RSAT for Windows 10 (Features on Demand) Install and Uninstall (PowerShell)

This article will serve as an informative guide and give you a clear understanding of how to perform silent or interactive installs and uninstalls of RSAT for Windows 10 (Features on Demand) using the Powershell App Deployment Toolkit. The PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit can be used to replace your WiseScript, VBScript and Batch wrapper scripts with one versatile, re-usable and extensible tool. This tool is an absolute must for Microsoft Endpoint Manager Configuration Manager (MEMCM) / (SCCM) Administrators or anyone who is responsible for packaging and deploying software.

How to Install RSAT for Windows 10 (Features on Demand) Using the PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit

  1. Download the Powershell App Deployment Toolkit 3.8.4:
  2. Download the zip file to a folder created at (C:\Downloads)
  3. Open Windows PowerShell by Right-Clicking on Windows PowerShell and selecting Run as Administrator
  4. Enter the following command to remove the Zone.Identifier:
    • Unblock-File -Path C:\Downloads\PSAppDeployToolkit_v3.8.4.zip
  5. Enter the following command to extract the contents of the zip file:
    • Expand-Archive -Path C:\Downloads\PSAppDeployToolkit_v3.8.4.zip -DestinationPath C:\Downloads\PADT
  6. Enter the following commands to copy the AppDeployToolkit & Files folders to “C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10”:
    • Copy-Item -Path "C:\Downloads\PADT\Toolkit\AppDeployToolkit" -Destination "C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10\AppDeployToolkit" -Recurse
    • Copy-Item -Path "C:\Downloads\PADT\Toolkit\Files" -Destination "C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10\Files"

You should now see the AppDeploymentToolkit folder with files & the empty Files folder at “C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10”


Optional Steps: You can download and extract both the 32-bit & 64-bit .MSU installers for older versions of Windows 10.

MKDIR C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10\Files\x86
expand -f:* C:\Downloads\WindowsTH-RSAT_WS2016-x86.msu C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10\Files\x86
MKDIR C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10\Files\x64
expand -f:* C:\Downloads\WindowsTH-RSAT_WS2016-x64.msu C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10\Files\x64

  • Copy the PowerShell script below to “C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10 & name it Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1
<#
.SYNOPSIS
	This script performs the installation or uninstallation of Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) for Windows 10.
	# LICENSE #
	PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit - Provides a set of functions to perform common application deployment tasks on Windows.
	Copyright (C) 2017 - Sean Lillis, Dan Cunningham, Muhammad Mashwani, Aman Motazedian.
	This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or any later version. This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details.
	You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License along with this program. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
.DESCRIPTION
	The script is provided as a template to perform an install or uninstall of an application(s).
	The script either performs an "Install" deployment type or an "Uninstall" deployment type.
	The install deployment type is broken down into 3 main sections/phases: Pre-Install, Install, and Post-Install.
	The script dot-sources the AppDeployToolkitMain.ps1 script which contains the logic and functions required to install or uninstall an application.
.PARAMETER DeploymentType
	The type of deployment to perform. Default is: Install.
.PARAMETER DeployMode
	Specifies whether the installation should be run in Interactive, Silent, or NonInteractive mode. Default is: Interactive. Options: Interactive = Shows dialogs, Silent = No dialogs, NonInteractive = Very silent, i.e. no blocking apps. NonInteractive mode is automatically set if it is detected that the process is not user interactive.
.PARAMETER AllowRebootPassThru
	Allows the 3010 return code (requires restart) to be passed back to the parent process (e.g. SCCM) if detected from an installation. If 3010 is passed back to SCCM, a reboot prompt will be triggered.
.PARAMETER TerminalServerMode
	Changes to "user install mode" and back to "user execute mode" for installing/uninstalling applications for Remote Destkop Session Hosts/Citrix servers.
.PARAMETER DisableLogging
	Disables logging to file for the script. Default is: $false.
.EXAMPLE
    PowerShell.exe .\Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1 -DeploymentType "Install" -DeployMode "NonInteractive"
.EXAMPLE
    PowerShell.exe .\Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1 -DeploymentType "Install" -DeployMode "Silent"
.EXAMPLE
    PowerShell.exe .\Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1 -DeploymentType "Install" -DeployMode "Interactive"
.EXAMPLE
    PowerShell.exe .\Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1 -DeploymentType "Uninstall" -DeployMode "NonInteractive"
.EXAMPLE
    PowerShell.exe .\Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1 -DeploymentType "Uninstall" -DeployMode "Silent"
.EXAMPLE
    PowerShell.exe .\Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1 -DeploymentType "Uninstall" -DeployMode "Interactive"
.NOTES
	Toolkit Exit Code Ranges:
	60000 - 68999: Reserved for built-in exit codes in Deploy-Application.ps1, Deploy-Application.exe, and AppDeployToolkitMain.ps1
	69000 - 69999: Recommended for user customized exit codes in Deploy-Application.ps1
	70000 - 79999: Recommended for user customized exit codes in AppDeployToolkitExtensions.ps1
.LINK
	http://psappdeploytoolkit.com
#>
[CmdletBinding()]
Param (
	[Parameter(Mandatory=$false)]
	[ValidateSet('Install','Uninstall','Repair')]
	[string]$DeploymentType = 'Install',
	[Parameter(Mandatory=$false)]
	[ValidateSet('Interactive','Silent','NonInteractive')]
	[string]$DeployMode = 'Interactive',
	[Parameter(Mandatory=$false)]
	[switch]$AllowRebootPassThru = $false,
	[Parameter(Mandatory=$false)]
	[switch]$TerminalServerMode = $false,
	[Parameter(Mandatory=$false)]
	[switch]$DisableLogging = $false
)

Try {
	## Set the script execution policy for this process
	Try { Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy 'ByPass' -Scope 'Process' -Force -ErrorAction 'Stop' } Catch {}

	##*===============================================
	##* VARIABLE DECLARATION
	##*===============================================
	## Variables: Application
	[string]$appVendor = ''
	[string]$appName = 'Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) for Windows 10'
	[string]$appVersion = ''
	[string]$appArch = ''
	[string]$appLang = ''
	[string]$appRevision = ''
	[string]$appScriptVersion = '1.0.0'
	[string]$appScriptDate = 'XX/XX/20XX'
	[string]$appScriptAuthor = 'Jason Bergner'
	##*===============================================
	## Variables: Install Titles (Only set here to override defaults set by the toolkit)
	[string]$installName = ''
	[string]$installTitle = 'Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) for Windows 10'

	##* Do not modify section below
	#region DoNotModify

	## Variables: Exit Code
	[int32]$mainExitCode = 0

	## Variables: Script
	[string]$deployAppScriptFriendlyName = 'Deploy Application'
	[version]$deployAppScriptVersion = [version]'3.8.4'
	[string]$deployAppScriptDate = '26/01/2021'
	[hashtable]$deployAppScriptParameters = $psBoundParameters

	## Variables: Environment
	If (Test-Path -LiteralPath 'variable:HostInvocation') { $InvocationInfo = $HostInvocation } Else { $InvocationInfo = $MyInvocation }
	[string]$scriptDirectory = Split-Path -Path $InvocationInfo.MyCommand.Definition -Parent

	## Dot source the required App Deploy Toolkit Functions
	Try {
		[string]$moduleAppDeployToolkitMain = "$scriptDirectory\AppDeployToolkit\AppDeployToolkitMain.ps1"
		If (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $moduleAppDeployToolkitMain -PathType 'Leaf')) { Throw "Module does not exist at the specified location [$moduleAppDeployToolkitMain]." }
		If ($DisableLogging) { . $moduleAppDeployToolkitMain -DisableLogging } Else { . $moduleAppDeployToolkitMain }
	}
	Catch {
		If ($mainExitCode -eq 0){ [int32]$mainExitCode = 60008 }
		Write-Error -Message "Module [$moduleAppDeployToolkitMain] failed to load: `n$($_.Exception.Message)`n `n$($_.InvocationInfo.PositionMessage)" -ErrorAction 'Continue'
		## Exit the script, returning the exit code to SCCM
		If (Test-Path -LiteralPath 'variable:HostInvocation') { $script:ExitCode = $mainExitCode; Exit } Else { Exit $mainExitCode }
	}

	#endregion
	##* Do not modify section above
	##*===============================================
	##* END VARIABLE DECLARATION
	##*===============================================

	If ($deploymentType -ine 'Uninstall' -and $deploymentType -ine 'Repair') {
		##*===============================================
		##* PRE-INSTALLATION
		##*===============================================
		[string]$installPhase = 'Pre-Installation'

		## Show Welcome Message
		Show-InstallationWelcome

        ## Show Progress Message
        Show-InstallationProgress
   
		##*===============================================
		##* INSTALLATION
		##*===============================================
		[string]$installPhase = 'Installation'

        ## Detect Operating System Build Number
        $BuildNumber=(Get-WmiObject Win32_OperatingSystem).BuildNumber

        If ($BuildNumber -ge '17763') {
        Write-Log -Message "Detected Windows 10 Version 1809 or newer."

        ## Temporarily Disable WSUS (If Applicable) to Allow RSAT Features On Demand Install
        $wuServer = (Get-ItemProperty "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" -Name WUServer -ErrorAction Ignore).WUServer
        $autoUpdate = (Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU" -ErrorAction Ignore).UseWuServer

        If (-NOT[string]::IsNullOrEmpty($autoUpdate)) {
        If ($autoUpdate -eq 1) {
        Write-Log -Message "Temporarily Disabling WSUS to Allow RSAT Features On Demand Install" -Severity 2
        Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU" -Name "UseWuServer" -Value 0
        Restart-Service -Name wuauserv -Force
        }
        }

        ## Install Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) for Windows 10 (All Features)
        $RsatItem = (Get-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "Rsat*" -AND $_.State -eq "NotPresent"})
        If ($RsatItem -ne $null) {

        foreach ($item in $RsatItem) {
        $Feature = $item.Name

        Write-Log -Message "Installing the $Feature component."
        Show-InstallationProgress "Installing the $Feature component. Please wait..."
        Try {
        Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name $Feature
        }
        Catch [System.Exception] {
        Write-Log -Message "Failed to install the $Feature component." -Severity 2
        Write-Log -Message "$($_.Exception.Message)" -Severity 2 
        }
        }
        }
        Else 
        {
        Write-Log -Message "All RSAT Features are Already Installed." -Severity 2
        }
        
        ## Renabling WSUS (If Applicable) After RSAT Features On Demand Install
        If (-NOT[string]::IsNullOrEmpty($autoUpdate)) {
        If ($autoUpdate -eq 1) {
        Write-Log -Message "Renabling WSUS After RSAT Features On Demand Install" -Severity 2
        Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU" -Name "UseWuServer" -Value 1
        Restart-Service -Name wuauserv -Force
        }
        }
        }

        ElseIf ($BuildNumber -lt '17763') {
        Write-Log -Message "Detected Windows 10 Version 1803 and earlier."

        If ($ENV:PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE -eq 'x86'){
        Write-Log -Message "Detected 32-bit OS Architecture." -Severity 1 -Source $deployAppScriptFriendlyName

        ## Install Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 10 Version 1803 and earlier on x86-based Systems
        $CABx86 = Get-ChildItem -Path "$dirFiles\x86" -Include WindowsTH-KB2693643-x86.cab -File -Recurse -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
        If($CABx86.Exists)
        {
        Write-Log -Message "Found $($CABx86.FullName), now attempting to install Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 10 Version 1803 and earlier on x86-based Systems."
        Show-InstallationProgress "Installing Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 10 Version 1803 and earlier on x86-based Systems. This may take some time. Please wait..."
        Execute-Process -Path "$envSystem32Directory\DISM.exe" -Parameters "/LogPath:C:\Windows\Logs\Software\RSAT-Install.log /LogLevel:4 /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:""$CABx86"" /Quiet /NoRestart" -WindowStyle Hidden
        }
        }
      
        Else
        {
        Write-Log -Message "Detected 64-bit OS Architecture" -Severity 1 -Source $deployAppScriptFriendlyName

        ## Install Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 10 Version 1803 and earlier on x64-based Systems
        $CABx64 = Get-ChildItem -Path "$dirFiles\x64" -Include WindowsTH-KB2693643-x64.cab -File -Recurse -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
        If($CABx64.Exists)
        {
        Write-Log -Message "Found $($CABx64.FullName), now attempting to install Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 10 Version 1803 and earlier on x64-based Systems."
        Show-InstallationProgress "Installing Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 10 Version 1803 and earlier on x64-based Systems. This may take some time. Please wait..."
        Execute-Process -Path "$envSystem32Directory\DISM.exe" -Parameters "/LogPath:C:\Windows\Logs\Software\RSAT-Install.log /LogLevel:4 /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:""$CABx64"" /Quiet /NoRestart" -WindowStyle Hidden
        }
        }
        }
       
		##*===============================================
		##* POST-INSTALLATION
		##*===============================================
		[string]$installPhase = 'Post-Installation'

	}
	ElseIf ($deploymentType -ieq 'Uninstall')
	{
		##*===============================================
		##* PRE-UNINSTALLATION
		##*===============================================
		[string]$installPhase = 'Pre-Uninstallation'

		## Show Welcome Message
		Show-InstallationWelcome

        ## Show Progress Message (With a Message to Indicate the Application is Being Uninstalled)
        Show-InstallationProgress -StatusMessage "Uninstalling $installTitle. Please Wait..."


		##*===============================================
		##* UNINSTALLATION
		##*===============================================
		[string]$installPhase = 'Uninstallation'

        ## Detect Operating System Build Number
        $BuildNumber=(Get-WmiObject Win32_OperatingSystem).BuildNumber

        If ($BuildNumber -ge '17763') {
        Write-Log -Message "Detected Windows 10 Version 1809 or newer."

        ## Uninstall RSAT Features (Excluding Rsat.ServerManager, Rsat.GroupPolicy, and Rsat.ActiveDirectory - Locked until other features are removed)
        $RsatItem = (Get-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "Rsat*" -AND $_.State -eq "Installed" -AND $_.Name -notlike "Rsat.ServerManager*" -AND $_.Name -notlike "Rsat.GroupPolicy*" -AND $_.Name -notlike "Rsat.ActiveDirectory*"})
        If ($RsatItem -ne $null) {

        foreach ($item in $RsatItem) {
        $Feature = $item.Name

        Write-Log -Message "Uninstalling the $Feature component."
        Show-InstallationProgress "Uninstalling the $Feature component. Please wait..."
        Try {
        Remove-WindowsCapability -Online -Name $Feature
        }
        Catch [System.Exception] {
        Write-Log -Message "Failed to uninstall the $Feature component." -Severity 2
        Write-Log -Message "$($_.Exception.Message)" -Severity 2 
        }
        }
        }
        Else 
        {
        Write-Log -Message "All RSAT Features Excluding Rsat.ServerManager, Rsat.GroupPolicy, and Rsat.ActiveDirectory are Already Uninstalled." -Severity 2
        }

        ## Uninstall Remaining RSAT Features
        $RsatItem = (Get-WindowsCapability -Online | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "Rsat*" -AND $_.State -eq "Installed"})
        If ($RsatItem -ne $null) {

        foreach ($item in $RsatItem) {
        $Feature = $item.Name

        Write-Log -Message "Uninstalling the $Feature component."
        Show-InstallationProgress "Uninstalling the $Feature component. Please wait..."
        Try {
        Remove-WindowsCapability -Online -Name $Feature
        }
        Catch [System.Exception] {
        Write-Log -Message "Failed to uninstall the $Feature component." -Severity 2
        Write-Log -Message "$($_.Exception.Message)" -Severity 2 
        }
        }
        }
        Else 
        {
        Write-Log -Message "All RSAT Features are Already Uninstalled." -Severity 2
        }
        }

        ElseIf ($BuildNumber -lt '17763') {
        Write-Log -Message "Detected Windows 10 Version 1803 and earlier."

        If ((Get-Hotfix -Id KB2693643 -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue)) {
        Write-Log -Message "Uninstalling the RSAT Windows Update (KB2693643)."

        $SearchUpdates = DISM /Online /Get-Packages | findstr "Microsoft-Windows-RemoteServerAdministrationTools-Client-Package-TopLevel"
        $PackageId = $SearchUpdates.replace("Package Identity : ", "")
        Execute-Process -Path "$envSystem32Directory\DISM.exe" -Parameters "/LogPath:C:\Windows\Logs\Software\RSAT-Uninstall.log /LogLevel:4 /Online /Remove-Package /PackageName:$PackageId /Quiet /NoRestart" -WindowStyle Hidden
        }
        }

		##*===============================================
		##* POST-UNINSTALLATION
		##*===============================================
		[string]$installPhase = 'Post-Uninstallation'


	}
	ElseIf ($deploymentType -ieq 'Repair')
	{
		##*===============================================
		##* PRE-REPAIR
		##*===============================================
		[string]$installPhase = 'Pre-Repair'


		##*===============================================
		##* REPAIR
		##*===============================================
		[string]$installPhase = 'Repair'


		##*===============================================
		##* POST-REPAIR
		##*===============================================
		[string]$installPhase = 'Post-Repair'


    }
	##*===============================================
	##* END SCRIPT BODY
	##*===============================================

	## Call the Exit-Script function to perform final cleanup operations
	Exit-Script -ExitCode $mainExitCode
}
Catch {
	[int32]$mainExitCode = 60001
	[string]$mainErrorMessage = "$(Resolve-Error)"
	Write-Log -Message $mainErrorMessage -Severity 3 -Source $deployAppScriptFriendlyName
	Show-DialogBox -Text $mainErrorMessage -Icon 'Stop'
	Exit-Script -ExitCode $mainExitCode
}

Ok, all the hard work is done and now you can install or uninstall RSAT for Windows 10 (Features on Demand) using one single PowerShell script. Simply change the DeploymentType parameter to install or uninstall. Logging functionality is built-in automatically and you can view the log files under “C:\Windows\Logs\Software”.


RSAT for Windows 10 (Features on Demand) NonInteractive Install (PowerShell)

NonInteractive means Very Silent, i.e. no blocking apps. This is automatically set if it is detected that the process is not running in the user session and it is not possible for anyone to provide input using a mouse or keyboard.

  • Open Windows PowerShell by Right-Clicking on Windows PowerShell and selecting Run as Administrator
  • Change the directory to “C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10”
    • PS C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10>
  • Enter the following command:
Powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass .\Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1 -DeploymentType "Install" -DeployMode "NonInteractive"

RSAT for Windows 10 (Features on Demand) Silent Install (PowerShell)

Silent means no dialogs (progress and balloon tip notifications are suppressed).

  • Open Windows PowerShell by Right-Clicking on Windows PowerShell and selecting Run as Administrator
  • Change the directory to “C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10
    • PS C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10>
  • Enter the following command:
Powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass .\Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1 -DeploymentType "Install" -DeployMode "Silent"

RSAT for Windows 10 (Features on Demand) Interactive Install (PowerShell)

Interactive means the install will show dialogs including progress and balloon tip notifications.

  • Open Windows PowerShell by Right-Clicking on Windows PowerShell and selecting Run as Administrator
  • Change the directory to “C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10”
    • PS C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10>
  • Enter the following command:
Powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass .\Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1 -DeploymentType "Install" -DeployMode "Interactive"

How to Uninstall RSAT for Windows 10 (Features on Demand) Using the PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit

RSAT for Windows 10 (Features on Demand) NonInteractive Uninstall (PowerShell)

NonInteractive means Very Silent, i.e. no blocking apps. This is automatically set if it is detected that the process is not running in the user session and it is not possible for anyone to provide input using a mouse or keyboard.

  • Open Windows PowerShell by Right-Clicking on Windows PowerShell and selecting Run as Administrator
  • Change the directory to “C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10
    • PS C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10>
  • Enter the following command:
Powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass .\Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1 -DeploymentType "Uninstall" -DeployMode "NonInteractive"

RSAT for Windows 10 (Features on Demand) Silent Uninstall (PowerShell)

Silent means no dialogs (progress and balloon tip notifications are suppressed).

  • Open Windows PowerShell by Right-Clicking on Windows PowerShell and selecting Run as Administrator
  • Change the directory to “C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10
    • PS C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10>
  • Enter the following command:
Powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass .\Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1 -DeploymentType "Uninstall" -DeployMode "Silent"

RSAT for Windows 10 (Features on Demand) Interactive Uninstall (PowerShell)

Interactive means the install will show dialogs including progress and balloon tip notifications.

  • Open Windows PowerShell by Right-Clicking on Windows PowerShell and selecting Run as Administrator
  • Change the directory to “C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10
    • PS C:\Downloads\RSAT_Win10>
  • Enter the following command:
Powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass .\Deploy-RSAT_Win10.ps1 -DeploymentType "Uninstall" -DeployMode "Interactive"

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.

Jason Bergner

I am an accomplished Software Engineer at Patch My PC, leveraging more than 18 years of hands-on experience in Configuration Manager administration and application packaging. I am driven by a genuine passion for solving complex problems and consistently strive to discover innovative and effective solutions. Sharing my extensive knowledge of application deployments is a true joy for me, and I am honored to contribute to the community here at Silent Install HQ.

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