Barrier is software that mimics the functionality of a KVM switch. Barrier does this in software, allowing you to tell it which machine to control by moving your mouse to the edge of the screen, or by using a keypress to switch focus to a different system. This article will serve as an informative guide and give you a clear understanding of how to perform a silent installation of Barrier from the command line using the EXE installer.
How to Install Barrier Silently
Barrier Silent Install (EXE)
- Navigate to: https://github.com/debauchee/barrier/releases/latest
- Download the BarrierSetup-x.y.z-release.exe to a folder created at (C:\Downloads)
- Navigate to: https://aka.ms/vs/17/release/vc_redist.x64.exe
- Download the VC_redist.x64.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 commands:
VC_redist.x64.exe /install /quiet /norestart |
BarrierSetup-x.y.z-release.exe /VERYSILENT /NORESTART |
After a few moments you will find Barrier entries in the Start Menu, Installation Directory, and Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
| Software Title: | Barrier |
| Vendor: | Debauchee Open Source Group |
| Architecture: | x64 |
| Installer Type: | EXE |
| Silent Install Switch: (Step1) | VC_redist.x64.exe /install /quiet /norestart |
| Silent Install Switch: (Step2) | BarrierSetup-x.y.z-release.exe /VERYSILENT /NORESTART |
| Silent Uninstall Switch: | "%ProgramFiles%\Barrier\unins000.exe" /VERYSILENT /NORESTART |
| Download Link: | Barrier Download |
| PowerShell Script: | Barrier | PowerShell Script |
| Detection Script: | Barrier | Custom Detection Script |
The information above provides a quick overview of the software title, vendor, silent install, and silent uninstall switches. The download links provided take you directly to the vendors website. Continue reading if you are interested in additional details and configurations.
Additional Configurations
Create a Barrier Installation Log File
The Barrier installer offers the option to generate a log file during installation to assist with troubleshooting should any problems arise. You can use the following command to create a verbose log file with details about the installation.
Barrier Silent Install (EXE) with Logging
BarrierSetup-x.y.z-release.exe /VERYSILENT /NORESTART /LOG="%WINDIR%\Temp\Barrier-Install.log" |
Change the Barrier Default Installation Directory
You can also change the default installation directory by using the following command line parameters. In this example, I’m installing Barrier to “C:\Barrier”
BarrierSetup-x.y.z-release.exe /DIR="C:\Barrier" /VERYSILENT /NORESTART |
Include the Barrier Desktop Shortcut During Install
The Barrier installer does not create a desktop shortcut by default. If you want the desktop shortcut, then you can run the following command line switches to include it.
Barrier Silent Install (EXE) with Desktop Shortcut
BarrierSetup-x.y.z-release.exe /VERYSILENT /NORESTART /MERGETASKS=desktopicon |
How to Uninstall Barrier 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 the following command:
Barrier Silent Uninstall (EXE)
"%ProgramFiles%\Barrier\unins000.exe" /VERYSILENT /NORESTART |
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.