Chef Workstation gives you everything you need to get started with Chef Infra and Chef InSpec including ad hoc remote execution, remote scanning, configuration tasks, cookbook creation tools as well as robust dependency and testing software. This article will serve as an informative guide and give you a clear understanding of how to perform a silent installation of Chef Workstation from the command line using the MSI installer.
How to Install Chef Workstation Silently
Chef Workstation Silent Install (MSI)
- Navigate to: https://downloads.chef.io/products/workstation
- Select the version of your choice
- Download the MSI 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: MsiExec.exe /i chef-workstation-x.y.z-x64.msi /qn
- Press Enter
After a few moments you should see the Chef Workstation Desktop Shortcut appear. You will also find entries in the Start Menu, Installation Directory, and Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
| Software Title: | Chef Workstation |
| Vendor: | Chef Software, Inc. |
| Architecture: | x64 |
| Installer Type: | MSI |
| Silent Install Switch: | MsiExec.exe /i chef-workstation-x.y.z-x64.msi /qn |
| Silent Uninstall Switch: | MsiExec.exe /x chef-workstation-x.y.z-x64.msi /qn |
| Repair Command: | MsiExec.exe /fa chef-workstation-x.y.z-x64.msi /qn |
| Download Link: | https://downloads.chef.io/products/workstation |
| PowerShell Script: | https://silentinstallhq.com/chef-workstation-install-and-uninstall-powershell/ |
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 an Installation Log File
The Chef Workstation 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.
Chef Workstation Silent Install (MSI) with Logging
MsiExec.exe /i chef-workstation-x.y.z-x64.msi /qn /L*v "%WINDIR%\Temp\ChefWorkstation-Install.log" |
Chef Workstation Install Using PowerShell
- Open Windows PowerShell by Right-Clicking on Windows PowerShell and selecting Run as Administrator
- Enter the following command:
. { iwr -useb https://omnitruck.chef.io/install.ps1 } | iex; install -channel stable -project chef-workstation |
How to Uninstall Chef Workstation Silently
Check out the Chef Workstation Install and Uninstall (PowerShell) post for a scripted solution.
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt by Right-Clicking on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator
- Enter one of the following commands:
| Version | Chef Workstation Silent Uninstall String |
21.1.222.1 | MsiExec.exe /x {F244889E-555B-4DB8-B6F3-89DC2D3A55E6} /qn |
20.10.168.1 | MsiExec.exe /x {34FECBAF-1892-4B6B-8C68-87D59876B97C} /qn |
20.9.158.1 | MsiExec.exe /x {99C3DD41-1E60-4BC3-9134-AA33B6CA577C} /qn |
20.9.136.1 | MsiExec.exe /x {FA519E9E-5F6F-44CC-8050-CD1BADBA3564} /qn |
20.8.125.1 | MsiExec.exe /x {A17B43B7-E067-4A12-AD99-794282C8D75D} /qn |
20.8.111.1 | MsiExec.exe /x {3FE27F26-4CE0-42FD-B6F1-49489FD388B3} /qn |
20.7.96.1 | MsiExec.exe /x {F0CBDEC2-BD7C-4120-8ADB-2E8EDAF3A756} /qn |
20.7.81.1 | MsiExec.exe /x {87EE13C7-39DE-4034-8411-0957AF22E085} /qn |
20.6.62.1 | MsiExec.exe /x {3DBD6FCB-E39B-4C5F-A9FC-77A467B86A0C} /qn |
0.18.3.1 | MsiExec.exe /x {79A47C04-9BA8-4704-BC39-4192FAED5AE4} /qn |
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.