Silent installation using the .exe is usually problematic in one fashion or another. However, unzip the .exe file for Reader with 7-Zip or a similar tool to get the .msi file.
- Volume Distribution Registration: https://acrobat.adobe.com/us/en/products/pdf-reader/volume-distribution.html
Additionally, Adobe provides the Customization Tool which can be used to customize nearly every aspect of the installation and product settings, including accepting the EULA, disabling upsell (“Buy this tool now!”), and a silent installation with absolutely no UI. I’ve used it to customize my Reader DC installations for all computers on our network.
- Customization Wizard XI: https://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=5515
- Customization Wizard DC: https://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=5892%E2%80%8B
The Customization Wizard requires you to load the MSI file. Once loaded, you make your configuration changes and generate an MST (transformation) file.
Then, it can be installed with a single line command:
MSIEXEC /i C:\PathToMSI\Reader.msi /t C:\PathToMsiTransform\ReaderCustomization.mst /qn
This command can be then used in products like batchpatch and Microsoft MDT to easily install Adobe reader remotely!
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