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Command-line switches supported by a software installation package, an update package, or a hotfix package created with Microsoft Self-Extractor

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This article describes the command line switches supported by a software installation package, an update package, or a hotfix package that's created by using Microsoft Self-Extractor.

Applies to:   Windows 10 - all editions
Original KB number:   912203

Summary

A Self-Extractor package is a self-extracting executable (.exe) file. You can run the .exe file to install the package. To run the .exe file, use one of the following methods:

  • Double-click the .exe file.
  • Run the .exe file from a command line.

Run Self-Extractor packages from a command line

If you run the .exe file from a command line, several switches may be available for use in the package.

Note

Not all switches may be available in all packages.

To determine which switches are available in the package, use one of the following Help switches:

  • /?
  • /h
  • /help

The following table lists the command-line switches that are supported by Microsoft Self-Extractor.

Switch Description
/extract:[path] Extracts the content of the package to the path folder. If a path isn't specified, then a Browse dialog box appears.
/log:[path to log file] Enables verbose logging for the update installation.

Besides the path information, the file name must be included. Because the command doesn't create a folder that doesn't exist, only an existing folder name should be provided. Besides the file name that is specified, a separate log file will be created for each .msi file that is run.
/lang:lcid Sets the user interface to the specified locale when multiple locales are available in the package.
/quiet Runs the package in silent mode.
/passive Runs the update without any interaction from the user.
/norestart Prevents prompting of the user when a restart of the computer is needed.
/forcerestart Forces a restart of the computer as soon as the update is finished.
/?, /h, /help Shows this help message.

Data collection

If you need assistance from Microsoft support, we recommend you collect the information by following the steps mentioned in Gather information by using TSS for deployment-related issues.