Deploying a Registry Change Using Software Deployment Module

Objective

While the Endpoint module provides a dedicated feature for modifying registry settings, the Software Deployment module can also be used as a quick and efficient method to deploy .reg files. This method is particularly useful for pushing simple registry changes across multiple systems without having to create separate registry tasks.

Use Case

In this example, we demonstrate how to deploy a registry key that enables the UseWUServer setting for Windows Update:

Registry Path:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU]
Key and Value:
"UseWUServer"=dword:00000001

Steps to Create and Deploy the Registry File

1. Create the .reg File:

   • Open Notepad and paste the following content:

     
     Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
      [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU]
     "UseWUServer"=dword:00000001
     

   • Save the file with a .reg extension, e.g., Set_UseWUServer_1.reg.

2. Prepare for Deployment:

   • Compress (ZIP) the .reg file using any ZIP utility. Example: Set_UseWUServer_1.zip

3. Upload via Software Deployment:

   • Navigate to EM > Actions > Software Deployment

   • Upload the zipped .reg file

   • Follow the prompts to assign targets and deploy

4. Post-Deployment:

   • After deployment, the registry change will be applied.

Registry State Before and After Deployment

Before Deployment:

The UseWUServer key not set to 0.

After Deployment:

The key is created/updated to:
"UseWUServer"=dword:00000001

Conclusion: 

Using the Software Deployment module to push .reg files offers a convenient and scalable approach to modifying registry settings across endpoints. It is especially effective for quick changes, allowing administrators to bypass scripting or policy configurations for one-time or small-scale updates.