github.com/AutoHotkey/AutoHotkey/releases/latest
- Download the AutoHotkey_1.x.y.z_setup.exe to a folder created at (C:\Downloads)
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt by Right-Clicking on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator
- Navigate to the C:\Downloads folder
- Enter the following command: AutoHotkey_1.x.y.z_setup.exe /S
- Press Enter
After a few moments you should see the AutoHotkey shortcuts in the Start Menu, Installation Directory, and Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
| Software Title: | AutoHotkey |
| Vendor: | Lexikos |
| Version: | 1.1.36.02 & Older |
| Architecture: | x86_x64 |
| Installer Type: | EXE |
| Silent Install Switch: | AutoHotkey_1.x.y.z_setup.exe /S |
| Silent Uninstall Switch: | "C:\Program Files\AutoHotkey\AutoHotkey.exe" "C:\Program Files\AutoHotkey\Installer.ahk" /Uninstall |
| Download Link: | https://github.com/AutoHotkey/AutoHotkey/releases/latest |
| PowerShell Script: | https://silentinstallhq.com/autohotkey-install-and-uninstall-powershell/ |
| Detection Script: | https://silentinstallhq.com/create-a-custom-detection-script-for-autohotkey-powershell/ |
The information above provides a quick overview of the software title, vendor, silent install, and silent uninstall switches. The download link provided take you directly to the vendors website. Continue reading if you are interested in additional details and configurations.
Additional Configurations
Change the AutoHotkey Default Installation Directory
You can also change the default installation directory by using the following command line parameters. In this example, I’m installing AutoHotkey to “C:\AutoHotkey”
AutoHotkey 1.x
AutoHotkey_1.x.y.z_setup.exe /S /D="C:\AutoHotkey" |
AutoHotkey 2.x
AutoHotkey_2.x.x_setup.exe /installto "%ProgramFiles%\AutoHotkey" /silent |
How to Uninstall AutoHotkey Silently
Check out the following posts for a scripted solution:
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt by Right-Clicking on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator
- Enter on of the following commands:
AutoHotkey Silent Uninstall (EXE) – (Versions 2.0.0 & Newer)
"%USERPROFILE%\UX\AutoHotkeyUX.exe" "%USERPROFILE%\UX\install.ahk" /uninstall /silent |
AutoHotkey Silent Uninstall (EXE) – Program Files (Versions 2.0.0 & Newer)
"%ProgramFiles%\AutoHotkey\UX\AutoHotkeyUX.exe" "%ProgramFiles%\AutoHotkey\UX\install.ahk" /uninstall /silent |
AutoHotkey Silent Uninstall (EXE) – (Versions 1.1.36.02 & Older)
"C:\Program Files\AutoHotkey\AutoHotkey.exe" "C:\Program Files\AutoHotkey\Installer.ahk" /Uninstall |
Always make sure to test everything in a development environment prior to implementing anything into production. The information in this article is provided “As Is” without warranty of any kind.