VMware Remote Console (VMRC) is the standalone application that allows you to connect to virtual machine consoles from outside the vSphere Web Client. Deploying VMRC silently via SCCM, Intune or Group Policy saves time in enterprise environments where multiple IT staff need console access to VMs. This guide covers the silent installation command line switches for VMRC in 2026.
Download VMware Remote Console
Download the latest VMRC installer from the VMware Customer Connect portal at customerconnect.vmware.com. Search for VMware Remote Console and download the Windows MSI installer. You will need a VMware account to download.
VMRC Silent Installation Command
# Basic silent install
msiexec /i "VMware-VMRC-13.0.0-xxxxx.msi" /QN /L* "C:Logsvmrc_install.log" EULAS_AGREED=1 AUTOSOFTWAREUPDATE=0 DATACOLLECTION=0Switch Reference
| Switch | Description |
|---|---|
| /QN | Completely silent — no UI |
| /L* “pathlogfile.log” | Enable verbose logging |
| EULAS_AGREED=1 | Accept the EULA automatically — required for silent install |
| AUTOSOFTWAREUPDATE=0 | Disable automatic updates — recommended for managed environments |
| DATACOLLECTION=0 | Disable VMware data collection/telemetry |
| /norestart | Suppress automatic reboot |
Deploy VMRC via SCCM
- Download the VMRC MSI and copy to your SCCM package source
- In SCCM console go to Software Library → Application Management → Applications → Create Application
- Select Windows Installer (*.msi file) and browse to the MSI
- Set the installation program to the silent command above
- Set detection method: check for file
C:Program Files (x86)VMwareVMware Remote Consolevmrc.exe - Distribute content and deploy to your IT staff collection
Deploy VMRC via PowerShell
# Deploy VMRC silently via PowerShell
$msi = "servershareVMware-VMRC-13.0.0-xxxxx.msi"
$log = "C:Logsvmrc_install.log"
$args = "/i `"$msi`" /QN /L* `"$log`" EULAS_AGREED=1 AUTOSOFTWAREUPDATE=0 DATACOLLECTION=0 /norestart"
Start-Process -FilePath "msiexec.exe" -ArgumentList $args -Wait -NoNewWindow
Write-Host "VMRC installation complete"Silent Uninstall VMRC
# Find VMRC product code
Get-WmiObject Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*VMware Remote Console*"} | Select Name, IdentifyingNumber
# Uninstall silently using product code
msiexec /x {PRODUCT-CODE} /QN /norestartFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between VMRC and the vSphere Web Client console?
The vSphere Web Client has a built-in console viewer that works in the browser. VMRC is a standalone application that provides better performance, clipboard integration and the ability to send special key combinations like Ctrl+Alt+Delete to VMs. VMRC is preferred for heavy console use.
Does VMRC require a VPN to connect to VMs?
VMRC connects directly to the ESXi host or vCenter server. If your ESXi hosts are on a private network, yes you will need a VPN or direct network access to use VMRC remotely. It cannot tunnel through a web proxy.
Is EULAS_AGREED=1 required for silent installation?
Yes — without EULAS_AGREED=1 the VMRC installer will display the EULA dialog even in silent mode and wait for user input, which breaks unattended deployments. Always include this switch for silent installations.
Which VMRC version should I install for ESXi 8.0?
Use VMRC 13.0 or later for ESXi 8.0 and vCenter 8.0 environments. Older versions of VMRC may have compatibility issues with newer vCenter releases. Always download the latest version from VMware Customer Connect.
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