Setting up a new machine with the Application Workspace Agent is important, but it is rarely fun. It takes time, involves several steps, and small mistakes can cause bigger problems later.
That’s why I built the Application Workspace Bootstrapper. It runs the setup steps in a predictable order, so devices get configured correctly with less manual work. The result is faster rollouts, fewer errors, and more consistent deployments.
Bootstrapper version 4.4 has just been released, and it’s the biggest update yet. The focus is reliability, simpler day-to-day use, and more flexibility across different environments.
Here’s what’s new in 4.4:
- Rebuilt codebase on C# and .NET 10
- More detailed logs with clear exit codes
- Cleaner uninstall and better cleanup
- Full command-line configuration (no required Agent.json edits)
- Device-context or default-context options
- Automated certificate registration (when configured)
- Optional GUI for user-driven deployments
What’s new in 4.4
A modern rebuild
Bootstrapper 4.4 is rebuilt in C# on .NET 10. That gives us a cleaner foundation that’s easier to maintain and easier to extend over time.
Logging is improved, too. Instead of basic output, 4.4 writes detailed logs and returns clear exit codes. That makes troubleshooting faster because you can see exactly where a run failed.
Uninstall and cleanup are stronger in 4.4. Earlier versions could leave behind files or registry entries. This version removes those leftovers, so devices stay clean and consistent.
A more capable command line
One of the biggest improvements is the command line. You can now configure and run deployments without manually editing an Agent.json file. You can also register devices, install certificates, and choose the context the deployment should run in. This keeps setup consistent and reduces the risk of misconfiguration.
If users need to choose from multiple deployments, 4.4 includes an optional GUI. It’s simple: Pick the deployment, start it, and the Bootstrapper handles the rest.
Intune deployments
Intune deployments are simpler in 4.4 because you no longer need to ship an Agent.json alongside the Bootstrapper. You pass configuration through command-line arguments, and the Bootstrapper generates the Agent.json for you.
Important note: if you’re deploying it as an Intune Win32 app, you still package the Bootstrapper into an .intunewin file (using the Win32 Content Prep Tool). The difference is that you package one file, not a folder of extra config files.
Getting started
Using the new version is simple. Download the Bootstrapper, provide the argument ‘zone,’ and run it. The tool takes care of downloading the installer, creating the configuration, registering the device, installing certificates, and running the selected deployment. Logs are written next to the executable, so they are easy to review when needed. Of course, it’s also possible to specify a log file path instead.
What’s next
Another exciting feature for the Bootstrapper is on the roadmap: automatic restart of the Agent and UserHost processes at the end of the deployment process. This will also integrate seamlessly into Windows Autopilot ESP. Keep an eye out for this one!
Version 4.4 is available now! Read through the documentation and download the installer to start using the new Bootstrapper right away.
You can also learn more about Application Workspace or request a demo.
