A silent installation on Windows is not a very common process.
You might not have even realized it was possible to install software without user interaction during the process.
It is one of those things that you don’t know you need until you need it.
What Is a Silent Software Installation?
A software installation is referred to as being silent when there is no human input during the installation process.
There is no opportunity for users to choose potentially conflicting setup options.
The file contains responses to the prompts encountered during an attended installation.
This coded response file is essential for a successful silent installation.
System administrators are the most common users of silent installations.
Silent installations are sometimes also referred to as unattended or automated installations.
A standard installation is technically known as attended or interactive.
How Is Software “Silently” Installed?
To install an app silently, a response file first needs to be created.
Not all software allows the installation process to be recorded.
If it is available, it will be found in the advanced options of the installer utility.
Writing your own response file requires knowledge of advanced system administration and isn’t for beginners.
SIB allows you to create silent install packages for one or more programs, including creating the response file.
Silent installs should always generate a log file, which is usually saved to the desktop.
Which Types of Software Can be Installed Silently?
Almost any throw in of software could be silently installed on a Windows system.
Even software like Rainmeter has the option for silent installation.
But it works best with applications that don’t have a lot of custom installation options.
Silent installation is most often used for adding connection administration software and apps that provide connection security.
The darker side of silent installation is its potential use by spyware and adware.
These types of malware can exploit the process to get installed on your system without you noticing.
