Graphviz Silent Install (How-To Guide)

Graphviz is a package of open-source tools for drawing graphs specified in DOT language scripts. It also provides libraries for software applications to use the tools. This article will serve as an informative guide and give you a clear understanding of how to perform a silent installation of Graphviz from the command line using the MSI installer.

How to Install Graphviz Silently

Graphviz 2.38 Silent Install (MSI)

  1. Navigate to
  2. Download the MSI to a folder created at (C:\Downloads)
  3. Open an Elevated Command Prompt by Right-Clicking on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator
  4. Navigate to the C:\Downloads folder
  5. Enter the following command:
    • MsiExec.exe /i graphviz-2.38.msi /qn
  6. Press Enter

After a few moments you should see the Graphviz shortcut in the Start Menu, Installation Directory, and Programs and Features in the Control Panel.

Software Title:Graphviz
Vendor:AT&T Research Labs
Version:2.38
Architecture:x86
Installer Type:MSI
Silent Install Switch:MsiExec.exe /i graphviz-2.38.msi /qn
Silent Uninstall Switch:MsiExec.exe /x {884CF059-9A11-4DF7-A2A7-17EFE90B9278} /qn
Repair Command:MsiExec.exe /fa {884CF059-9A11-4DF7-A2A7-17EFE90B9278} /qn
Download Link:https://graphviz.gitlab.io/_pages/Download/windows/graphviz-2.38.msi

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 Graphviz installer offers the option to generate a log file during installation to assist with troubleshooting should any problems arise. You can use the following commands to create a verbose log file with details about the installation.

Graphviz 2.38 Silent Install (MSI) with Logging

MsiExec.exe /i graphviz-2.38.msi /qn /L*v "%WINDIR%\Temp\Graphviz-Install.log"

Change Default Installation Directory

You can change the default installation directory by using the following command line parameters. In this example, I’m installing Graphviz to “C:\Graphviz”

MsiExec.exe /i graphviz-2.38.msi TARGETDIR=C:\Graphviz /qn

How to Uninstall Graphviz Silently

  1. Open an Elevated Command Prompt by Right-Clicking on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator
  2. Enter the following command:

Graphviz 2.38 Silent Uninstall (MSI)

MsiExec.exe /x {884CF059-9A11-4DF7-A2A7-17EFE90B9278} /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.