PSADT 4.0 is here! Is the upgrade really worth it?
Hello to all software package creators and packagers!
Software deployment can be complicated – unless you use the PSAppDeployToolkit (PSADT). PSADT has been an established standard for years among IT professionals looking for a reliable and efficient software deployment solution. But is it worth upgrading to version 4.0?
With the new version 4.0, PSADT introduces a number of new features and improvements that increase functionality, security and usability. However, not every new feature is ideal for every scenario. In this blog post we will look at the new features in PSADT v4. We will present the main advantages and possible disadvantages so that you can make an informed decision about upgrading.
What is new in PSADT v4? These are the 4 most important new features you should know:
- 🖥️ UI: Modern and flexible
PSADT v4 introduces a modern, more intuitive user interface, which corresponds to the current Windows standard. The user dialogs are clearer, easier to read and have left behind the outdated Windows XP style of PSADT v3. In addition, the framework has been optimized, resulting in faster loading times and smoother user interaction.
- 🔒 Digitally signed PowerShell module
PSADT v4 is a fully digitally signed PowerShell module that protects code integrity and prevents tampering. This helps ensure compliance with security policies and ensures that code remains authentic and unmodified. The digital signature makes the toolkit safe to use in security-sensitive environments. In addition, the signature makes it easier to identify and validate the code, increasing trust in the software.
- ⚡ Better performance
The toolkit code has been completely rewritten, optimized and digitally signed, which increases performance and prevents manipulation. In addition, VBScript has been completely removed, making the framework more modern and secure.
- 🗂️ New folder and file structure
PSADT v4 now supports PowerShell 7, which is required for the new user interface. Alternatively, the toolkit can be used with PowerShell 5.2, but without the modern UI. PSADT v4 also adds support for the ARM architecture, enabling deployments on a wider range of systems. At the same time, the entire code base has been modernized to improve performance, maintainability and readability. All functions have been adapted to PowerShell naming conventions (e.g. Start-ADTProcess instead of Execute-Process) and error handling has been standardized. These changes make the toolkit more efficient, future-proof, and stable.
- 📖 Official list of all changes
This link contains the official list of changes to the framework: https://psappdeploytoolkit.com/docs/getting-started/changes-in-v4
With these changes, packagers benefit from greater efficiency, security, and compatibility. But which changes make the biggest difference to you?
The 6 key benefits of PSADT v4
- ✅ Optimized features for greater efficiency
Many proven features have not only been renamed, but also improved. For example: Uninstall-ADTApplication (formerly Remove-MSIApplications) automatically detects the Quiet-UninstallString of an application and uses it for a clean uninstall.
- ✅ Modern design
Redesigned user interface using current Windows standards with improved dialogs and optimized performance.
- ✅ Increased security with digital signatures
Digital signatures protect the code and ensure tamper resistance.
- ✅ Extended compatibility
PowerShell 7 and ARM support enable more flexible deployments.
- ✅ Closer to Standard PowerShell
Function names and error handling now follow PowerShell naming conventions.
- ✅ Backward compatibility for a smooth transition
Despite the numerous changes, PSADT v4 remains downward compatible with v3 deployment scripts, so that existing scripts can continue to be used without major adjustments. This eases the transition and protects existing investments.
The 5 minor drawbacks of PSADT v4
- ❌ Getting used to new features
The introduction of new functions and name changes comes with a certain learning curve. Even experienced PSADT users must get used to the new function names.
- ❌ Migration effort for optimal use
While backward compatibility is maintained, those who wish to take full advantage of the new features may need to modify or rewrite existing scripts.
- ❌ Higher System Requirements
PSADT v4 supports modern technologies such as PowerShell 7 and ARM architectures. PowerShell 7 is optional, but required to use the package’s new user interface. ARM is a processor type that is now supported by PSADT v4. Existing infrastructure can continue to run PowerShell 5.2, but without the benefits of the new UI.
- ❌ Restricted testing of script files
When testing PSADT scripts in PowerShell ISE or Visual Studio Code, you will find that you cannot test individual script lines after a run. The reason: The framework exits the PowerShell session at the end of the script. You can work around this by canceling the discharge, but this leaves PSADT variables empty and +Install dialogs closed, making debugging difficult.
- ❌ Problem with the new “trash” folder in client management solutions
The new folder structure of PSADT v4 contains a “bin” folder, which is blocked by IIS (Internet Information Services) by default when distributing packages via HTTP/HTTPS in solutions such as Ivanti Endpoint Manager or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. While this can be resolved by adding an exclusion folder to the IIS web.config, this method is not optimal from a security perspective. Changes to the IIS configuration can introduce potential security risks, and should be done carefully.
The bottom line: Is it worth upgrading to PSADT 4.0?
PSADT v4 offers a number of significant improvements in the areas of security, performance and usability. The new version features a modernized user interface, optimized functionality and enhanced compatibility. This leads to a more efficient and future-proof software deployment. However, these benefits also come with some challenges – from learning new features to making adjustments to existing scripts. To ensure a smooth transition, it is important to plan the upgrade carefully, review existing processes, and test the new version.
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