R for Windows acts as an alternative to traditional statistical packages such as SPSS, SAS, and Stata such that it is an extensible, open-source language and computing environment for Windows. This article will serve as an informative guide and give you a clear understanding of how to perform a silent installation of R for Windows from the command line using the EXE installer.
How to Install R for Windows Silently
R for Windows Silent Install (EXE)
- Navigate to: https://cloud.r-project.org/bin/windows/base/
- Download the R-x.y.z-win.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: R-x.y.z-win.exe /VERYSILENT /NORESTART
- Press Enter
After a few moments you will find R for Windows entries in the Start Menu, Installation Directory, and Programs and Features in the Control Panel.
| Software Title: | R for Windows |
| Vendor: | R Core Team |
| Architecture: | x86_x64 |
| Installer Type: | EXE |
| Silent Install Switch: | R-x.y.z-win.exe /VERYSILENT /NORESTART |
| Silent Uninstall Switch: | "%ProgramFiles%\R\R-x.y.z\unins000.exe" /VERYSILENT /NORESTART |
| Download Link: | https://cloud.r-project.org/bin/windows/base/ |
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 R for Windows 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.
R for Windows Silent Install (EXE) with Logging
R-x.y.z-win.exe /VERYSILENT /NORESTART /LOG="%WINDIR%\Temp\RWindows-Install.log" |
Change Default Installation Directory
You can also change the default installation directory by using the following command line parameters. In this example, I’m installing R for Windows to “C:\R for Windows”
R-x.y.z-win.exe /DIR="C:\R for Windows" /VERYSILENT /NORESTART |
Include Desktop Shortcut During Install
The R for Windows installer does not create any desktop shortcuts by default. If you want the desktop shortcuts, then you can run the following command line switches to include them.
R for Windows Silent Install (EXE) with Desktop Shortcuts
R-x.y.z-win.exe /VERYSILENT /NORESTART /MERGETASKS=desktopicon |
How to Uninstall R for Windows Silently
- Open an Elevated Command Prompt by Right-Clicking on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator
- Enter the following command:
R for Windows Silent Uninstall (EXE)
"%ProgramFiles%\R\R-x.y.z\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.