---
locale: "en"
updated_at: "2026-03-23T14:43:37.991Z"
canonical: "https://www.isdecisions.com/en/userlock/docs/getting-started/deploying-agent"
---

# Deploying an agent

Methods to install UserLock agents.

## Deploy from the console (recommended)

1. In the UserLock console, go to **Environment ▸ Machines**.
2. Select one or more machines and click on the **Actions** button.
3. In the menu, click to **Install** the Desktop, IIS or NPS agents.
4. In the upper right corner, the [Admin action](/userlock/docs/reference/admin-actions) icon animates. Click it to monitor the installation progress.

> **Note**
>
> After the initial deployment, **additional configuration** is required on the [IIS](/userlock/docs/guides/deploying-agents/iis-agent) or [NPS](/userlock/docs/guides/deploying-agents/nps-agent) server itself.

## Deploy the Desktop agent automatically

Instead of deploying the Desktop agent manually on each workstation, you can let UserLock handle the distribution automatically.

![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/122374/1382x467/56090ce8e9/server-settings-agent-auto-mode.png)

1. In the upper right corner of the UserLock console, click on the **Settings** icon.
2. In the left menu, click on **Agent distribution.**
3. Under **Automatic distribution**, select **Enabled**.
4. Choose the **Distribution mode**:
  - **Install agent** → UserLock automatically installs the Desktop agent on all workstations in the protected zone.
  - **Uninstall agent** → UserLock removes the Desktop agent from those machines.
5. Under **Server distribution**, decide whether to include machines running a server operating system:
  - **Include servers** (recommended if you want server sessions protected).
  - **Exclude servers** (recommended if only workstations should be protected).

💡 Once enabled, every new workstation added to the protected zone will automatically receive (or uninstall) the Desktop agent, according to your settings.

> **Note**
>
> Get more about this feature on the [agent distribution settings page](/userlock/docs/reference/server-settings/agent-distribution#automatic-distribution-of-the-desktop-agent).

## Deploy manually

Agents can also be installed manually in cases where console deployment is not possible. Options include:

- Running the installer locally on the machine.
- Deploying through a script.
- Using Group Policy (GPO).

Manual deployment is typically used for advanced or large-scale scenarios.

See the following guides to help you through manual installation.